26 November 2025
The December 2025 Visa Bulletin brings crucial, albeit modest, forward movement in several key Employment-Based (EB) categories, signaling an open window for strategic filings. We also welcome the highly anticipated extension of the Religious Worker (SR) program through January 30, 2026.
At VKM Law Group, we believe in providing our clients with a proactive strategy. The time for qualified applicants to prepare and file is now to capitalize on these advances before visa demand shifts the dates again in the new year.
Employment-Based Preferences: Final Action Dates
The most promising movement is seen in the high-demand, high-skilled categories. This is a clear indicator for applicants to begin preparing their Adjustment of Status (AOS) or Immigrant Visa applications immediately.
| Category | Country | New Final Action Date | Movement (From Nov. 2025) | VKM Strategic Takeaway |
| EB-1 | India | March 15, 2022 | +1 Month (Slight Advance) | Focus on I-485 filing for those qualifying under the new date. |
| China | January 22, 2023 | +1 Month (Steady Advance) | Continued, healthy movement. File without delay. | |
| EB-2 | India | May 15, 2013 | +1.5 Months (Significant Advance) | A strong push forward. Consult with us immediately if your Priority Date is met. |
| China | June 1, 2021 | +2 Months (Significant Advance) | Good movement creates a limited-time opportunity for filing. | |
| All Others | February 1, 2024 | +2 Months (Strong Advance) | New worldwide date allows a larger pool of applicants to proceed. | |
| EB-3 | India | September 22, 2013 | +1 Month (Modest Advance) | Slight relief, but EB-2 India saw more substantial movement. |
| China | April 1, 2021 | +1 Month (Modest Advance) | Consistent small moves are better than stagnation. | |
| EB-5 (Unreserved) | India | July 1, 2021 | +5 Months (Major Advance) | Critical opportunity. This is a substantial jump for India EB-5 applicants. |
| China | July 15, 2016 | +7 Months (Major Advance) | The biggest movement in months for China EB-5. Act Immediately. | |
| EB-4 / SR | All Countries | September 1, 2020 | +2 Months (Solid Advance) | The Religious Worker program is officially extended through Jan 30, 2026. |
Family-Based Preferences: Final Action Dates
Most Family-Based categories remain stable, with minor movements for certain chargeability areas. While progress is slow, it is steady, particularly for our clients in Mexico and the Philippines.
| Category | Country | New Final Action Date | Movement (From Nov. 2025) |
| F1 | Mexico | March 1, 2006 | +3 Months |
| F2A | All Countries | February 1, 2024 | No Change |
| F2B | Mexico | May 15, 2008 | +5 Months |
| Philippines | October 8, 2012 | +1 Week | |
| F3 | Philippines | November 1, 2004 | +1 Week |
| F4 | Philippines | July 15, 2006 | +4 Months |
VKM Law Group: Key Strategic Takeaways
The December bulletin confirms a healthy start to the new quarter for employment-based immigration. For our clients, this means a clear, actionable strategy is required:
- Act on EB-2 & EB-5: The major forward movement in EB-2 (worldwide, China, India) and EB-5 (China, India) creates a limited window of opportunity. If your Priority Date is now current, you must initiate the final filing process to secure a visa number before the demand surge consumes these slots.
- SR Program is Secured (For Now): The extension of the Religious Worker (SR) category is welcome news. We are aggressively preparing filings for all qualified clients to take advantage of the current cut-off date of September 1, 2020, before the legislative deadline in January 2026.
- The Family Backlog Requires Innovation: Given the persistent, slow movement in Family-Based preferences, VKM Law Group continues to explore innovative legal avenues, such as alternative EB pathways or CSPA strategies, to expedite your case.
FAQ: Your Critical Questions Answered
Q1: What is the most critical update in the December 2025 Visa Bulletin?
The most critical updates are the significant forward movement in EB-2 and EB-5 categories for high-demand countries (China and India), and the extension of the Religious Worker (SR) program through January 30, 2026.
Q2: My Priority Date for EB-2 India is now current. What should I do immediately?
Contact VKM Law Group immediately. We must verify your eligibility and move to file your Adjustment of Status (I-485) application as quickly as possible. Every day matters in a priority date queue.
Q3: Is the Religious Worker (SR) extension permanent?
No. The extension is only through January 30, 2026. This is a short-term fix, not a permanent solution. Qualified applicants must file promptly.
Q4: Will VKM Law Group be using the Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing this month?
The USCIS will dictate which chart to use for Adjustment of Status filings. As always, VKM Law Group will utilize the most advantageous chart permitted by USCIS to benefit our clients. We will confirm the USCIS decision as soon as it is released.