The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has released the October 2025 Visa Bulletin, bringing significant relief to many applicants in family-based immigration categories, particularly spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders, known as Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs).
This monthly update, which determines when individuals can proceed with immigrant visa processing or adjustment of status applications, has advanced priority dates across several preferences, shortening long-standing wait times for family reunification. For those living outside the United States, the bulletin allows eligible applicants to schedule interviews at U.S. embassies or consulates, while those inside the country can file for green cards, potentially gaining work permits and travel documents in the process.
A standout development is in the F2A category for spouses and minor children of LPRs. For applicants abroad, the Final Action Date has leaped forward to February 1, 2024—a remarkable 17-month advancement from September’s cutoff of September 1, 2022. This means anyone with an I-130 petition filed before that date can now pursue immigrant visa interviews starting in October, easing the burden on families separated by distance.
Inside the U.S., the Dates for Filing has progressed to September 22, 2025, dramatically cutting the previous three-month wait and enabling earlier submission of Form I-485 for adjustment of status. Successful filers can then apply for employment authorization and advance parole, allowing legal work and international travel without jeopardizing their applications. However, USCIS has yet to confirm if it will accept these Dates for Filing for October.
Progress extends to other family preference categories as well, with most showing forward movement in Final Action Dates for visa interviews abroad. In the F1 category for unmarried adult sons and daughters (21 and older) of U.S. citizens, the date advanced nearly four months to November 8, 2016, from July 15, 2016.
The F2B category, which covers unmarried adult children of LPRs, saw a more modest shift of just over one month to November 22, 2016, from September’s October 15, 2016. Similarly, the F3 category for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens moved over a month to September 8, 2011, from August 1, 2011. Even the often-slow F4 category for siblings of U.S. citizens nudged forward by one week to January 8, 2008, though waits here remain the longest.
For adjustment of status inside the U.S., the news is more mixed under the Dates for Filing chart. The F2A category’s substantial advancement stands out, as does a two-month gain in F4 to March 1, 2009, benefiting sibling petitioners. However, other categories like F1 (September 1, 2017), F3 (July 22, 2012), and F2B (January 1, 2017) remain unchanged from September.
Filing Form I-485 generally safeguards one’s immigration status during processing, but a denial could trigger removal proceedings for those without fallback nonimmigrant visas, underscoring the need for consultation with a licensed immigration attorney before proceeding. As the new fiscal year begins, annual visa limits reset. Applicants are urged to review the full bulletin on the State Department’s website and monitor USCIS announcements to capitalize on these windows effectively.
Support NepYork – Your Nonprofit News Media for the Nepali Community
NepYork, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the Showcase of Nepalis in New York, delivering timely local news and vital resources on immigration, housing, taxes, health, business, and more. Our mission is to safeguard community journalism, amplify the voices of Nepali immigrants in NYC, and foster understanding, solidarity, and empowerment.
By donating to NepYork, you help us enhance participation in democracy, improve access to essential resources, and share authentic stories that reflect the vibrant, diverse experiences of Nepali New Yorkers. Together, we can connect, inform, and empower our community. Every contribution ensures these voices are heard and valued.
Donate today to keep Nepali stories alive and thriving in New York!
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.
