If you’re aiming to become a U.S. permanent resident through a family-sponsored or employment-based preference visa, July 2025 marks a crucial checkpoint. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—in sync with the Department of State (DOS)—has released the new Visa Bulletin showing exactly when you can file your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
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Here’s everything you need to know, whether you’ve just had your petition approved or you’re waiting for that magical moment when your priority date becomes current.
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What Is Adjustment of Status (AOS) and Why Does It Matter?
Adjustment of Status (AOS) allows certain individuals already in the U.S. to transition from a temporary visa or legal presence to lawful permanent residency—a.k.a. a Green Card—without having to return to their home country.
If you already have a petition filed or approved on your behalf—whether it’s from an employer or a family member—you’ll need to wait for an immigrant visa to become available in your category before filing Form I-485.
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That’s where the Visa Bulletin comes in.
July 2025 Visa Bulletin: Know When to File?
Two (02) Charts You Must Understand:
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- Final Action Dates – When USCIS may actually issue the Green Card.
- Dates for Filing Applications – The earliest you can file Form I-485 even if the Green Card won’t be issued immediately.
For July 2025, USCIS is using the “Dates for Filing” chart for family-sponsored cases, and the “Final Action Dates” chart for employment-based categories.
How to Use the Charts?
- Find Your Visa Type in either the Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based chart.
- Locate Your Country of Birth in the column headings.
- If your priority date is earlier than the listed date—or if it says “C” (Current)—you’re eligible to file Form I-485 now!
- If it says “U” (Unauthorized), no visas are available in that category this month.
Your priority date = the date USCIS/DOL received your petition or labor certification.
July 2025 Filing Dates Snapshot
Below is a breakdown of the most recent USCIS-approved filing dates across major countries of origin. If your priority date is earlier than the one listed—or marked “C” for current—you’re eligible to file now in July 2025 onwards:
| Category | Most Countries | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| F1 | 01 SEP 2017 | 01 SEP 2017 | 01 SEP 2017 | 01 JUN 2006 | 22 APR 2015 |
| F2A | 01 MAR 2025 (CURRENT) for All | ||||
| F2B | 01 JAN 2017 | 01 JAN 2017 | 01 JAN 2017 | 01 APR 2008 | 01 OCT 2013 |
| F3 | 22 JUL 2012 | 15 JUN 2001 (Mexico) | 01 DEC 2004 (Philippines) | ||
| F4 | 08 SEP 2008 | 01 DEC 2006 (India) | 30 APR 2001 (Mexico) | 01 JAN 2008 (Philippines) |
Hot Tip: F2A remains current for everyone! Now’s your chance to act fast!
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Employment-Based (Final Action Dates)
For employment-based green card applicants, Final Action Dates indicate when USCIS may actually approve and issue your permanent resident status. If your priority date is earlier than the date listed below—or if it shows “Current” (C)—your Green Card can now be finalized:
| Category | Most Countries | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| EB-1 | Current for all except China (15 NOV 2022) and India (15 FEB 2022) | ||||
| EB-2 | 15 OCT 2023 | 15 DEC 2020 | 01 JAN 2013 | ||
| EB-3 | 01 APR 2023 | 01 DEC 2020 | 22 APR 2013 | ||
| Other Workers | 08 JUL 2021 | 01 MAY 2017 | 22 APR 2013 | ||
| EB-4 & Religious Workers | UNAVAILABLE for all | ||||
| EB-5 Unreserved | Current for most except China (22 JAN 2014) and India (01 MAY 2019) | ||||
| EB-5 Set-Aside (Rural/High Unemployment/Infrastructure) | Current for All |
Why Two Charts in the Visa Bulletin?
Since a 2015 USCIS modernization push, the Visa Bulletin was reformed to include both:
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- Dates for Filing (early filing trigger)
- Final Action Dates (visa issuance trigger)
This dual-chart model ensures more predictability and maximum visa usage across fiscal years. By coordinating with DOS, USCIS can better gauge visa demand and cut-off movement each month—meaning less guesswork for applicants like you.
What Factors Affect Visa Availability?
USCIS decides visa availability using:
- DOS data on documentarily qualified applications
- Pending Form I-485 cases in the queue
- Historical fallout (e.g., denials, withdrawals)
So, if there’s a surge in eligible applicants or a backlog in adjudications, dates may retrogress or stall. Stay sharp, and keep checking the Visa Bulletin monthly!
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New Applicant Action Plan
Step 1: Check your priority date (from your petition or labor certification).
Step 2: Match it with the relevant chart above.
Step 3: If your date is earlier than the one listed (or “C”), prepare and file your I-485!
Step 4: Gather your documents, complete the medical exam, and submit your application to USCIS.
Step 5: Monitor any updates next month—cut-off dates change monthly.
References
DATE . JUN/11/2025