The December 2025 Visa Bulletin has been released, bringing mixed news for families waiting to reunite with their loved ones in the United States. If you have a pending family-based petition or are considering filing one, these updates directly affect when you might receive your immigrant visa or green card.
What's New in the December 2025 Visa Bulletin
The State Department's monthly Visa Bulletin determines when immigrant visa applicants can take the final steps in their immigration process. This bulletin shows the "Final Action Dates" - essentially, the cutoff dates for when cases can be processed for each category and country.
For family-sponsored cases, the bulletin shows that most categories remain heavily backlogged, particularly for applicants from India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines due to per-country limits that cap how many visas each country can receive annually.
Priority Date Movements for Family Categories
Here's what changed for the major family-sponsored categories:
- F1 (Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens): Dates remain at November 8, 2016 for most countries, with significant backlogs for Philippines (January 22, 2013) and Mexico (March 1, 2006)
- F2A (Spouses and minor children of permanent residents): Current at February 1, 2024 for most countries, with Mexico having a shorter wait at February 1, 2023
- F2B (Unmarried adult children of permanent residents): Stuck at December 1, 2016 for most countries, with much longer waits for Mexico and Philippines
- F3 (Married children of U.S. citizens): September 8, 2011 for most countries, with severe backlogs for Mexico (May 1, 2001) and Philippines (November 1, 2004)
- F4 (Siblings of U.S. citizens): January 8, 2008 for most countries, with the longest waits in this category
Special Considerations for Indian and Bangladeshi Families
Indian applicants will notice that their priority dates generally move with the "All Other Countries" category, which often provides some advantage over the heavily backlogged countries like Mexico and Philippines. However, the waits are still substantial - particularly for sibling petitions (F4 category) where families are looking at wait times of nearly two decades.
Bangladeshi applicants typically follow the "All Other Countries" dates as well, though individual cases may vary depending on specific circumstances.
Understanding the Two Charts
The Visa Bulletin contains two important charts:
- Final Action Dates: When you can actually receive your visa or green card
- Dates for Filing Applications: When you can submit initial paperwork (this chart was cut off in the provided text)
USCIS determines which chart adjustment of status applicants should use, and this can change monthly. Always check the USCIS website for current guidance on which dates to follow.
What You Should Do
If your priority date is approaching or has become current, you may want to consult with an immigration attorney to ensure you're prepared for the next steps. The process involves gathering extensive documentation, and timing is crucial.
If you're considering filing a family petition, remember that the earlier you file, the earlier your priority date will be established. These lengthy wait times make starting the process as soon as possible even more important.
For families with approved petitions, stay informed about monthly bulletin updates and ensure your contact information is current with the National Visa Center or USCIS.
The immigration process can be complex and emotionally challenging, especially when dealing with family separation over many years. At AKT LAW, LLC, we understand the unique challenges facing Bengali and Hindi-speaking families navigating the U.S. immigration system. Our team can help you understand how these bulletin updates affect your specific case and guide you through each step of the family-based immigration process.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and individual circumstances vary.
If you have questions about how this affects your case, contact AKT LAW, LLC at (781) 488-0315 or book a consultation at aktimmigration.com