For foreign nationals, visa holders, and immigrant investors in the United States, the December 2025 Visa Bulletin issued by the U.S. Department of State, and updated by USCIS, brings a key procedural change: applicants may use the Dates for Filing chart to submit adjustment of status applications this month.
This shift allows eligible applicants to file earlier than they would under the Final Action Dates, even if their green card cannot yet be approved. It reflects USCIS’s goal to improve immigrant visa allocation and manage backlog processing, in coordination with the Department of State.
Key Takeaways for December 2025
- USCIS is using the “Dates for Filing” chart for both family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories.
- This means eligible applicants may file Form I-485 before their Final Action Date becomes current.
- No new retrogressions were announced, but backlogs remain significant for India, China, and Mexico across key categories.
If your priority date is earlier than the “Date for Filing” for your category and country, you may submit your I-485 application in December — if otherwise eligible.
Dates for Filing – December 2025 Visa Bulletin
Below are the official Dates for Filing as posted by USCIS and the U.S. Department of State. These are the earliest dates when applicants may be able to apply for Adjustment of Status.
Family-Sponsored Preference Categories
| Category | All Chargeability Areas | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens) | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 01MAR07 | 22APR15 |
| F2A (Spouses/Children of Permanent Residents) | 22NOV25 | 22NOV25 | 22NOV25 | 22NOV25 | 22NOV25 |
| F2B (Unmarried Adult Children of Permanent Residents) | 08MAR17 | 08MAR17 | 08MAR17 | 15MAY09 | 01OCT13 |
| F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens) | 22JUL12 | 22JUL12 | 22JUL12 | 01JUL01 | 01NOV05 |
| F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens) | 01MAR09 | 01MAR09 | 15DEC06 | 30APR01 | 01JAN08 |
Employment-Based Preference Categories
| Category | All Chargeability Areas | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 (Priority Workers) | Current | 15MAY23 | 15APR23 | Current | Current |
| EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals) | 15JUL24 | 01DEC21 | 01DEC13 | 15JUL24 | 15JUL24 |
| EB-3 (Skilled Workers/Professionals) | 01JUL23 | 01JAN22 | 15AUG14 | 01JUL23 | 01JUL23 |
| Other Workers | 01DEC21 | 01OCT18 | 15AUG14 | 01DEC21 | 01DEC21 |
| EB-4 (Special Immigrants) | 15FEB21 | 15FEB21 | 15FEB21 | 15FEB21 | 15FEB21 |
| EB-5 (Unreserved) | Current | 22JUL16 | 01APR22 | Current | Current |
| EB-5 (Set-Asides: Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
“Current” means there is no backlog and applicants may file regardless of priority date.
What Applicants Should Do Now
If you are pursuing a green card through a family or employment-based petition, here’s what you should do in light of the updated filing criteria:
- Check your category and country in the Dates for Filing chart above
- If your priority date is earlier than the listed date, you may file Form I-485 in December
- Visit USCIS’s Visa Bulletin Information Page to confirm current instructions
- Work with a qualified immigration attorney to ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and deadlines
This policy shift allows eligible applicants to submit their applications sooner — an important opportunity amid ongoing processing delays. For a deeper look at current backlogs, read our analysis on USCIS Processing Times and Delays.
Legal Insight: Why “Dates for Filing” Matters
The use of the Dates for Filing chart aligns with goals to modernize and streamline immigration. As outlined in INA §§ 201–203, annual caps and country limits often delay final adjudication — but allowing early filing:
- Enables advance document processing by USCIS
- Provides applicants with legal status benefits (e.g., work permits, travel authorization) while awaiting Final Action Date
- Reduces adjudication bottlenecks during peak fiscal year months
Need Strategic Guidance? Let’s Talk
If your priority date is current on the Dates for Filing chart, this is your opportunity to move forward.
At Ahluwalia Law Offices, we provide tailored counsel for:
- Family-based immigration (I-130s, F1–F4 categories)
- Employment-based cases (EB-2, EB-3, and EB-5 petitions)
- Investor strategies, including set-aside EB-5 categories
Book your consultation now to ensure your case is filed accurately and without delay.
