June 2025 Visa Bulletin Unveiled: Major EB-2 and F1 Advancements Bring Hope!

The arrival of each new Visa Bulletin is a moment of anticipation, anxiety, and sometimes, immense relief for millions of immigrants and their families worldwide. At ImmiBook, we understand the weight of these updates, and we're here to break down the latest news with empathy and clarity.

The June 2025 Visa Bulletin has just been released by the U.S. Department of State, and it carries a wave of positive developments that will undoubtedly bring a sigh of relief to many. This month, we're seeing significant forward movement in key employment-based and family-sponsored categories, and most importantly, **zero retrogressions!**

Let's dive into what this means for you, your priority date, and your journey towards a U.S. Green Card.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin: Your Roadmap to a Green Card

Before we dissect the June 2025 movements, it's crucial to understand the basics of the Visa Bulletin. This monthly publication dictates when immigrant visa applicants can move forward with their applications. It's essentially a waiting list, determined by demand for visas and annual caps set by Congress.

Key Terms to Know:

• Priority Date: This is your place in line. For employment-based petitions, it's generally the date your I-140 or PERM labor certification was filed. For family-sponsored petitions, it's the date USCIS receives your I-130 petition.
• Final Action Dates (Chart A): This chart indicates when a visa number is actually available. Your priority date must be earlier than the date listed in Chart A for your category and country of chargeability for you to be eligible for a Green Card (either through Adjustment of Status (I-485) if you're in the U.S., or Immigrant Visa Processing through the National Visa Center (NVC) if you're abroad).
• Dates for Filing (Chart B): This chart indicates when applicants can *file* their Adjustment of Status application (Form I-485) or begin NVC processing, even if a final visa number isn't immediately available. USCIS determines each month whether applicants should use Chart A or Chart B for filing. **For June 2025, USCIS has indicated that applicants must use the Final Action Dates (Chart A) for filing Adjustment of Status applications for all family-sponsored preference categories and all employment-based preference categories.** This means even if your date is current on Chart B, you cannot file your I-485 unless it's also current on Chart A.
• Preference Categories: These are the different classifications for immigrant visas, divided into family-sponsored (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4) and employment-based (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5). Each has specific eligibility requirements and annual visa limits.
• Country of Chargeability: Generally, this refers to your country of birth, not your current nationality.

Navigating these dates can be complex, but ImmiBook is here to simplify it for you. You can always check your specific category and priority date against the latest bulletin using our dedicated ImmiBook Visa Bulletin Tracker.

June 2025 Visa Bulletin: A Breath of Fresh Air and Forward Momentum

The overarching theme for the June 2025 Visa Bulletin is positive movement. We've seen significant advancements across several key categories, and crucially, **not a single category experienced a retrogression.** This is a welcome change and a testament to the State Department's efforts to process applications efficiently after what has been a challenging period for many.

In total, **29 categories advanced** this month, while 121 remained unchanged. The average movement across these advancing categories was approximately **65 days**, indicating steady and meaningful progress.

Let's break down the movements by category.

Detailed Analysis: Employment-Based (EB) Categories

The employment-based categories saw some of the most impactful advancements this month, particularly within EB-2. This is fantastic news for skilled workers and professionals eagerly awaiting their Green Cards.

EB-1: Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors/Researchers, Multinational Managers

For most countries, the EB-1 category continues to be **"Current"** for both Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing. This means that if you qualify for EB-1, you can file your I-485 or proceed with NVC processing immediately, regardless of your priority date. China and India, which often face backlogs in other categories, are also "Current" in EB-1, making it a highly attractive option for eligible individuals from these countries.

• Practical Impact: If you are eligible for EB-1, you are in the fastest lane to a Green Card.
• Actionable Advice: If you believe you meet the stringent criteria for EB-1, consult with an experienced immigration attorney to explore this pathway. It bypasses many of the backlogs seen in other employment categories.

EB-2: Advanced Degree Professionals and Exceptional Ability

This is where we see some of the most exciting news for June 2025. The EB-2 category experienced substantial forward movement for "All Other" countries, Mexico, and the Philippines.

EB-2 Final Action Dates (Chart A)

• All Other Countries: Advanced by **115 days** from June 22, 2023, to **October 15, 2023**. This is nearly four months of progress!
• Mexico: Advanced by **115 days** from June 22, 2023, to **October 15, 2023**.
• Philippines: Advanced by **115 days** from June 22, 2023, to **October 15, 2023**.
• China and India: Remained unchanged, continuing to face significant backlogs.

EB-2 Dates for Filing (Chart B)

• All Other Countries: Advanced by **106 days** from August 1, 2023, to **November 15, 2023**.
• Mexico: Advanced by **106 days** from August 1, 2023, to **November 15, 2023**.
• Philippines: Advanced by **106 days** from August 1, 2023, to **November 15, 2023**.

