October 2025 USCIS Visa Bulletin Brings Green Card Relief

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released the October 2025 Visa Bulletin. The update offers long-awaited relief for many green card applicants. Employment-based and family-sponsored categories have seen major changes. Applicants from India and China are among the biggest beneficiaries this month.

This bulletin marks the start of a new fiscal year. That means fresh visa numbers and new opportunities for thousands waiting in line. According to Reuters, the changes allow more applicants to move forward with their adjustment of status applications.

Key Updates in the October 2025 Visa Bulletin

The biggest news is that USCIS will use the “Dates for Filing” chart for most categories. This lets applicants with earlier priority dates submit their Form I-485. Green card approvals will still depend on “Final Action Dates,” but filing early is a big step forward.

For employment-based visas, EB-2 India is now open under Dates for Filing after being marked unavailable last month. EB-5 India also advanced by more than a year, giving a big relief to investors. EB-3 China moved forward by several months, reversing earlier retrogression.

On the family side, the F2A category is current for all countries. This means spouses and children of permanent residents can move ahead without waiting for backlogged dates. Such progress is rare and welcomed by many families.

What This Means for Applicants

Applicants must act quickly. If their priority date is before the cut-off, they can file their I-485 now. This is the best way to secure a place in line before any future retrogression.

The USCIS also reminds applicants to prepare supporting documents. These include civil records, translations, and a valid medical exam (Form I-693). Work permit (Form I-765) and travel document (Form I-131) applications can also be filed together with the green card request.

Experts warn that dates may move back in later bulletins. Filing now is the safest way to protect eligibility. USCIS will continue to announce each month whether “Dates for Filing” or “Final Action Dates” apply.

The October 2025 USCIS Visa Bulletin is a turning point. It brings new hope for many who have waited years. Green card applicants should act without delay.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the USCIS Visa Bulletin?

It is a monthly update from the U.S. State Department. It shows when green card applicants can file or receive approval.

Q2: Why is October 2025 special?

It starts a new fiscal year with fresh visa numbers. Many categories advanced, giving relief to backlogged applicants.

Q3: Which countries saw the biggest changes?

India and China saw major improvements. EB-2 and EB-5 India moved forward, while EB-3 China advanced by several months.

Q4: What is the difference between DOF and FAD?

Dates for Filing (DOF) allow filing I-485 earlier. Final Action Dates (FAD) decide when green cards are issued.

Q5: What should applicants do now?

Check the Visa Bulletin. If eligible, file promptly with all documents to secure a place before retrogression.