The U.S. Department of State has released the September 2025 Visa Bulletin, with no changes to any employment-based final action dates or dates for filing. While the numbers hold steady this month, the State Department has signaled that several employment-based categories might reach their annual limits before the fiscal year ends on September 30.
For EB-5 investors in the set-aside categories, all countries remain current. This means investors can still file without delay. However, the opportunity could close quickly if this year’s visa supply is used up before month’s end.
Where the Final Action Dates Stand- Year-End Visa Availability Could Change Fast
- EB-5 Set-Asides Still Offer the Most Certainty
- Other Key Insights
Don’t Wait to Secure Your Priority Date
Where the Final Action Dates Stand
The September chart shows no movement in any employment-based category.
On the other hand, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue using the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based adjustment of status filings. This means applicants can only submit if their priority date is earlier than the cut-off date for their category and country.
Year-End Visa Availability Could Change Fast
The State Department reports that demand for employment-based visas has been climbing steadily all year. With usage high at both USCIS and consular posts, many categories are expected to hit their annual limits in August or September.
If a category’s allocation runs out, it will immediately be listed as “unavailable” until the new fiscal year starts on October 1. Investors who wait risk being pushed back in line if this happens.
EB-5 Set-Asides Still Offer the Most Certainty
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 reserves 32% of annual EB-5 visas for:
- Rural projects – 20%
- High-unemployment area projects – 10%
- Infrastructure projects – 2%
These visas are issued ahead of unreserved EB-5 numbers and, right now, show no retrogression for any nationality. Rural projects also qualify for priority processing, meaning I-526E petitions in this category are being approved much faster than others.
Other Key Insights
The Dates for Filing chart is unchanged for September. For EB-5 unreserved visas, China remains at January 1, 2017, and India at December 1, 2020. All set-aside categories and all other countries remain current.
As for the employment-based visa limits for FY 2025, the worldwide limit is set at 150,037. This is lower than last year’s 160,791 and well below the record highs seen in FY 2022 and FY 2023. This smaller allocation means categories are more likely to max out before the fiscal year ends.
Don’t Wait to Secure Your Priority Date
Following the Visa Bulletin each month helps EB-5 investors time their filings effectively. In September, the EB-5 set-aside categories are still fully open, but the State Department’s warning makes it clear this favorable status may not last. Filing before September 30 can help lock in your place and avoid possible delays.
One of the most important factors in the EB-5 process is working with a reputable regional center. EB5AN has helped more than 2,700 families from 70+ countries become lawful permanent residents of the United States, with many of our investors transitioning from an employer-sponsored visa. Our team has more than a decade of experience, and we offer our clients first-rate, low-risk EB-5 regional center projects with a 100% USCIS project approval rate.
Schedule a free consultation with our expert team today to learn more about our available EB-5 projects and start your application while visa numbers are still available.
