October marks the start of the new fiscal year, which means employment-based visa numbers reset and fresh allocations open up. The October 2025 Visa Bulletin reflects forward movement across most EB categories, giving applicants in several backlogged lines some long-awaited relief. Perhaps the most notable update is the return of the EB-4 category, which had been listed as “unavailable” in September. This reopening signals renewed availability for applicants in that category, a much-anticipated development.

Final Action Dates: month-over-month changes vs. September

When we look at the Final Action Dates (FADs) October brought a mix of small advances and bigger shifts across the board. In the EB-1 category, China inched forward to December 22, 2022, while India held steady at February 15, 2022; the rest of the world remained current, meaning applicants can continue to move ahead without delay. 

The EB-2 category saw more meaningful progress: worldwide (including Mexico and the Philippines) advanced three months to December 1, 2023, China pushed forward to April 1, 2021 (up from December 2020), and India moved modestly to April 1, 2013.

For EB-3 professionals and skilled workers, the worldwide category stayed flat at April 1, 2023, but China advanced to March 1, 2021 and India crept forward to August 22, 2013. Within the EB-3 “Other Workers” subcategory, small but noticeable changes appeared: worldwide moved by a week to July 15, 2021, China jumped several months to December 1, 2017, while India held steady at August 22, 2013.

A particularly important update comes in EB-4, which reopened after being “unavailable” in September—now set at July 1, 2020 for all countries—though the Religious Workers subcategory remains unavailable pending congressional action.

Finally, the EB-5 unreserved category saw one of the most dramatic shifts, with India leaping forward more than a year to February 1, 2021, while China stayed at December 8, 2015 and all other countries remained current. 

Dates for Filing: where you can start your paperwork sooner

While Final Action Dates determine when a green card can be approved, the Dates for Filing (DFF) are equally important because they dictate when applicants can submit their paperwork and formally enter the queue. DFF opens the door to filing your Adjustment of Status (AOS) and potentially receiving work or travel authorization while you wait.

In October, several categories saw forward movement on the filing chart. For EB-1, China advanced significantly to May 15, 2023 (up from January 1, 2023), giving applicants with more recent priority dates the chance to file; India remained at April 15, 2023; and the rest of the world continues to be current, meaning applicants everywhere else can submit regardless of their priority date. 

The EB-2 category saw notable gains: worldwide, including Mexico and the Philippines, jumped forward eight months to July 15, 2024; China inched ahead to December 1, 2021; and India moved slightly to December 1, 2013, improving from its previous February 1, 2013 cutoff. In EB-3, filing dates also pushed forward, worldwide rose to July 1, 2023 (from May 1, 2023), China advanced to January 1, 2022 (from late 2020), and India saw welcome progress to August 15, 2014, compared to June 8, 2013 in September.

NOTE: inside the U.S., you can only use these DFF dates if USCIS decides to follow the filing chart for the month. USCIS makes that determination each month on its “When to File” page. For example, in September they required applicants to use the stricter Final Action Dates instead. Before submitting, always double-check which chart applies for October 2025, since it directly impacts whether you can move forward with your application this month.

What this means for you

October’s movement means different things depending on where you stand. If your priority date is now earlier than the Final Action Date for your category and country, your case can be approved as soon as the rest of your paperwork is ready. 

If your date falls before the Date for Filing, and USCIS allows that chart to be used in October, you may be able to submit your Adjustment of Status, gaining access to work and travel authorization while your green card is still pending. 

And you’re getting close to current, then it's wise to gather your civil documents, schedule your Form I-693 medical exam, and update employer letters so that you can act quickly the moment your date becomes eligible. USCIS has relied on Final Action Dates in recent months, but this can change, so always double-check which chart is in play before moving forward.

At Casium, we help you cut through this complexity by carefully reviewing your timeline, evidence, and eligibility. If you’re trying to evaluate your profile and understand where you stand in the pathway toward an employment-based visa, connect with us today for a free profile evaluation.