September 2025 Visa Bulletin: EB-5 Reserved Pathway Remain Current, No New Movement in Unreserved
- Nathan Patel
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
At EB5-USA, we track every Visa Bulletin closely—not just for data, but for what it means to real investors. As the U.S. government closes out its fiscal year, the September 2025 Visa Bulletin brings forward visibility for EB-5 investors. While there was no forward movement in the unreserved EB-5 categories this month, all set-aside categories remain Current—offering one of the clearest and fastest paths to a U.S. green card. For those considering EB-5, the opportunity is wide open under Rural, High-Unemployment Area (HUA), and Infrastructure projects.
EB-5 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): November 15, 2019
China (Unreserved): December 8, 2015
Reserved categories (Rural, High-Unemployment, Infrastructure): Current for all countries
Why September Matters: End of the Fiscal Year
September is not just another visa bulletin—it is the final bulletin of the U.S. government’s fiscal year. The U.S. immigration system works on an October–September calendar, which means that each October, a fresh pool of visa numbers is released. For EB-5, that allocation is about 9,940 visas per year, with 32% reserved for Rural, High-Unemployment, and Infrastructure projects.
By September, nearly all of the fiscal year’s visas have been used. That explains why movement slows down or pauses entirely. The State Department takes a conservative approach to ensure it does not issue more green cards than allowed under the law.
But here’s the key: October brings a reset. When Fiscal Year 2026 begins on October 1, a new supply of EB-5 visas becomes available, and we often see movement in the Visa Bulletin as a result. For Indian and Chinese investors in particular, October can bring much-needed advancement as the new year’s visa numbers are allocated.
Dates for Filing
Source: US Department of State September Bulletin
Looking Ahead to October 2025
So, what should investors expect when the October 2025 Visa Bulletin is released?
New visa numbers mean fresh opportunities. India and China, currently facing long waits in the Unreserved category, could see forward movement as the State Department distributes the FY2026 allocation.
Reserved categories will remain Current. This makes them an ongoing strategic option for investors who want to avoid retrogression risk.
USCIS could adjust filing chart use. If USCIS allows the use of the dates for Filing chart in October, many more investors may become eligible to submit adjustment of status applications from within the U.S.
What This Means for Investors?
If you already have a pending EB-5 petition: expect stability, but no new relief in the unreserved queues.
If you’re considering EB-5: September–October is a strategic window. Preparing now means you can take advantage of October’s new visa supply and file early in the fiscal year—before backlogs grow.
Key Takeaways for Investors
September’s EB-5 Final Action Dates remain unchanged from August.
Reserved categories (Rural, HUA, Infrastructure) are still Current worldwide.
September marks the end of the fiscal year, meaning visa numbers are nearly exhausted.
October will bring a fresh supply of EB-5 visas, with potential for forward movement.
Families should prepare now to file early in FY2026 to secure their place in line.
Final Thoughts
At EB-5 USA, we view the Visa Bulletin as more than just numbers on a chart—it is a roadmap for families planning their futures in the United States. September’s stability is not the end of progress but the calm before October’s reset.
If you are considering the EB-5 program, now is the time to align your investment and paperwork so that you are ready to benefit from new visa availability in the coming fiscal year. Our team is here to help you navigate this process with confidence and clarity.
Because your green card shouldn’t take a lifetime.
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