Important Note: Remember, USCIS has stated that for June 2025, you must use the **Final Action Dates (Chart A)** for filing Adjustment of Status applications.

• Practical Impact: If you are an EB-2 applicant from "All Other" countries, Mexico, or the Philippines, and your priority date is now on or before **October 15, 2023**, your wait is over for Final Action! You are now eligible to have your Green Card application approved or to proceed with NVC processing. This opens the door for thousands of individuals to finally get their Green Cards. For those whose priority dates fall between October 15, 2023, and November 15, 2023, on Chart B, while you can't file your I-485 yet, this movement suggests positive momentum for future bulletins.
• Actionable Advice: If your priority date is now current under EB-2 Final Action Dates, prepare to file your I-485 if you're in the U.S. or respond to NVC requests if you're abroad. Gather all necessary documents (medical exams, affidavits of support, birth certificates, etc.). Consult with your immigration attorney immediately to initiate the next steps. For those whose dates are current on Chart B but not Chart A, continue to monitor future bulletins closely.

EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers

While not highlighted in the biggest movements, the EB-3 category did see some advancements for certain countries, contributing to the overall positive trend. However, for major backlog countries like India and China, the dates remain significantly retrogressed or unchanged.

• Practical Impact: For many, the EB-3 category continues to present a long wait, especially for applicants from India and China. For "All Other" countries, the dates are generally more favorable.
• Actionable Advice: If you are in EB-3, continue to monitor the bulletin. If your priority date is approaching, ensure all your supporting documents are ready. For those with extremely long waits, consider if you qualify for an EB-2 or EB-1 petition, or if your circumstances allow for other immigration pathways.

EB-4: Special Immigrants & EB-5: Immigrant Investors

These categories generally remained "Current" or saw no significant changes for most countries in the June 2025 bulletin. EB-5, in particular, often has unique rules and specific carve-outs for certain investment types.

• Practical Impact: If you qualify for EB-4 or EB-5, your path to a Green Card is generally more direct, though EB-5 requires substantial investment.
• Actionable Advice: Given the specialized nature of these categories, immediate consultation with an immigration attorney specializing in EB-4 or EB-5 is essential.

Detailed Analysis: Family-Sponsored (FB) Categories

The family-sponsored categories also brought good news, with several categories seeing healthy forward movement, particularly F1 and F3.

F1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21+) of U.S. Citizens

The F1 category experienced notable progress for several regions this month.

F1 Final Action Dates (Chart A)

• All Other Countries: Advanced by **85 days** from March 15, 2016, to **June 8, 2016**.
• China: Advanced by **85 days** from March 15, 2016, to **June 8, 2016**.
• India: Advanced by **85 days** from March 15, 2016, to **June 8, 2016**.
• Mexico and Philippines: Remained unchanged, continuing to face significant backlogs.

Important Note: USCIS has stated that for June 2025, you must use the **Final Action Dates (Chart A)** for filing Adjustment of Status applications.

• Practical Impact: If you are an F1 applicant from "All Other" countries, China, or India, and your priority date is now on or before **June 8, 2016**, you are eligible to move forward with your Green Card application. This is a significant jump, bringing hope to many who have been waiting for years.
• Actionable Advice: If your priority date is current, contact your attorney immediately to prepare for your I-485 filing or NVC interview. Ensure all civil documents, medical examinations, and affidavits of support are up-to-date and ready.

F2A: Spouses and Minor Children of Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)

The F2A category remains **"Current"** for "All Other" countries, China, and India for both Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing. This is consistently good news for spouses and minor children of Green Card holders.

• Practical Impact: If you are the spouse or minor child of a U.S. permanent resident, your wait time is minimal, allowing for a relatively quick path to a Green Card once the I-130 is approved.
• Actionable Advice: File your I-130 as soon as possible. Once approved, you can proceed directly to filing your I-485 or NVC processing.

F2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21+) of Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)

While not among the biggest movers, the F2B category saw some minor advancements for certain countries, reflecting slow but steady progress. Long backlogs persist for Mexico and the Philippines.

• Practical Impact: The wait for F2B applicants can still be substantial, especially for those from high-demand countries.
• Actionable Advice: Continue to monitor the Visa Bulletin. Ensure your contact information with USCIS/NVC is current. If your priority date is getting close, start gathering necessary documents.

F3: Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

The F3 category also saw encouraging movement this month.

F3 Final Action Dates (Chart A)

• All Other Countries: Advanced by **82 days** from April 1, 2011, to **June 22, 2011**.
• China and India: Also advanced by 82 days to June 22, 2011.
• Mexico and Philippines: Remained unchanged, continuing to face significant backlogs.

