The U.S. State Department has issued its November 2025 visa bulletin, which holds significant implications for green card applicants. This bulletin is crucial for immigrants seeking lawful permanent residency in the United States. Minor adjustments in visa cut-off dates can affect application timelines for millions navigating the immigration system.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin
The November visa bulletin provides insight into when green card applicants may adjust their immigration status. Eligibility is typically determined by the priority date, established when a sponsorship petition is filed by an employer or family member.
Key Updates in the November Visa Bulletin
The bulletin includes two main charts: “Final Action Date” (FAD) and “Dates for Filing” (DOF). Here’s how they work:
- If an applicant’s priority date is before the DOF, they can submit Form I-485 for status adjustment.
- If it is before the FAD, a visa number is available, allowing for potential approval of their case.
Here are the notable changes from October to November:
| Category | Country | Change |
|---|---|---|
| FAD F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of Permanent Residents) | India | Moved from November 22, 2016, to December 1, 2016 |
| FAD F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens) | Mexico | Moved from April 15, 2001, to May 1, 2001 |
| DOF F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens) | Mexico | Moved from October 8, 2006, to March 1, 2007 |
| DOF F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents) | China, India, Mexico, Philippines | Moved from September 22, 2025, to October 22, 2025 |
| DOF F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of Permanent Residents) | China, India | Moved from January 1, 2017, to March 8, 2017 |
| Mexico | Moved from December 15, 2008, to May 15, 2009 |
It is important to note that employment-based categories experienced no changes in FADs or DOFs from the previous month.
What This Means for Applicants
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a visa must be available to proceed towards lawful permanent residency. As demand for immigrant visas exceeds the supply in many categories, wait times can vary significantly based on priority dates and preference categories.
The visa bulletin serves as a vital reference for individuals pursuing green cards. The next update, the December 2025 Visa Bulletin, is expected to be released in mid-November.
