The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released the September 2025 Visa Bulletin, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed the applicable filing chart for adjustment of status applications. This monthly update is crucial for individuals seeking U.S. permanent residence through family-sponsored or employment-based preference categories.
If you have an approved immigrant petition—either filed by a qualifying family member or employer—you may only file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, when your priority date is current under the applicable chart.
Which Chart to Use in September 2025
Under the revised USCIS-DOS coordination procedures, each Visa Bulletin contains two charts per category:
- Final Action Dates – When visas may be issued.
- Dates for Filing Applications – The earliest dates you may submit your adjustment of status application.
For September 2025, USCIS is using the Dates for Filing Applications chart for family-sponsored categories and the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based categories. This means:
- Family-sponsored applicants may file earlier if their priority date is before the date listed in the filing chart.
- Employment-based applicants must rely on the stricter final action dates to determine filing eligibility.
Family-Sponsored Categories – Dates for Filing (September 2025)
| Category | All Chargeability Areas | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 01JUN06 | 22APR15 |
| F2A | 01JUN25 | 01JUN25 | 01JUN25 | 01JUN25 | 01JUN25 |
| F2B | 01JAN17 | 01JAN17 | 01JAN17 | 01APR08 | 01OCT13 |
| F3 | 22JUL12 | 22JUL12 | 22JUL12 | 15JUN01 | 01MAY05 |
| F4 | 01JAN09 | 01JAN09 | 01DEC06 | 30APR01 | 01JAN08 |
Employment-Based Categories – Final Action Dates (September 2025)
| Category | All Chargeability Areas | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | C | 15NOV22 | 15FEB22 | C | C |
| EB-2 | 01SEP23 | 15DEC20 | 01JAN13 | 01SEP23 | 01SEP23 |
| EB-3 | 01APR23 | 01DEC20 | 22MAY13 | 01APR23 | 08FEB23 |
| Other Workers | 08JUL21 | 01MAY17 | 22MAY13 | 08JUL21 | 08JUL21 |
| EB-4 | U | U | U | U | U |
| EB-5 (Unreserved) | C | 08DEC15 | 15NOV19 | C | C |
| EB-5 Set-Asides (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) | C | C | C | C | C |
Key:
C – Current; no backlog in this category.
U – Unauthorized; visas not available.
How to Determine Your Filing Eligibility
- Locate your visa category in the applicable chart.
- Identify your country of chargeability (usually your country of birth).
- Compare your priority date (set when your petition or labor certification was filed) to the date listed.
- If your date is earlier than the listed date, or the category is marked C, you may file if otherwise eligible.
Why the Visa Bulletin Matters
The monthly Visa Bulletin, maintained by DOS and implemented in coordination with USCIS, ensures that:
- The maximum number of immigrant visas allowed by Congress are issued annually.
- Visa allocation aligns with real demand, reducing fluctuations in wait times.
- Applicants have greater predictability in planning their transition from nonimmigrant to permanent resident status.
These procedures were strengthened following the White House’s 2015 report, “Modernizing and Streamlining Our Legal Immigration System for the 21st Century,” which called for improved forecasting of visa demand and better alignment between consular and USCIS processing.
Next Steps for Applicants
If your priority date is now current under the applicable September 2025 chart:
- Prepare and file Form I-485 with all required documentation and fees.
- Ensure eligibility by reviewing USCIS adjustment of status guidelines.
- Monitor future Visa Bulletins, as dates can advance, remain stagnant, or retrogress.
