October 2025 Visa Bulletin: Fresh Start with New Fiscal Year Brings Opportunity for EB-5 Investors
- Nathan Patel
- Sep 29
- 4 min read
At EB-5 USA, we track every Visa Bulletin closely—not just for numbers, but for what they mean for families planning their futures in the United States. With the start of Fiscal Year 2026, the October 2025 Visa Bulletin delivers a reset in visa numbers and fresh opportunities for EB-5 applicants, particularly those navigating the long backlogs in unreserved categories.
Final Action Date Movement
Here’s a snapshot of the Final Action Dates for EB-5 visas this month:
● All countries (except India and China): Current
● India (Unreserved): February 1, 2021
● China (Unreserved): December 8, 2015
● Reserved categories (Rural, High-Unemployment, Infrastructure): Current for all countries
The biggest takeaway: reserved EB-5 categories remain Current across the board, offering one of the most reliable and strategic paths to a U.S. Green Card. For investors from India and China, however, unreserved categories continue to face significant backlogs.
Forward movement for Pending EB-2 and EB-3 (India):
EB-2 Final Action Date Movement
● Month/Month: Advanced 3 months (January 2013 to April 2013)
● Trailing 12 Months: Advanced 9 months (July 2012 to April 2013) Dates for Filing and Adjustment of Status
EB-3 Final Action Date Movement
● Month/Month: Advanced 3 months (May 2013 to August 2013)
● Trailing 12 Months: Advanced 9 Months (November 2012 to August 2013)
Why October Matters: The Reset of Visa Numbers
October is not just another bulletin, it marks the beginning of Fiscal Year 2026. Each October, the U.S. immigration system releases a new supply of visa numbers:
● About 9,940 visas are allocated to EB-5 each year.
● 32% of those visas are set aside for Rural, High-Unemployment, and Infrastructure projects.
● The remaining 68% are unreserved, available to applicants worldwide but subject to per-country limits.
Because most of the prior year’s allocation is exhausted by September, backlogged categories tend to stagnate toward the end of the fiscal year. The October reset, however, provides a full pool of visas again—opening the possibility of forward movement, especially for backlogged countries.
Historically, the October–December period has been one of the most active times for visa bulletin advancement, particularly for Indian and Chinese investors who are otherwise stuck in multi-year queues.
Dates for Filing
The Dates for Filing chart remains unchanged from September. However, USCIS still decides each month whether applicants can use the Filing chart or the stricter Final Action chart for adjustment of status filings inside the U.S.
If USCIS authorizes the use of the Dates for Filing chart in October, many more EB-5 investors will become eligible to file for adjustment of status. This is significant because filing allows applicants (and their families) to obtain:
● Work permits (EAD cards)
● Advance parole (travel authorization)
● Temporary lawful presence in the U.S. while waiting
This means that even if a Green Card is not immediately available, investors can still secure tangible benefits while their case is pending.
Forward Dates for Filling movement for Pending EB-2 and EB-3 (India):
EB-2 Dates for Filling
● Month/Month: Advanced 10 months (February 2013 to December 2013)
● Trailing 12 Months: Advanced 11 months (January 2013 to December 2013)
EB-3 Dates for Filling
● Month/Month: Advanced 14 months (June 2013 to August 2014)
● Trailing 12 Months: Advanced 14 Months (June 2013 to August 2014)
What October Means for EB-5 Investors
For investors with pending EB-5 petitions:
● Expect stability in reserved categories.
● Those in unreserved backlogs may see limited advancement, but October ensures that a fresh supply of visas is now available.
For new investors considering EB-5:
● October is a strategic entry point. Filing early in the fiscal year increases the likelihood of faster processing and minimizes retrogression risk.
● Choosing a reserved category project is the clearest way to guarantee Current status and a faster path to the Green Card.
For Indian and Chinese investors:
The contrast between reserved and unreserved categories has never been clearer. Reserved categories remain the only way to avoid waiting years for a visa number.
Key Takeaways for October 2025
● A fresh supply of EB-5 visas is now available as FY2026 begins.
● Reserved categories remain Current, making them the most strategic path forward.
● India and China remain backlogged in unreserved categories, though modest movement may occur.
● Adjustment of status filings could expand if USCIS authorizes use of the Filing chart.
● Early preparation is critical—families who act at the start of the fiscal year are best positioned to secure visas before backlogs grow later in the year.
Final Thoughts
At EB-5 USA, we see the Visa Bulletin as more than a chart, it is a guidepost for families planning their futures. October is one of the most important months of the year because it resets the playing field for EB-5 investors. The choices you make now—whether to file in a reserved category, whether to align your paperwork early, whether to take advantage of adjustment of status benefits—can have a lasting impact on how quickly your family achieves permanent residency.
If you are considering EB-5, our team is here to help you navigate October’s opportunities and make strategic decisions that maximize your chances of success in Fiscal Year 2026.
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