The Visa Bulletin dictates when immigrant visa applicants can take the final steps towards obtaining their Green Cards, based on their priority date and preference category. As we approach the release of the June 2025 Visa Bulletin, understanding potential movements in immigration priority dates USA is paramount for effective planning.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin: Your Roadmap to a Green Card

The Visa Bulletin essentially manages the flow of immigrant visas, ensuring that the annual limits set by Congress are not exceeded. It displays cut-off dates for various preference categories, indicating the earliest priority date for which an applicant can be considered for final action (i.e., an interview or adjustment of status). Movement in these cut-off dates can be forward, backward, or remain stagnant, depending on the demand and available visa numbers. For those waiting, understanding these trends is vital for anticipating when their case might become current.

June 2025 Visa Bulletin Predictions

Predicting the exact movement of priority dates is not an exact science, as it depends on numerous factors including USCIS processing speeds, applicant demand, and administrative adjustments. However, based on recent trends and historical data, here are some potential predictions for the key preference categories in the June 2025 Visa Bulletin:

Family-Based Preferences:

• FB-1 (Unmarried Adult Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens): We may see modest forward movement in this category, potentially a few weeks to a month, particularly for heavily backlogged countries.
• FB-2A (Spouses and Children of Lawful Permanent Residents): This category often sees more consistent forward movement. Expect a likely progression, possibly in the range of one to two months across most countries.
• FB-2B (Unmarried Adult Sons and Daughters of Lawful Permanent Residents): Movement in this category tends to be slower and more variable. Depending on the specific country, we might see limited forward progress or potentially stagnant dates.
• FB-3 (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens): This category typically experiences moderate forward movement, though it can vary significantly by country. A progression of a few weeks to a month is possible.
• FB-4 (Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens): This is often the most backlogged category, with lengthy waiting times, particularly for certain countries. Expect minimal forward movement, if any.

Employment-Based Preferences:

• EB-1 (Priority Workers): This category is generally considered “current” for most countries. However, we will be watching for any potential retrogression for specific countries with high demand.
• EB-2 (Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability): Movement in EB-2 can vary significantly by country of chargeability. We might see continued forward progress for most countries, potentially a few weeks to a month. India and China typically face longer backlogs, and any movement here will be closely watched.
• EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers): Similar to EB-2, movement in EB-3 depends heavily on the country of chargeability. We anticipate some forward progression for most countries, but likely slower than EB-2. The “Other Workers” sub-category often has a significant backlog.
• EB-5 (Immigrant Investors): With the recent reforms and reserved visa categories for certain TEA investments, the movement in EB-5 can be complex. We will be analyzing potential progress in the set-aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) as well as the unreserved categories.

Important Note: These are predictions based on current trends and past Visa Bulletin movements. The actual movement in the June 2025 Visa Bulletin could be different. The official Visa Bulletin, released by the U.S. Department of State, is the definitive source of information. You can find it on the Department of State’s website.

Actionable Strategies Based on Visa Bulletin Predictions:

Understanding these potential movements allows applicants to take proactive steps:

1. Monitor the Official Visa Bulletin: The most crucial step is to regularly check the official Visa Bulletin on the Department of State website as soon as it is released each month.
2. Know Your Priority Date and Category: Ensure you know your priority date (the date your petition was properly filed with USCIS) and the correct preference category for your case.
3. Gather Required Documents: If your priority date is nearing the predicted cut-off date for your category and country, now is the time to gather all necessary supporting documents for your immigrant visa application or Adjustment of Status (Form I-485). This includes civil documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.), financial documentation, and any other required forms.
4. Consult with Your Attorney: If your priority date is expected to become current soon, schedule a consultation with your immigration attorney to review your case, ensure all your documentation is in order, and discuss the next steps in the process, whether it’s filing your I-485 or preparing for your consular interview.
5. Stay Informed About USCIS Processing Times: While the Visa Bulletin indicates when you can take final action, USCIS processing times for the I-485 (if you are adjusting status within the U.S.) can vary. Monitor USCIS processing times for your local field office.
6. Prepare for the National Visa Center (NVC) Stage (for Consular Processing): If you are processing your immigrant visa abroad, be prepared for the National Visa Center (NVC) stage once your priority date becomes current. This involves submitting required forms and financial documentation to the NVC.

Looking Ahead: Staying Informed is Key

Navigating the Visa Bulletin requires patience and a proactive approach. By understanding the potential movements in the June 2025 Visa Bulletin and implementing these strategic steps, applicants can be better prepared to move forward in their immigration journey. Remember to always rely on the official Visa Bulletin for the most accurate information and consult with an experienced immigration attorney to discuss your specific case and develop a personalized strategy.

The team at LForLaw is dedicated to providing you with the latest updates and expert guidance on all aspects of U.S. immigration. We closely monitor the Visa Bulletin and can help you understand how it impacts your case and what steps you should take next. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your immigration needs.