September 2025 Visa Bulletin: F2A Sees Notable Advancement in Dates for Filing

The September 2025 Visa Bulletin is here, and while most family-based green card categories remain the same, there’s good news for those in the F2A category. The Dates for Filing chart for F2A advanced by two months this month, potentially allowing more applicants to begin the next step in their immigration process sooner.

If you or your family member is in the F2A category, this could be the right time to review your case and get ready to file.

What Changed in the September 2025 Visa Bulletin?

For this month, only the Dates for Filing chart saw movement:

• F2A: Advanced 2 months

All other family-based categories remained unchanged in both the Final Action Dates chart and the Dates for Filing chart.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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:

1. Find your priority date This is the date USCIS received your I-130 petition, shown on your receipt notice.

2. Check your category and country of chargeability Use the Family-Sponsored Preferences chart in the Visa Bulletin.

3. 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.

4. 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. With F2A moving ahead by two months this September, it’s worth checking if your case is now eligible to move forward.

Call us at (512) 894-9984 to schedule a consultation and let us help you prepare for the next step in your immigration journey.