November Visa Bulletin Released with Minor Shifts for Family-Based Green Card Hopefuls

The US State Department has published the November 2025 Visa Bulletin. This update provides crucial guidance for individuals seeking lawful permanent residency, commonly known as a green card. The latest bulletin shows minimal movement for most categories.

According to Reuters, the bulletin outlines when applicants can file their adjustment of status applications. It also indicates when their applications can be approved. These dates are vital for managing the high demand for a limited number of visas.

Key Changes in Family Preference Categories

The bulletin features two critical charts. The “Dates for Filing” chart shows when applicants can submit their primary paperwork. The “Final Action Dates” chart indicates when a green card can finally be issued.

Several family-based categories saw slight adjustments. The F2B category for unmarried sons and daughters of permanent residents from India advanced by nine days. The F3 category for married sons and daughters of US citizens from Mexico moved forward by two weeks.

Most employment-based categories saw no change from October. This stability is noted across all chargeability areas. The “Dates for Filing” for the F2A category, which includes spouses of permanent residents, saw a one-month advancement for several countries.

Navigating the Complex US Immigration Queue

The visa bulletin system manages the oversubscribed green card process. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) explains that visa availability depends on an applicant’s priority date, category, and country of chargeability. Wait times can extend for years.

This monthly update allows applicants and their legal representatives to plan their next steps. Understanding whether one can file an application or is nearing approval is critical. The system aims to provide a predictable, though often slow, path to permanent residency.

The newly released November 2025 Visa Bulletin offers a measured update for those awaiting green cards, with minor progress for specific family categories highlighting the ongoing demand within the US immigration system.

Info at your fingertips

What is the difference between “Dates for Filing” and “Final Action Dates”?

“Dates for Filing” indicates when you can submit your Form I-485 application to adjust your status. “Final Action Dates” is the date when a visa number is officially available and your green card can be approved.

Why do visa bulletin dates change each month?

The dates fluctuate based on visa supply and demand. The State Department adjusts them monthly to manage the queue of applicants and ensure all available visas for the fiscal year are used efficiently.

Which categories saw changes in the November 2025 bulletin?

Notable changes occurred in family-based categories like F2B for India and F3 for Mexico. Most employment-based categories remained unchanged from the previous month’s bulletin.

How does the visa bulletin affect my application process?

Your priority date must be current according to the appropriate chart before you can proceed to the next step. This determines your place in the line for a limited number of green cards.

Where can I find the official Visa Bulletin?

The US State Department publishes the Visa Bulletin on its official website each month. The USCIS website then specifies which chart applicants must use for filing during that period.

Trusted Sources

US Department of State, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Reuters.