The U.S. Department of State’s October 2025 Visa Bulletin has brought a mix of stability and modest progress for employment-based green card applicants across its four preference categories.
For the first preference category (EB-1), which covers priority workers such as those with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives, the dates remain current. This means applicants with approved I-140 petitions can file their adjustment of status (Form I-485) concurrently if they are in the United States, without any wait time. For those outside the U.S., immigrant visas are immediately available, though processing backlogs at U.S. embassies and consulates could still lead to extended wait times for interviews.
Notably, the State Department announced in September 2025 that the annual quota for EB-1 visas and green cards had been exhausted for the current fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, halting issuances at embassies worldwide for the remainder of the month. Issuances will resume on October 1, 2025, aligning with the start of the new fiscal year.
In the second preference category (EB-2), which includes professionals with advanced degrees and those with exceptional ability, there is continued forward movement in priority dates. Applicants with priority dates before December 1, 2023, a three-month advancement, can now schedule immigrant visa interviews abroad or file Form I-485 if residing in the U.S.
This category had seen all available immigrant visas issued by the end of September 2025, prompting U.S. embassies and consular posts globally to pause new EB-2 visa issuances. With the October bulletin, processing resumes, offering relief to backlog-affected applicants.
The third preference category (EB-3) shows no significant advancement, maintaining steady priority dates. For skilled workers and professionals, those who filed labor certifications before April 1, 2023, and have since received approval can file Form I-485 in October 2025 if in the U.S. or pursue consular processing abroad.
Unskilled workers (often referred to as “other workers”) see a slight one-week advancement, allowing those with labor certifications filed before July 15, 2021, and now approved to move forward with their green card applications.
The fourth preference category (EB-4) for special immigrants becomes available again in October 2025 after reaching its annual cap within the first five months of the fiscal year. Applicants with priority dates before July 1, 2020, can now access immigrant visas or file Form I-485, depending on their location. However, a key exception applies: religious workers within EB-4 remain unavailable this month, as their sub-quota has not yet opened.
Applicants are advised to consult the official Visa Bulletin on the State Department’s website and work closely with immigration attorneys to navigate any country-specific retrogressions or backlogs.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
