The visa bulletin December 2025 release brings another round of important updates for individuals and families navigating the U.S. immigration system. This latest bulletin outlines cut-off dates for both family-sponsored and employment-based applications, sets expectations for the months ahead, and confirms which applicants are eligible to file during December. With high demand across several categories, this update is essential reading for anyone tracking priority dates or planning their next steps toward permanent residency.
The bulletin uses the Dates for Filing chart for both major categories this month. For thousands of applicants already waiting for their chance to move forward, this detail helps determine whether their paperwork can be submitted, reviewed, or placed in line for final action.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Structure of the Visa Bulletin
Every month, the bulletin defines two primary sets of cut-off dates:
- Final Action Dates determine when visas can actually be issued.
- Dates for Filing determine when applicants may submit their initial documents for review.
December’s update confirms that the filing chart is the operative chart for both family-based and employment-based categories. This allows many applicants to begin or continue the process even if a visa number is not yet immediately available.
The bulletin does not reset every month; instead, it moves incrementally based on demand, long-standing backlogs, and annual visa limits. Some categories progress slowly, while others may remain at the same date for extended periods. Because of these differences, the December update is an essential checkpoint for U.S.-bound applicants.
Family-Sponsored Categories: December 2025 Movement
Family-sponsored immigration categories continue to reflect some of the longest queues in the system. December 2025 shows modest progress in a few categories and steady positions in others. While movement may appear slow, even minor shifts give families a clearer outlook on how soon they may take action.
F1 – Unmarried Adult Children of U.S. Citizens
The F1 category continues to reflect earlier priority dates from past years. Most countries remain around late 2016 under the final action chart. Because the filing chart is in effect, applicants whose priority dates fall within that earlier time frame have the opportunity to prepare and submit essential materials.
F2A – Spouses and Children Under 21 of Permanent Residents
The F2A category remains one of the more favorable positions within the family-based group, with dates standing in early 2024 under final action. Under the filing chart, several applicants with later priority dates may still be eligible to submit applications in December, which provides meaningful relief for families working to unite under lawful permanent status.
F2B – Unmarried Adult Children of Permanent Residents
F2B continues to rest around late 2016 for final action and moves slightly further on the filing chart. As demand remains consistent from many regions, applicants in this category benefit from the ability to file earlier even if their final approval remains pending for an extended period.
F3 – Married Children of U.S. Citizens
The F3 category reflects one of the longest backlogs, holding near late 2011 under action dates. This category carries particularly heavy demand from multiple countries, creating long lines that can span well over a decade. Filing eligibility offers some relief, allowing U.S. citizens to move forward with paperwork even when final issuance remains far off.
F4 – Siblings of Adult U.S. Citizens
F4 continues to sit in early 2008 for many chargeability areas, making it one of the slowest-moving family categories. Many applicants wait more than a decade for movement. Despite these delays, the filing chart enables families to begin the process earlier and access interim benefits such as work authorization once their applications are accepted and processed within the system.
Employment-Based Categories: December 2025 Performance
Employment-based categories show a mixture of gradual progress and steady positions for December. Because demand across the employment spectrum fluctuates and visa numbers are capped annually, the movement across categories varies significantly.
EB-1 – Priority Workers
EB-1 continues to remain current for most countries, meaning eligible applicants may apply without a cut-off.
For countries with heavy demand:
- India advances into early 2022.
- China moves into early 2023.
These advancements create opportunities for professionals with extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, and multinational executives who have waited for movement to progress.
EB-2 – Advanced Degree Holders and Exceptional Ability Workers
The EB-2 category shows steady forward momentum:
- India moves into mid-2013.
- China enters mid-2021.
- All other countries shift toward early 2024.
Because EB-2 historically carries heavy demand, these movements help create a clearer path for those who have held priority dates for many years.
EB-3 – Skilled Workers and Professionals
EB-3 continues to be split by region:
- India reaches late 2013.
- China moves into early 2021.
- Other chargeability areas stand around spring 2023.
