October 2025 Visa Bulletin: Major Advancements Across Family Categories
- Thong Le
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
The October 2025 Visa Bulletin brings some of the biggest forward movements in recent months for family-based green card applicants. Many categories advanced significantly in the Final Action Dates chart, with additional progress in the Dates for Filing chart.
If you or your family member has been waiting on a petition, this update could bring you much closer to the finish line.
What Changed in the October 2025 Visa Bulletin?
Final Action Dates (big advancements this month):
F1: Advanced 3 months, 24 days
F2A: Advanced 17 months
F2B: Advanced 1 month, 7 days
F3: Advanced 1 month, 7 days
F4: Advanced 7 days
Dates for Filing:
F2A: Advanced 3 months, 21 days
F4: Advanced 2 months
All other categories remained unchanged.
What Are the Family-Based Preference Categories?
Family-based green cards are divided into preference categories based on the relationship between the petitioner and the applicant:
F1 – Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of U.S. citizens
F2A – Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents
F2B – Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of lawful permanent residents
F3 – Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
F4 – Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens
Each category has yearly visa limits, and depending on the country of birth, the wait can be many years. The Visa Bulletin tells you when your case can move forward.
The Two Key Charts in the Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin has two main charts for family-sponsored cases:
Final Action Dates – This chart shows when a green card (visa number) is actually available. If your priority date is earlier than the date in this chart, your case is ready for final processing — for example, a visa interview at a U.S. consulate abroad or green card approval if you’re in the U.S.
Dates for Filing – This chart is used to determine when you can submit your documents to the National Visa Center (for consular processing) or file your Adjustment of Status application (if USCIS allows it for that month). This is often earlier than the Final Action Date, allowing you to prepare in advance so your case can be decided quickly once your Final Action Date becomes current.
How to Read the Visa Bulletin
If you have a pending family-based petition, follow these steps to see how the update affects you:
Find your priority date This is the date USCIS received your I-130 petition, shown on your receipt notice.
Check your category and country of chargeability Use the Family-Sponsored Preferences chart in the Visa Bulletin.
Compare your priority date
If your date is earlier than the Final Action Date, your visa is ready for final processing.
If your date is earlier than the Date for Filing, you may be able to send in your paperwork.
For Adjustment of Status applicants inside the U.S. Check USCIS’s monthly update to confirm whether to use the “Dates for Filing” chart or the “Final Action Dates” chart.
We Can Help You Take the Next Step
At Tran Flores Law, we guide families through the complexities of the Visa Bulletin so they can take action at the right time. Call us at (512) 894-9984 to schedule a consultation and let us help you prepare for the next step in your immigration journey.
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