Visa Backlogs Shift Again: Visa delays and green card backlogs continue to dominate immigration discussions in the United States. For June 2025, the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin offers mixed news, especially for Indian applicants. While some categories remain stuck, others show modest forward movement. This update is crucial for professionals, families, and employers tracking green card wait times, employment-based visa processing, and family-sponsored immigration categories.
Whether you’re an applicant, immigration attorney, HR specialist, or simply someone hoping to reunite with loved ones, understanding how these shifts affect your case is critical. The complexity of the U.S. immigration system often leaves applicants confused, anxious, and uncertain about their future. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive and approachable guide. We break it all down in simple, clear terms—with accurate facts, helpful insights, and links to official resources—so you can stay informed and make confident, smart decisions every step of the way.
Visa Backlogs Shift Again
| Category | Country | Current Status (June 2025) | Movement | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | India | 15 February 2022 | No Change | Visa Bulletin |
| EB-2 | India | 1 January 2013 | No Change | USCIS |
| EB-3 | India | 15 April 2013 | No Change | DOS Bulletin |
| EB-2 | China | 1 December 2020 | +2 months | |
| EB-3 | China | 22 November 2020 | +3 weeks | |
| EB-3 | All Others | 8 February 2023 | +1 month | |
| F-4 | India | Siblings of U.S. citizens | +2 months | |
| F-2A | All | Current | No Change |
The June 2025 Visa Bulletin reveals a frustrating reality for Indian green card applicants, who face long-standing delays and static dates. For others—like applicants from China and the rest of the world—there is incremental progress. While change is slow, understanding how the visa system works helps you stay one step ahead.
Be proactive: track your priority date, prepare your documents early, and stay in contact with your immigration attorney. Even a small advancement can open the door to filing and getting one step closer to permanent residency.
Understanding the U.S. Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State that shows which green card applications can move forward based on a person’s priority date. If you’re new to this, think of it like a line at a very slow-moving amusement park. Your “ticket” (priority date) gets you in line, and the Bulletin tells you when it’s your turn.
Each month, the Bulletin provides two charts:
- Final Action Dates: When visas can actually be issued (green card approval).
- Dates for Filing: When you can submit your Form I-485 to adjust status (if you’re already in the U.S.).
For June 2025, USCIS is using the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based cases, and the Dates for Filing chart for family-based categories.
Understanding these charts is crucial. If your priority date is earlier than the listed date in the applicable chart, you can either proceed with filing your adjustment of status or expect your green card decision. If not, you have to wait.
Employment-Based Green Card Updates: What You Need to Know
India: Still Stuck
Indian nationals continue to face one of the longest green card wait times globally. In June 2025, the situation remains bleak:
- EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors/Researchers, Multinational Managers): 15 Feb 2022 – No change.
- EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals or Exceptional Ability): 1 Jan 2013 – No change.
- EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals): 15 April 2013 – No change.
Why the hold-up? The U.S. immigration system uses a fixed annual quota for each visa category and country. Because India has a huge number of highly skilled professionals applying every year, demand far exceeds supply. With only about 7% of the total green cards available per country per category, Indian applicants are left waiting 10 to 20+ years.
Other Countries: Small Steps Forward
- China EB-2: Moves forward to 1 Dec 2020
- China EB-3: Now 22 Nov 2020
- All Other Countries EB-3: Advances to 8 Feb 2023
Though small, these advancements are signs of effort from immigration authorities to manage the backlog more equitably. Still, progress is slow.
Family-Sponsored Green Cards: Minor Movement
For many immigrants, family is the foundation of their American dream. Family-sponsored green cards allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to bring close relatives to the U.S. legally. In June 2025, the news is mixed:
- F-2A (Spouses and children under 21 of permanent residents): Category remains current. This means applicants can file right away.
- F-4 (Siblings of U.S. citizens): For Indian applicants, the date advanced by two months, offering a modest sign of movement.
Although most family-based categories still have long wait times (10-15 years or more for some), the use of the Dates for Filing chart allows applicants to initiate paperwork early, even before their green card can be finalized. This flexibility can offer strategic benefits, especially when combined with immigration legal advice.
What This Means for Applicants (with Examples)
Let’s break this down with simple scenarios:
- You’re a software developer from India with an EB-2 priority date of 2015. Unfortunately, your date is still not current. You’ll need to keep waiting.
- You’re a nurse from Mexico with an EB-3 priority date of December 2022. Your green card could be approved soon.
- You’re a U.S. citizen sponsoring your brother in India under F-4. Your petition just inched closer by two months, but you might still wait 15+ years.
Understanding where your case stands empowers you to plan better, communicate with your employer or family members, and avoid mistakes like premature filing or immigration violations.
Practical Advice: How to Navigate the Visa Bulletin
Step 1: Know Your Priority Date
Check your priority date on your I-140 (employment-based) or I-130 (family-based) receipt notice.
Step 2: Use the Correct Chart
Every month, check which chart USCIS allows you to use. This determines whether you can file your green card application or not.
Step 3: Get Documents Ready Early
Start preparing these documents in advance:
- Civil documents (birth and marriage certificates)
- Police clearance certificates (for consular processing)
- Completed medical exams
- Job offer letters or affidavits of support
Step 4: Stay Updated
Don’t rely solely on news headlines. Sign up for email updates from:
- USCIS
- Travel.State.Gov
- Reliable immigration law blogs
- Community forums like Trackitt
Still Waiting on Your IRS Refund? This 2025 Trick Reveals Exactly Where It Is
Applying for an H-1B in 2025? These Game-Changing Updates Could Affect Your Chances
IRS Natural Disaster Tips — Check How To Protect Your Important Records
FAQs about Visa Backlogs Shift Again
Why hasn’t my green card moved in years?
Because of high demand and strict annual limits. Applicants from countries with heavy demand, like India and China, face much longer queues.
Can I work in the U.S. while waiting for my green card?
Yes, if you hold a valid work visa (e.g., H-1B, L-1) or have a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
What does “Current” mean in the Visa Bulletin?
It means there is no backlog. If your priority date is current, you can file your green card application or receive approval.
How often is the Visa Bulletin updated?
It is updated monthly, usually around the middle of each month, by the Department of State.
Can I change categories to speed up my green card?
In some cases, yes. For example, an EB-3 to EB-2 upgrade is possible. Speak to an immigration attorney to explore your options.
