November 2025 Visa Bulletin Analysis: Family Categories See Significant Advances, Employment Remains Steady

The wait for a green card can feel like an eternity, a journey filled with hope, anxiety, and constant checking of the latest updates. At ImmiBook, we understand these emotions deeply, and we're here to break down the complex world of the Visa Bulletin into clear, actionable insights for you and your family.

The U.S. Department of State has just released the **Visa Bulletin for November 2025**, and it brings a mix of news, largely positive for family-sponsored categories, while employment-based categories hold steady. This month, we're seeing some notable forward movement in several family-sponsored categories, particularly for applicants from Mexico and the Philippines, offering a glimmer of hope and progress for many.

Let's dive into the details of this month's bulletin, explain what the date movements mean for your application, and provide you with crucial advice to navigate your immigration journey. Remember, you can always track your personal priority date and stay updated with the latest Visa Bulletin information using the ImmiBook Visa Bulletin Tracker.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin: Your Roadmap to a Green Card

Before we dissect the November 2025 data, let's ensure we're all on the same page about what the Visa Bulletin is and why it's so critical for your immigration process. The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State that lists the "priority dates" for when immigrant visas become available for different categories and countries. Because there's a limit to the number of immigrant visas issued each year, a waiting list often forms, which the Visa Bulletin manages.

Key Concepts You Need to Know:

• Priority Date: This is essentially your place in line. For family-sponsored petitions, it's the date USCIS receives your I-130 petition. For employment-based petitions, it's usually the date your PERM labor certification was filed or, if no PERM is required, the date USCIS receives your I-140 petition.
• Preference Category: This refers to the specific category under which you are applying for a green card (e.g., F1 for unmarried sons/daughters of U.S. citizens, EB-2 for professionals with advanced degrees).
• Country of Chargeability: This is usually the country where you were born, not necessarily your current citizenship.
• Final Action Dates (Chart A): This chart indicates when an immigrant visa is available for issuance. If your priority date is on or before the date listed in Chart A for your category and country, you are eligible for your visa interview at a U.S. embassy/consulate abroad or, if you are already in the U.S., you may be able to file your Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) application with USCIS.
• Dates for Filing (Chart B): This chart indicates when applicants can *file* their applications for adjustment of status (Form I-485) or begin the Consular Processing process. USCIS decides each month whether applicants can use Chart A or Chart B for filing Adjustment of Status applications. Always check the USCIS website for this crucial update!

For the November 2025 Visa Bulletin, the provided data primarily highlights movements in the **Dates for Filing (Chart B)**. It's important to keep this distinction in mind as we go through the analysis.

November 2025 Visa Bulletin: Key Highlights

This month's bulletin brings good news on several fronts, particularly for family-sponsored immigrants:

• **Significant Family-Based Progress:** We're seeing notable forward movement in several family-sponsored categories, especially F1, F2A, F2B, and F3 for specific countries.
• **No Retrogressions!** This is excellent news. No category saw a backward movement in priority dates this month, meaning no one's wait just got longer.
• **Employment-Based Stability:** All employment-based categories remain unchanged, providing predictability but no immediate forward progress for applicants in these queues.
• **Dates for Filing Movements:** The most dynamic changes this month are in the Dates for Filing chart, indicating that more applicants may soon be eligible to submit their final applications.

In total, 16 categories advanced, all within the family-sponsored preferences, with an average movement of nearly 50 days. There were no retrogressions, and 134 categories remained unchanged.

Let's break down the bulletin by preference category.

Family-Sponsored Preference Categories: A Wave of Progress

The family-sponsored categories are where we see the most significant action this month, particularly for Dates for Filing. This is a welcome development for many families who have been patiently waiting.

F1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

This category is for unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age or older) of U.S. citizens.

• **Dates for Filing (Chart B):**
  • **Mexico:** Saw a substantial leap forward of **144 days**, moving from October 8, 2006, to **March 1, 2007**. This is a fantastic advancement, bringing relief to many Mexican applicants.
  • **All Other Countries, China, India, Philippines:** The Dates for Filing for these areas remain **unchanged** from the previous month.
• **Final Action Dates (Chart A):** All F1 categories for all countries remain **unchanged** this month.

What this means for F1 applicants: If you are an F1 applicant from Mexico with a priority date before March 1, 2007, you may now be eligible to file your Adjustment of Status application (Form I-485) or proceed with consular processing if USCIS allows use of Chart B for November 2025. This is a significant step forward! For other countries, while there's no movement this month, remaining steady is better than retrogression. Continue to monitor the bulletin closely and prepare your documentation.

F2A: Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

This category is for spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years of age) of lawful permanent residents.