Important Note: USCIS has stated that for June 2025, you must use the **Final Action Dates (Chart A)** for filing Adjustment of Status applications.

• Practical Impact: If you are an F3 applicant from "All Other" countries, China, or India, and your priority date is now on or before **June 22, 2011**, you are eligible to move forward. This is a good chunk of movement, offering progress to those who have been waiting for over a decade.
• Actionable Advice: Similar to F1, if your date is current, immediately prepare for your I-485 filing or NVC interview. Engage with your immigration attorney to ensure all steps are taken correctly and promptly.

F4: Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens

The F4 category, known for having the longest wait times, saw some minor adjustments but generally remains heavily backlogged for most countries, particularly India, Mexico, and the Philippines.

• Practical Impact: This category continues to require extreme patience.
• Actionable Advice: For F4 applicants, the wait is long. It is crucial to ensure your contact information is always current with USCIS and NVC. Stay informed about the bulletin, but also manage expectations for rapid movement.

June 2025 Visa Bulletin: Key Dates at a Glance

Here’s a summary of the most impactful movements for June 2025. Please refer to the official State Department Visa Bulletin for a complete list of all dates and categories.

Employment-Based Final Action Dates (Chart A) - Selected Categories

Employment-Based Dates for Filing (Chart B) - Selected Categories

Family-Sponsored Final Action Dates (Chart A) - Selected Categories

For a comprehensive view of all categories, including Dates for Filing for Family-Sponsored and other EB categories, please refer to the official Visa Bulletin.

What These Movements Mean for You: Actionable Advice

The advancements in the June 2025 Visa Bulletin are a cause for celebration for many. Here’s what you should do next:

1. Check Your Priority Date Immediately: Your first step is always to compare your priority date against the Final Action Dates (Chart A) for your specific preference category and country of chargeability. Use the ImmiBook Visa Bulletin Tracker to easily monitor your status.
2. Prepare Your Documents: If your priority date is current, or you anticipate it becoming current in the next few months, start gathering all necessary documents for your Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) application or Immigrant Visa interview. This includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearances, medical exam results, financial documents (Affidavit of Support), and photographs. Delays in gathering documents can significantly prolong your process.
3. Consult an Immigration Attorney: The immigration process is complex, and even with a current priority date, there are many steps and potential pitfalls. An experienced immigration attorney can guide you through the filing process, review your documents, and represent you if any issues arise. This is especially crucial if you have any past immigration issues, criminal history, or complex family situations.
4. Stay Informed and Vigilant: Visa Bulletin dates can change from month to month, sometimes unpredictably. Continue to monitor the monthly bulletins and subscribe to updates from ImmiBook.
5. Patience and Persistence: Even with positive movements, the immigration journey often requires immense patience. Celebrate the progress, but remain prepared for the road ahead.

Historical Context and Trends

Looking back at the past few months, the June 2025 Visa Bulletin stands out for its lack of retrogressions and solid forward momentum. The fiscal year 2025 (which began October 1, 2024) has generally seen a more conservative approach to advancements compared to the accelerated pace observed in parts of fiscal years 2022 and 2023. However, this June bulletin shows a renewed push, particularly in EB-2 and F1.

Historically, the middle of the fiscal year (around spring/early summer) often sees some adjustments as the Department of State and USCIS assess visa demand and remaining visa numbers. The significant advancements this month suggest that visa availability is being managed to avoid major retrogressions towards the end of the fiscal year (September 30th). The consistent movement, averaging 65 days of progress, is a healthy sign, indicating that the agencies are working through backlogs steadily rather than making drastic, unpredictable jumps.

The fact that "All Other" countries, Mexico, and the Philippines saw identical EB-2 movements, and "All Other," China, and India saw identical F1 and F3 movements, points to a broader allocation strategy rather than highly specific country-by-country adjustments for these categories. This is generally a positive sign as it indicates a more predictable pattern for a wider range of applicants.

ImmiBook's Visa Bulletin Tracker: Your Personal Guide

At ImmiBook, we are committed to providing you with the tools and information you need to navigate your immigration journey. Our Visa Bulletin Tracker allows you to input your priority date, category, and country of chargeability to instantly see your status relative to the latest bulletin. It's designed to be intuitive, accurate, and always up-to-date, ensuring you never miss a critical update.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a priority date, and how do I find mine?

A: Your priority date is essentially your place in line for an immigrant visa. For employment-based petitions, it's typically the date your PERM labor certification application was filed with the Department of Labor, or the date your I-140 petition was filed with USCIS if no PERM was required. For family-sponsored petitions, it's the date USCIS received your I-130 petition. You can find it on your I-140 or I-130 approval notice.

Q2: What does "Current" mean in the Visa Bulletin?

A: "Current" means that there are immigrant