DOS Publishes June 2025 Visa Bulletin with Key Priority Date Updates

The Department of State (DOS) has posted the June 2025 Visa Bulletin, a critical resource for individuals pursuing immigrant visas. It is also important for those already in the United States seeking to adjust their status. This monthly publication offers vital updates on several key areas, including Final Action Dates, Dates for Filing, the Diversity Visa program, and Special Immigrant Visas. The distinction between the two primary charts—Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing—is crucial for applicants to understand. The Dates for Filing chart, on the other hand, allows certain applicants to file their Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. They can file sooner than their visa number becomes available for final approval.

In tandem with the DOS bulletin, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced its policy for adjustment of status filings for June 2025. This guidance is essential as it dictates which of the two charts applicants must follow to determine their eligibility to file. For the month of June, USCIS has specified that all family-sponsored applicants must use the Dates for Filing chart. This policy allows a broader range of family-based applicants to submit their applications earlier. As a result, it potentially reduces processing times and enables them to obtain work authorization and travel documents sooner. Conversely, employment-based applicants must use the more restrictive Final Action Dates chart. This means that for most employment-based categories, an applicant can only file their Form I-485 if their priority date is already current on the Final Action Dates chart. This signifies that a visa number is immediately available.

This bifurcated approach reflects a strategic decision by USCIS and DOS to manage the high demand for immigrant visas. They strive to balance different priorities. The use of the Dates for Filing chart for family-based cases helps to alleviate backlogs and provide relief to families waiting to reunite. The decision to use the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based cases, however, indicates a more conservative approach. This ensures that visa numbers are available at the time of filing. Consequently, it streamlines the final approval process for employment-based petitions. Applicants should also consult the specific country-by-country breakdowns within the bulletin. Priority dates can differ significantly based on an applicant’s country of chargeability and visa preference category.