• **Dates for Filing (Chart B):**
  • **All Other Countries, China, India, Mexico:** These areas all advanced by **30 days**, moving from September 22, 2025, to **October 22, 2025**.
  • **Philippines:** The Dates for Filing for the Philippines remain **unchanged** this month.
• **Final Action Dates (Chart A):** All F2A categories for all countries remain **unchanged** this month.

What this means for F2A applicants: The 30-day advancement for most F2A applicants on the Dates for Filing chart is a positive sign. While it's not a massive leap, it indicates consistent progress. If your priority date is now earlier than October 22, 2025, and USCIS permits the use of Chart B, you could be eligible to file your I-485 or begin consular processing. This is particularly encouraging as F2A has historically faced long backlogs. Keep your documents in order and consult with your attorney.

F2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

This category is for unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age or older) of lawful permanent residents.

• **Dates for Filing (Chart B):**
  • **Mexico:** Experiences the single biggest jump across all categories this month, advancing by a remarkable **151 days**, moving from December 15, 2008, to **May 15, 2009**. This is fantastic news for Mexican F2B applicants!
  • **All Other Countries, China, India:** These areas all advanced by a solid **66 days**, moving from January 1, 2017, to **March 8, 2017**.
  • **Philippines:** The Dates for Filing for the Philippines remain **unchanged** this month.
• **Final Action Dates (Chart A):** All F2B categories for all countries remain **unchanged** this month.

What this means for F2B applicants: This is a very strong month for F2B applicants, especially those from Mexico. If your priority date falls before the new Dates for Filing, and USCIS allows Chart B, you are now in a position to take the next step in your green card journey. For "All Other," China, and India, the 66-day jump is also significant, pushing many closer to filing eligibility. This category has seen considerable backlogs, so any forward movement is highly celebrated. Make sure your paperwork is complete and accurate.

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

This category is for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.

• **Dates for Filing (Chart B):**
  • **Philippines:** Saw a healthy advancement of **92 days**, moving from August 1, 2005, to **November 1, 2005**. This is a welcome change for Filipino applicants.
  • **All Other Countries, China, India, Mexico:** The Dates for Filing for these areas remain **unchanged** this month.
• **Final Action Dates (Chart A):** All F3 categories for all countries remain **unchanged** this month.

What this means for F3 applicants: Filipino F3 applicants will be particularly pleased with the 92-day jump in their Dates for Filing. If your priority date is now before November 1, 2005, and USCIS authorizes Chart B, you may be eligible to proceed with your application. While other countries in this category didn't see movement, the overall trend of family-based advancement is a positive indicator for future bulletins.

F4: Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens

This category is for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens.

• **Dates for Filing (Chart B):** All F4 categories for all countries remain **unchanged** this month.
• **Final Action Dates (Chart A):** All F4 categories for all countries remain **unchanged** this month.

What this means for F4 applicants: Unfortunately, there was no movement in the F4 category this month. This category typically has the longest waiting times due to high demand. While no progress is disheartening, the absence of retrogression is a small silver lining. Continue to monitor the Visa Bulletin and maintain your immigration file meticulously. Long waits are common here, so patience and preparedness are key.

Employment-Based Preference Categories: Holding Steady

For the November 2025 Visa Bulletin, all employment-based categories across all countries of chargeability have remained **unchanged** for both Final Action Dates (Chart A) and Dates for Filing (Chart B).

EB-1: Priority Workers

This category includes persons of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and certain multinational managers or executives.

• **All Countries:** Both Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing remain **unchanged**. Most EB-1 categories remain "Current" for all countries except for specific backlogs that may exist, but no new movements are reported.

EB-2: Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability

This category is for professionals with advanced degrees or persons with exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business.

• **All Countries:** Both Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing remain **unchanged**.

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

This category is for skilled workers (requiring at least 2 years of training or experience), professionals (requiring a baccalaureate degree), and other workers (unskilled workers performing jobs for which qualified workers are not available in the U.S.).

• **All Countries:** Both Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing remain **unchanged**.

EB-4: Certain Special Immigrants

This category includes religious workers, certain broadcasters, Iraqi and Afghan translators, and others.

• **All Countries:** Both Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing remain **unchanged**.

EB-5: Immigrant Investors

This category is for investors who make a significant capital investment in a new commercial enterprise in the U.S. and create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

• **All Countries:** Both Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing remain **unchanged**.

What this means for Employment-Based applicants: While no forward movement might feel stagnant, the stability across all employment-based categories means no new retrogressions, which is a relief. Applicants should continue to monitor the bulletin, prepare all necessary documents for when their priority date does become current, and ensure their underlying petition (I-140) is robust. The start of the fiscal year (October 1st) often brings hope for visa number availability, but the November bulletin shows a cautious approach for EB categories.

