U.S. Visa Bulletin October 2025: News for Filipinos
October brings welcome news for many Filipino green-card hopefuls. The U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin advanced key employment-based categories for the Philippines, allowing more applicants to move forward with their immigration process.
Employment-Based Categories
EB-2 (Advanced Degree & Exceptional Ability)
For Mexico, the Philippines, and all other chargeability areas, the cut-off date moved forward to 8 months. This means Filipino professionals with priority dates at least eight months before October 1, 2025, can file Form I-485 or begin consular processing.
EB-3 (Skilled Workers & Professionals)
The EB-3 category for Mexico, the Philippines, and all other countries advanced by 2 months to a priority date of 2 months before October 1, 2025. Filipino nurses, caregivers, and other skilled workers whose PERM labor certifications were approved at least two months ago can now file their green-card applications.
EB-3 Other Workers
This subcategory saw a 4.5-month forward movement for the Philippines and all other areas. Applicants in this group whose priority dates fall on or before April 15, 2025, may file adjustment of status or apply at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
Family-Sponsored Categories
USCIS is using the Dates for Filing chart for family-based categories this month, meaning eligible petitioners can submit their adjustment applications earlier if their priority dates are current.
- F2A (Spouses & Children of Permanent Residents) is current for all countries, including the Philippines.
- F1, F2B, F3, and F4 all moved forward by several months, with the Philippines seeing particularly strong advances in F3 (married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens).
What This Means for Filipino Applicants
- File Now If Current
If your priority date is earlier than the October cut-off for your category, you can file Form I-485 with USCIS (if in the U.S.) or submit DS-260 and schedule your immigrant-visa interview in Manila. - Dependents Benefit Too
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can file alongside the principal applicant once the family- or employment-based date is current. - Prepare Your Documents
Ensure you have your I-140 approval, PERM certificate, civil documents, medical exam results, and proof of continuous lawful status ready. Accuracy and completeness help avoid delays. - Monitor Future Bulletins
Backlogs can advance, remain unchanged, or retrogress. Checking monthly updates keeps you ready to act as soon as your date becomes current again.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Consult an Attorney: Professional guidance prevents mistakes and helps you plan strategy.
- Organize Records: Keep digital and hard-copy folders of all immigration documents.
- Watch for USCIS Guidance: Confirm whether USCIS will use the Dates for Filing or Final Action Dates chart each month.
- Maintain Status: If you’re in the U.S. on a temporary visa, keep it valid until you secure permanent residency.
The October 2025 movement brings new opportunities for Filipino professionals, skilled workers, and family members. If your date is current, act quickly to file. Your path to a U.S. green card has just gotten shorter.
