May 2025 US Visa Bulletin - Family and Employment-Based Updates
US Immigration Updates: Family and Employment-Based Categories
The U.S. Department of State has released the May 2025 Visa Bulletin, providing the latest updates on family-based and employment-based green card categories. While some categories saw modest advancements, others experienced setbacks or reached their annual limits.
Family-Based Green Card Categories
The F-2A category, which includes spouses and young children of U.S. green card holders, advanced by over three months across all countries. This progress is a positive development for families seeking to reunite in the United States.
The F-4 category, reserved for siblings of U.S. citizens, also saw a two-month advancement for most countries, except India and Mexico. This category often experiences slower movement due to high demand and limited visa availability.
Employment-Based Green Card Categories
The EB-5 category, which covers employment-based green cards for investors, experienced a significant retrogression of six months for Indian nationals. This setback may impact those seeking to obtain permanent residency through investment opportunities in the United States.
Additionally, the EB-4 category, which includes certain special immigrant workers, has reached its annual limit and will remain unavailable until the new fiscal year begins. This temporary pause may cause delays for individuals eligible under this category.
Navigating the Complex Immigration System
The constant shifts and updates in visa availability underscore the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. Individuals and families seeking to navigate the process are encouraged to seek guidance from experienced immigration lawyers or consult the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information and guidance.
By staying informed and seeking professional assistance, applicants can increase their chances of successfully obtaining the desired immigration status and ultimately achieving their dreams of living and working in the United States.