Visa Bulletin Update: Forward Movement in Family-Based Categories for July 2025

The U.S. Department of State has released the July 2025 Visa Bulletin, bringing positive news for many families awaiting their green cards. Several family-based preference categories have moved forward, making it possible for more cases to progress this month.

If you are unsure how to read the Visa Bulletin or what category your case falls under, this post will help you understand the latest updates and what they mean for you.

What Are the Family-Based Preference Categories?

Green cards based on family relationships are divided into the following categories:

• F1 – Unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 or older) of U.S. citizens

• F2A – Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents (green card holders)

• 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

These categories are subject to annual limits, and depending on the category and your country of birth, the wait can be many years. The Visa Bulletin is the government’s monthly update that shows which cases can move forward.

What Moved in the July 2025 Visa Bulletin?

The Final Action Dates (which determine when a green card or Immigrant visa can be issued) advanced as follows:

• F1: Advanced 1 month and 7 days

• F2A: Advanced 8 months

• F2B: Advanced 23 days

• F3: Advanced 1 month and 10 days

This is especially significant for F2A, which saw a large jump forward this month.

Dates for Filing Chart Updates

The Dates for Filing chart (used for when applicants can submit their documents, such as Adjustment of Status applications or start their Consular Processing) also moved:

• F2A: Advanced 1 month

• F4: Advanced 3 months and 7 days

How to Read the Visa Bulletin

If you have a family-based petition pending, here’s how to understand what the Visa Bulletin means for you:

1. Find your priority date This is the date USCIS received the I-130 petition for your case. You can find this date on your receipt notice.

2. Look at the Family-Sponsored Preferences chart Check the Final Action Dates chart in the Visa Bulletin for your category and country of chargeability (usually your country of birth).

3. Compare your date If your priority date is earlier than the date listed, your case is current and may move forward (e.g., visa interview or green card application). If your date is later, your case is still in line.

4. For Adjustment of Status applicants inside the U.S. Check USCIS’s website to see if you should use the “Dates for Filing” chart or the “Final Action Dates” chart that month.

We Can Help You Understand Your Case

At Tran Flores Law, we help families make sense of the Visa Bulletin and plan their next steps. With some categories now moving faster, it’s a good time to check whether your case is eligible to move forward and to prepare now so you don’t miss your chance.

Questions about your category or priority date? Contact us today at (512) 894-9984 and let our team guide you through it.