US November Visa Bulletin Advances Green Card Cut-Off Dates

Employment-Based Categories Make Selected Gains

The EB-2 category, covering advanced-degree professionals and people of exceptional ability, sees its Final Action Date advance three months to 1st April 2025 for most countries, including Mexico and the Philippines. However, China remain at 1st October 2021 and India at 1st November 2013.

For EB-3 skilled workers and professionals, the cut-off moves forward one month to 15th June 2024 for most countries and Mexico. China advances two weeks to 22nd January 2022, while India moves three weeks to 22nd January 2014. The Philippines remains at 15th August 2023.

The largest employment-based advance is in EB-3 Other Workers, where the Final Action Date moves five months to 1st June 2022 for most countries and Mexico. China’s EB-1 cut-off also advances one month to 1st August 2023, while India’s EB-1 date remains unchanged.

It is important to note that a five-month advance in an approval cut-off does not mean processing will be five months quicker.

Family-Sponsored Categories Also Move Forward

Several family-sponsored Final Action Dates advance by around a year. For most countries, F1 moves to 22nd January 2021, F2B to 22nd August 2020 and F3 to 22nd October 2015. F4 advances to 22nd October 2012 for most countries including China, although India’s date remains unchanged.

F2A, covering spouses and eligible children of permanent residents, advances one month to 22nd October 2026 for most countries. While Mexico has a separate cut-off of 22nd April 2026.

Why Approval Dates and Filing Dates Matter

The bulletin contains two separate charts. Final Action Dates govern when a visa number can be allocated for final approval. Dates for Filing indicate when applicants may begin submitting the relevant application or documentation, subject to the rules for their application route.

Applicants generally need a priority date earlier than the relevant cut-off. A category marked ‘current’ has no priority-date backlog, but applicants must still meet all other requirements. Country allocation is usually based on place of birth rather than nationality or residence.

What Should Applicants Do Next?

The first step is to confirm the preference category, country of chargeability and priority date. It is the bulletin’s cut-off date that advances, not the applicant’s own priority date. If the new cut-off is still earlier than or equal to their priority date, applicants should continue checking the bulletin each month and prepare the documents their application will require.

For those applying from inside the US, a priority date earlier than the applicable cut-off, or a category marked ‘current’, means they should check that they meet the other adjustment-of-status requirements and prepare Form I-485 with the required evidence and fees. An advance in the Final Action Date alone does not necessarily open a filing opportunity, so applicants should verify USCIS’s monthly instructions before submitting.

Where Form I-485 has already been submitted, becoming eligible for final approval is not the same as receiving an approval. If the Final Action Date moves beyond the applicant’s priority date, a visa number may become available, but USCIS must still complete its review and all other requirements must be met. Those awaiting a decision should monitor their case and respond to any requests for evidence rather than assume the date movement guarantees an immediate decision.

For consular processing outside the US, the next steps are governed by National Visa Center (NVC) instructions rather than USCIS’s adjustment-of-status filing-chart selection. When NVC opens their case for processing, applicants should pay the requested fees and submit the required application and supporting documents. Those whose cases are already documentarily complete should monitor NVC messages: an interview depends on visa availability and appointment capacity, so an advancing cut-off does not guarantee an immediate interview.

Any employers supporting Green Card cases should review document readiness and immigration timelines with the applicant so they can respond quickly if a filing opportunity opens.

Other News: Microsoft Given Green Card Suspension

The tech firm Microsoft has been suspended from applying for permanent residency for its workers currently employed via the H-1B visa pathway.

US vice-president JD Vance accused the company of failing to recruit US-based employees and opting for cheaper overseas workers.

“Our message to Microsoft is, you’re a great American company, but you’ve got to hire great American workers,” said Mr Vance.

“You cannot lay off American workers and then replace them with foreign indentured servants.“

Read our advice on how to avoid a Green Card suspension and ensure you remain compliant with US immigration law.

How Can IAS Help?

If you are considering a US employment-based or family-sponsored Green Card, IAS can help you understand your options and the requirements relevant to your circumstances.

We can explain how priority dates relate to your immigration plans and help identify the questions you should resolve before proceeding with an application.

For expert advice on the next steps, contact IAS today on +1 844 312 4979 to speak with an experienced immigration lawyer.