Visa Bulletin – September 2025: What You Need to Know and Why It Matters Now

The U.S. Department of State has released the September 2025 Visa Bulletin.
At Versfeld & Hugo, we monitor these updates closely to guide our clients through every change and deadline in the U.S. immigration process.

Below, we highlight the most important movements compared to August 2025 and explain what they mean for you. These numbers aren’t just statistics — they represent real opportunities, challenges, and timelines for individuals and families planning their future in America.

Family-Based Categories: Minimal Movement in the Final Month of the Fiscal Year

September’s bulletin shows little change for family-based categories as the U.S. government approaches the close of Fiscal Year 2025. Backlogs remain consistent, and forward movement is limited.

• F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents) stays at September 1, 2022, for most regions (Final Action Date), with Mexico still operating under an earlier exempt date of February 1, 2022.

• F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens) holds at July 15, 2016.

• Mexico F3 (Married Sons and Daughters) remains stuck at February 1, 2001, underscoring ongoing regional backlogs.

💡 Versfeld & Hugo Insight: If you’re waiting in a family-preference category, the lack of movement underscores the need to have all documentation and requirements in order. When your date becomes current, you must be ready to act immediately.

Employment-Based Categories: Approaching Annual Limits

As the fiscal year closes on September 30, employment-based visa categories are facing increased demand and possible unavailability before month’s end.

• EB-2 (All Chargeability Areas Except Backlogged Countries) remains at September 1, 2023 (Final Action Date).

• India EB-2 holds at January 1, 2013.

• EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals) remains at April 1, 2023, for most countries.

• Other Workers hold at July 8, 2021, in most regions.

💡 Versfeld & Hugo Insight: The Department of State has signaled that most employment-based preference categories could hit their annual limits this month. If your priority date is current, act now – as we anticipate that the October Visa Bulletin will move forward due to the new fiscal year’s visa allocations.

Diversity Visa (DV): Final Push for DV-2025 Selectees

The cut-off numbers for DV-2025 remain the same as August, but this is the final month to secure your visa.

• Africa: 58,500 (with lower thresholds for Algeria, Egypt, and Morocco).

• Asia: 14,500 (with lower thresholds for Iran and Nepal).

• Europe: 23,000 (with specific country limits for Russia and Uzbekistan).

⚠️ Deadline Alert: Entitlement for DV-2025 visas ends September 30, 2025. Visas will not be issued beyond this date — and they could run out before month’s end.

💡 Versfeld & Hugo Insight: If you’re a DV-2025 winner, treat this as a “now or never” moment. We’ve helped many clients secure approvals in the final weeks — but delays at this stage can mean losing your chance entirely.

How to Determine Your Priority Date and Review the Department of State Visa Bulletin

The priority date is the date that the U.S. government uses to determine your place in line for a green card (lawful permanent residence) under the family-based or employment-based categories. Your green card application cannot be filed or approved until your priority date is current.

Family-based green card:
The priority date is the date USCIS receives your Form I-130 petition.

Employment-based green card:

• If a PERM labor certification is required, your priority date is when the Department of Labor receives the PERM application.

• If no PERM is required (e.g., EB-1), it’s the date USCIS receives your I-140 petition.

Example: If your priority date is March 1, 2021, and the Visa Bulletin shows a final action date of April 1, 2021, your priority date is current, and you can proceed with adjustment of status or consular processing.

Every month, the U.S. Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin, which includes:

• Final Action Dates – when a green card can actually be approved.

• Dates for Filing – when you can submit your Form I-485 or begin the visa process, even if the green card cannot be issued yet.

USCIS determines which chart to use each month:

• If Dates for Filing applies and your priority date is earlier than the listed date, you may file early.

• If Final Action Dates applies, you must wait until your date is current under that chart.

In Summary: Don’t Wait for the Clock to Run Out

With the fiscal year ending in just weeks, September’s Visa Bulletin emphasizes urgency:

• Family-based cases remain steady but slow-moving — readiness is your best advantage.

• Employment-based categories risk hitting their caps this month — if you can file, do it now.

• DV-2025 winners have days left to secure their visas — and no second chances.

At Versfeld & Hugo, we go beyond interpreting the Visa Bulletin — we turn it into actionable legal strategy, ensuring you never miss a window of opportunity.

📞 Call us: +1 816 891 8600
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: www.versfeldimmigration.com

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