The May 2025 Visa Bulletin has been released, reflecting a pause in movement for most employment-based categories. USCIS has confirmed that it will continue to use the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based adjustment of status filings in May. This month, no changes were made to EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 categories for any country. However, there was a notable retrogression in the EB-5 unreserved category for India.

Key Takeaways from the March 2025 Visa Bulletin

• USCIS Continues to Use Final Action Dates: USCIS will continue to require that employment-based adjustment of status applicants use the Final Action Dates chart in May 2025. Applicants must have a priority date earlier than the Final Action Date listed in their respective preference category and country to be eligible to file.
• No Movement in EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3: There was no forward movement in Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing in the EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 categories for any country, including India and China. This indicates a cautious approach by the Department of State as it monitors overall visa usage through the remainder of the fiscal year.
• Further Retrogression for EB-5 India (Unreserved): The EB-5 unreserved category for India experienced a retrogression of six months, with the Final Action Date moving from November 1, 2019, to May 1, 2019. This reflects continued high demand and number usage within the category.
• EB-5 China (Unreserved) Remains Steady: The EB-5 unreserved category for China remained unchanged, with the Final Action Date holding at January 22, 2014.
• EB-5 Set-Asides Remain Current: All three EB-5 set-aside categories—Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure—remain Current (C) for all countries. These reserved visa pools continue to offer timely filing options for eligible investors and are not affected by the retrogressions seen in the unreserved EB-5 category.
• EB-4 category remains unavailable: The Employment Fourth Preference (EB-4) category continues to be unavailable for all countries due to exhaustion of FY 2025 numbers. New visas will not be available until the beginning of FY 2026 on October 1, 2025.

What This Means for Applicants

• Final Action Dates Filing: If your priority date is current under the Final Action Dates chart, you are eligible to file Form I-485 in May. You may also benefit from work authorization and advance parole while your application is pending.
• EB-5 India Applicants: The continued retrogression in the unreserved category suggests longer wait times ahead. Indian investors should evaluate whether they qualify for one of the EB-5 set-aside categories, which remain open and current.
• Applicants from Non-Backlogged Countries: Those in All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed continue to benefit from stability, with no changes in their Final Action Dates.

While most categories held steady, the retrogression in the EB-5 unreserved category for India underscores the importance of strategic planning, especially for investors. With the Final Action Dates chart still in use, eligible applicants should consider filing promptly and stay tuned for any mid-year shifts in visa demand or availability.