August 2025 Visa Bulletin Brings EB-5 Movement for China and India
The August 2025 Visa Bulletin, released by the U.S. Department of State, offers welcome developments for EB-5 investors—especially those in the unreserved category from China and India. After a period of minimal movement in recent months, both countries have now seen forward progress in their final action dates.
China’s unreserved date moved forward by about two years, and India’s advanced by nearly seven months. These updates are a positive sign for investors waiting in line for Green Cards. Meanwhile, all reserved EB-5 categories—rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure—are still current for every country, continuing to offer the fastest and most straightforward path to a Green Card.
Employment-Based Visa Categories
The August 2025 bulletin reflects shifting trends across employment-based immigration categories. While EB-1 remains mostly current with the exception of China and India, EB-2 worldwide has experienced another retrogression. The final action date for EB-2 is now listed as September 1, 2023, and the State Department has issued a warning that visa numbers for this category could run out by the end of the fiscal year.
EB-3 continues to see slow progress. India’s EB-3 final action date inched forward by one month, now standing at September 15, 2012.
DOS has also indicated that visa numbers in the EB-3 and EB-5 categories may become unavailable if demand continues, especially as we approach the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2025.
EB-5 Final Action Dates
The most significant developments this month appear in the EB-5 unreserved category. China saw a notable advancement this month, with its final action date moving from October 1, 2013, to December 8, 2015. India also experienced forward movement, as its date shifted from May 1, 2019, to November 15, 2019. For all other countries, the unreserved category remains current.
All three reserved EB-5 categories also remain current for all countries. This means there are no visa backlogs yet in any of the set-aside categories, and investors can move forward without delay. These reserved categories continue to be the fastest options for investors seeking a smoother EB-5 process.
EB-5 Dates for Filing
There are no updates to the EB-5 Dates for Filing in August. These dates allow investors to start preparing for their Green Card application, even if their final action date hasn’t yet been reached.
August 2025 Filing Guidance from USCIS
For August, USCIS has announced that it will use the Final Action Dates chart for all employment-based categories, including EB-5. This means that EB-5 investors who are already in the U.S. and hoping to file Form I-485 for adjustment of status must wait until their country’s final action date is current—not just the date for filing.
What the Current Visa Availability Means for EB-5 Investors
The forward movement this month is encouraging, but it’s important to understand what’s behind the numbers. Although more investors from China and India are choosing EB-5 now—especially through set-aside categories—most of their I-526E petitions haven’t been approved yet. Visa availability in the bulletin only changes after USCIS approves petitions.
Since USCIS has been focusing on rural filings due to their priority processing status, we’re seeing faster movement and more approvals in that category. High-unemployment TEA projects, on the other hand, are still seeing slower processing times, which means backlogs haven’t shown up yet, but may do so once more approvals start coming through.
How Arcasia Advisors Supports EB-5 Applicants
Visa bulletin updates can shift quickly, and every investor’s situation is different. Whether you’re still considering your EB-5 options or you’re ready to file, our team at Arcasia Advisors, helmed by licensed U.S. immigration attorney Babak Hojjat, is here to help you make informed decisions.
For investors based abroad, working with experienced foreign EB-5 advisors is especially important—these professionals understand the nuances of consular processing and can guide you through local steps with clarity and care.
If you’re looking for trusted guidance throughout your EB-5 journey, contact our expert team today.
