EB-3 Category: China advances 1 month, with priority dates moving from June 1, 2020, to July 1, 2020. India advances 15 days, with priority dates moving from December 1, 2012, to December 15, 2012.
EB-5 Set-Asides: Remain “Current” for all countries, including China and India; qualifying investors in the U.S. can continue to file Adjustment of Status (Form I-485).
Unreserved EB-5 Visas (Pre-RIA Investors): No Major Changes for China and India.
Final Action Dates
Chart A outlines when actual visa numbers are available. Investors whose priority dates precede the dates listed in Chart A are eligible to have their visa issued or their status adjusted. The “Current” status in certain categories, including the EB-5 Set-Asides, indicates no backlog, allowing for the immediate issuance of immigrant visas upon I-526E approval.
| mployment- based | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | CHINA- mainland born | INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
| 1st | C | 08NOV22 | 01FEB22 | C | C |
| 2nd | 01APR23 | 22APR20 | 15OCT12 | 01APR23 | 01APR23 |
| 3rd | 01DEC22 | 01JUL20 | 15DEC12 | 01DEC22 | 01DEC22 |
| Other Workers | 08DEC20 | 01JAN17 | 15DEC12 | 08DEC20 | 08DEC20 |
| 4th | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 |
| Certain Religious Workers | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 |
| 5th Unreserved (including C5, T5, I5, R5, NU, RU) | C | 15JUL16 | 01JAN22 | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: Rural (20%, including NR, RR) | C | C | C | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: High Unemployment (10%, including NH, RH) | C | C | C | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: Infrastructure (2%, including RI) | C | C | C | C | C |
The Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Immigrant Visas in the January 2025 Visa Bulletin reflect the following:
In the February 2025 Visa Bulletin, the EB-3 category for India sees a forward movement of 15 days, advancing to December 15, 2012. China advances 1 month, moving forward to July 1, 2020. EB-5 Set-Asides remain “Current” for all countries, allowing investors to proceed with their applications without delays.
Dates for Filing
Chart B shows when investors can submit their visa or adjustment of status applications in advance of a visa number becoming officially available. For October 2024, Chart B shows the following:
Employment-Based
| Employment- based | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | CHINA- mainland born | INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
| 1st | C | 01JAN23 | 15APR22 | C | C |
| 2nd | 01AUG23 | 01OCT20 | 01JAN13 | 01AUG23 | 01AUG23 |
| 3rd | 01MAR23 | 15NOV20 | 08JUN13 | 01MAR23 | 01MAR23 |
| Other Workers | 22MAY21 | 01JAN18 | 08JUN13 | 22MAY21 | 22MAY21 |
| 4th | 01FEB21 | 01FEB21 | 01FEB21 | 01FEB21 | 01FEB21 |
| Certain Religious Workers | 01FEB21 | 01FEB21 | 01FEB21 | 01FEB21 | 01FEB21 |
| 5th Unreserved (including C5, T5, I5, R5) | C | 01OCT16 | 01APR22 | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: (Rural: NR, RR – 20%) | C | C | C | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: (High Unemployment: NH, RH – 10%) | C | C | C | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: (Infrastructure: RI – 2%) | C | C | C | C | C |
While the Visa Bulletin offers a snapshot of current visa availability, it does not predict future trends. Therefore, staying informed and seeking expert advice is critical for EB-5 investors who want to avoid delays and make the most of available opportunities.
