The **Visa Bulletin** for February 2025 has just been released, bringing crucial updates for individuals waiting to secure a green card. Let’s dive into the key changes and what they mean for applicants.
#### **Family-Sponsored Preferences**
- **F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens):** No significant changes. The dates remain static for most countries, with a slight forward movement in a few areas.
- **F2A (Spouses and Children of U.S. Permanent Residents):** This category remains current for most countries, meaning there’s no wait for applicants.
- **F2B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Permanent Residents):** Slight forward movement for some countries, but overall, there’s little change.
- **F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens):** The movement is minimal, with some regions seeing slight progress.
- **F4 (Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens):** No major shifts in this category, but the wait continues to be long for applicants from countries like Mexico and the Philippines.
#### **Employment-Based Preferences**
- **EB-1 (Priority Workers):** Continues to remain current for most applicants.
- **EB-2 (Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability):** Some countries, including India and China, still experience a backlog in this category.
- **EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers):** No drastic changes for most countries, but India continues to experience significant delays.
- **EB-5 (Investor Immigrants):** This category has become current for all countries, making it an attractive option for investors.
#### **What Does This Mean for You?**
If you're navigating the green card process, the February 2025 Visa Bulletin provides a glimpse into when you can expect your priority date to become current. For many applicants, especially those from high-demand countries, patience remains key. However, the movement in certain categories signals hopeful progress for some.
#### **Key Takeaways:**
1. **EB-5 investors** have a golden opportunity with current availability.
2. **F2A category remains current**, ensuring swift processing for immediate family members of U.S. permanent residents.
3. Backlogs persist for **India and China** in the **EB-2** and **EB-3** categories.
Stay tuned for updates, and consult an immigration attorney to better understand your options based on this Visa Bulletin.