US Visa Bulletin September 2025: Latest Key Updates & Insights

The September 2025 US Visa Bulletin has been released, and it has delivered crucial changes to everyone following the green card movement, more so to Indian applicants. The main key phrase, US Visa Bulletin September 2025, is not only the first in the discussion, but it also provides the foundation for the most recent events and upcoming obstacles in the green card process.

What Is the US Visa Bulletin for September 2025?

The Department of State promotes the Visa Bulletin each month, which informs green card applicants about when they become eligible to move to the next stage of their application. September 2025 will be the last month of the fiscal year, so there is relief and also anxiety in equal measure:

• Family-Based Categories: These remain accepting of new fillings on the basis of particular groups

• Employment-Based Categories: Are at risk of not having sufficient green cards left before the end of the year and incurring a temporary freeze

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Understanding “Dates for Filing” and “Final Action Dates”

Understanding how “Dates for Filing” and “Final Action Dates” work is key for anyone following the US Visa Bulletin September 2025. 

• Dates for Filing let applicants know the earliest day they can submit their application paperwork.

• Final Action Dates signal when approvals are processed, leading to actual green card issuance.

• Processing depends on the filing category, nationality, and available visa numbers.

Family-Sponsored Green Cards – Final Action Dates (India)

Understanding the Final Action Dates for family-sponsored green cards is essential for Indian applicants tracking their place in the visa queue. 

Family-Sponsored Green Cards – Dates for Filing (India)

Here’s a straightforward introduction line for the section on Family-Sponsored Green Cards – Dates for Filing (India):

Employment-Based Green Cards – Final Action Dates (India)

For Indian professionals seeking green cards through employment in the US, tracking the Final Action Dates is essential. 

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Top 5 Things to Remember for Indian Applicants in 2025

Here are the top five things Indian applicants should keep in mind right now to help navigate their green card journey with greater confidence and avoid missed opportunities.

• Spouse and child filings are open cases; spouses and children should file as soon as possible.

• Waiting lines advance in a few of the employment-based categories

• The freeze on employment-based green cards is possible until October

• Review Dates, Filings, and Final Action each month

• Country-wise restrictions mean countries such as India have queues that stretch.

Why Are the Limits So Strict?

Understanding why US green card limits are so strict helps explain many of the challenges applicants face—especially those from high-demand countries like India.

1. Each year, there’s a cap:

• Family-sponsored Preference Immigrants: 226,000 for fiscal 2025

• Per-country Limits: 7% of annual totals for both family and employment categories.

2. Spouses and children get the same status as the lead applicant.

3. Oversubscribed countries (India, China, Mexico, Philippines) face longer queues due to high demand.

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What to Do If Your Category Is Paused?

Here’s how to stay prepared and responsive if your category becomes unavailable, so you don’t miss your next opportunity to move forward in the process.

• If you can file now, do so as soon as possible.

• Prepare and collect all paperwork—missing the window could mean waiting at least until October.

• If your petition is pending, keep checking the official Visa Bulletin and USCIS updates.

Key Highlights of the September 2025 Bulletin

Here are the key highlights for US visa policy changes:

• The F2A category (Spouse and children of the green card holders) continues to allow families to apply to obtain green cards.

• The Filing Dates for F2A are up to date until June 1, 2025. This implies that now interested groups can file their adjustment of status petitions.

• The Final Action Date of F2A is September 1, 2022. Although you might apply, your actual approval will occur with the availability of visa numbers for your case.

• The US officials threaten to run out of available employment-based (EB) green cards by the end of September 2025.

• Should it happen, there will be no new filings/processing of green cards under employment-based categories until October 1, 2025, when new visa numbers are available under the new fiscal year.

• Large application volumes and constant processing have stretched these categories to their limit.

• In case of completion of the freeze threshold just on an employment basis, all the applicants will have to wait till October 1, 2025, to further the processing of their application or case.

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Conclusion

The US Visa Bulletin for September 2025 signals both hope and uncertainty for applicants, especially Indian families and workers. As employment-based green cards approach the fiscal limit, prompt action and careful tracking of dates are essential. Always use the latest bulletin and official resources to make informed decisions. Check the latest updates directly on the US Department of State’s official Visa Bulletin website to track green card progress and filing opportunities. If you’d like to stay updated on US visa policy changes and see how these updates could affect your green card prospects, visit TerraTern for expert insights, real-time news, and tools to help you understand each shift in immigration regulations.