This category frequently experiences fluctuations because demand is high and applicants often shift between EB-2 and EB-3 depending on processing times. Despite these movements, the December filing chart provides additional flexibility for applicants hoping to initiate their case or respond to National Visa Center requests.
EB-4 – Special Immigrants
The EB-4 category advances to late 2020.
This category includes a diverse group of applicants, and demand varies by region. December continues to reflect steady movement and confirms the continuation of certain classifications, allowing applicants to proceed without interruption.
EB-5 – Immigrant Investors
EB-5 updates remain stable and show the following:
- India progresses to mid-2021 in the unreserved category.
- China moves into mid-2016 for unreserved filings.
- All other countries remain current.
The EB-5 program continues to be one of the most strategic pathways for investors seeking permanent residency, and these steady advancements help define expectations as the new year approaches.
Why the Filing Chart Matters So Much This Month
For December 2025, the filing chart plays the most important role in determining applicant eligibility. This allows individuals to gather and submit documents even if visas cannot yet be approved. Filing earlier offers several meaningful benefits:
- Eligibility for work authorization
- Eligibility for travel permission
- Ability to start the adjustment process sooner
- Earlier placement in the queue for review
- More predictable planning for families and employers
Because the December bulletin confirms the use of the filing chart for both major categories, many applicants gain access to a critical window that may not remain open in future months. This is especially true for those from high-demand regions where cut-off dates frequently shift or retrogress.
Long Wait Times Continue for Oversubscribed Regions
Many categories remain heavily impacted by demand. Applicants from India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines often face long delays due to statutory limits and high submission volume. Even with slight advancements, December 2025 continues to reflect these long-term challenges.
High backlogs stem from:
- Annual country caps
- Consistent demand in family-based categories
- Strong global interest in employment-based programs
- Limited annual visa allocations
While movement exists, the system remains strained by demand that exceeds available visas. Still, December’s update provides clarity and stability during a time of year when applicants often anticipate fluctuations.
What Applicants Should Focus on in December
Applicants impacted by the visa bulletin December 2025 should take several key steps to prepare for the weeks ahead. Even if final action dates remain out of reach, the filing chart opens a window to move forward constructively.
1. Check Eligibility Under the Filing Chart
Review your priority date and compare it to the December filing chart. If your date is current for your category and region, you may be eligible to submit essential paperwork regardless of whether your visa number is ready for final issuance.
2. Prepare Adjustment Documentation
Applicants preparing to file should organize the following:
- Civil documents
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Passport copies
- Court and police certificates when applicable
- Medical examination results (or schedule the exam per current guidelines)
Having documents ready before your priority date becomes current helps prevent delays.
3. Ensure Employer Filings Are Complete
For employment-based applicants:
- Confirm that labor certification details are accurate.
- Ensure that I-140 documentation is timely and complete.
- Review job descriptions, prevailing wage determinations, and supplemental paperwork.
4. Stay Updated Monthly
Each monthly bulletin influences the next. Applicants should continue tracking movement, especially those whose dates are close to the cut-off.
5. Prepare for Possible Changes in 2026
As the immigration system adjusts throughout the new fiscal year, categories may shift forward or backward. December’s data provides a realistic view of where movement is trending.
Looking Ahead: What This Month Says About Future Movement
December 2025 delivers slow but forward momentum across many employment-based categories and offers a stable snapshot of family-based progress. While major shifts remain limited, the use of the filing chart continues to be the most valuable element of this month’s bulletin.
January and February will reveal whether this trend continues. Historically, early fiscal-year bulletins produce more movement, while mid-year updates often reflect stabilization. Applicants should remain ready to respond to movement when it occurs and use the December window to their advantage.
Final Thoughts
The visa bulletin December 2025 provides meaningful updates as the year concludes. With new cut-off dates, modest advancements, and clear instructions on filing eligibility, applicants gain the guidance they need to move forward confidently. Whether applying through a family category or an employment category, this month’s bulletin offers structure, visibility, and important opportunities for action.
If this update affects your immigration plans or helps clarify your next steps, feel free to share your thoughts or experiences below—we’d love to hear from you.