Summary of Key Dates for Filing (Chart B) Movements for November 2025

Here’s a quick overview of the significant movements in the Dates for Filing (Chart B) for November 2025:

Please note that the **Final Action Dates (Chart A)** for all family-sponsored and employment-based categories remained **unchanged** in the November 2025 Visa Bulletin.

Actionable Advice for Applicants

Regardless of whether your category saw movement this month, there are always steps you can take to prepare for your green card journey:

If Your Priority Date is Current (or Close) on Dates for Filing (Chart B):

1. **Check USCIS Guidance:** First and foremost, check the USCIS website to confirm which chart (Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing) they will accept for Adjustment of Status applications in November 2025. This is critical!
2. **Prepare Your Documents:** If Chart B is authorized and your date is current, gather all necessary documents for your Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or consular processing application. This includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearances, medical exam results, financial documents, and any other supporting evidence.
3. **Consult an Attorney:** An experienced immigration attorney can guide you through the filing process, ensure all forms are correctly completed, and help you avoid common pitfalls.
4. **File Promptly:** If eligible, file your application as soon as possible. Visa availability can change, so it’s best to act quickly when your date becomes current.

If Your Priority Date is Not Yet Current:

1. **Stay Informed:** Continue to monitor the Visa Bulletin monthly. ImmiBook provides easy-to-understand breakdowns like this one, and our Visa Bulletin Tracker helps you track your specific priority date.
2. **Maintain Your Status:** If you are in the U.S., ensure you maintain your legal immigration status while you wait.
3. **Keep Documents Updated:** Even if you can't file yet, ensure all your personal and financial documents are current and easily accessible. If there are changes (e.g., marriage, birth of a child, change of address), update your information with USCIS.
4. **Plan for the Future:** Use this waiting period to plan for your future. Research potential job opportunities (if employment-based), housing, and schools if you have children.
5. **Avoid Scams:** Be wary of anyone promising to "speed up" your visa process for a fee outside of standard legal procedures. Only trust official sources and reputable attorneys.

Historical Context and Trends

The November 2025 Visa Bulletin reflects some ongoing trends. We often see more dynamic movements in the **Dates for Filing** chart at the beginning of the fiscal year (which starts October 1st). This is because new visa numbers become available, and the State Department aims to allow as many people as possible to enter the queue for processing.

The significant movements in family-sponsored categories, particularly for Mexico and the Philippines, are consistent with these countries having historically large backlogs. Any forward movement, especially triple-digit day advancements, is a positive sign that visa numbers are being processed and allocated. The F2A category's consistent, albeit smaller, advancements also indicate a steady processing pace for spouses and minor children of permanent residents.

Conversely, the stagnation in employment-based categories is not entirely unexpected. While the beginning of the fiscal year can bring hope, these categories often see more conservative movements or even retrogressions later in the year as demand exhausts available numbers. The current stability suggests a cautious approach by the State Department, perhaps conserving numbers for future months or dealing with existing processing backlogs.

The absence of retrogressions this month is a particularly welcome trend. Retrogressions cause immense stress and uncertainty for applicants, so a bulletin without them is always a good sign of stability, even if it doesn't bring immediate forward progress for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my priority date is current under Dates for Filing (Chart B) but not Final Action Dates (Chart A)?

A: If your priority date is current under Chart B, but not Chart A, you may be eligible to file your Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) application with USCIS or begin consular processing, *if USCIS specifically announces that applicants should use Chart B for that month*. Always check the USCIS website for their monthly directive. If they instruct you to use Chart A, you must wait until your priority date is current on Chart A.

Q2: What is a retrogression, and why didn't we see any this month?

A: A retrogression occurs when a priority date moves backward or becomes unavailable. This happens when the demand for visas in a particular category or country exceeds the available annual supply. The absence of retrogressions this month means that demand has not yet outstripped supply to the point of requiring a rollback, which is positive news for all applicants.

Q3: How often is the Visa Bulletin released?

A: The Visa Bulletin is released monthly, typically around the second or third week of the preceding month (e.g., the November bulletin is usually released in mid-October). This provides applicants with time to prepare for any changes.

Q4: What can I do to speed up my visa process?

A: Unfortunately, you cannot directly "speed up" the priority date movement, as it's determined by visa demand and supply set by law. However, you can ensure your process moves smoothly once your date is current by:

• Having all your documents prepared and organized.
• Responding promptly to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) from USCIS.
• Staying in constant communication with your immigration attorney.
• Maintaining valid legal status if you are in the U.S.

Q5: