The November 2025 Visa Bulletin has been released by the U.S. Department of State, and this month’s message is clear: steady but stalled. After the strong jump we saw in October, the EB-5 Unreserved (India) category remains frozen at a Final Action Date of 01 February 2021. All set-aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) continue to be Current, maintaining fast-track opportunities for qualifying investors.
For Indian-born doctors and dentists on H-1B visas who are evaluating the EB-5 pathway, November’s bulletin signals a short-term plateau — a time to plan, not to pause.
Table A — Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Preference Cases (November 2025)
visabulletin_November2025
| Family-Sponsored | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | CHINA-mainland born | INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
| F1 | 08NOV16 | 08NOV16 | 08NOV16 | 22NOV05 | 22JAN13 |
| F2A | 01FEB24 | 01FEB24 | 01FEB24 | 01FEB23 | 01FEB24 |
| F2B | 22NOV16 | 22NOV16 | 22NOV16 | 15DEC07 | 01OCT12 |
| F3 | 08SEP11 | 08SEP11 | 08SEP11 | 15APR01 | 22SEP04 |
| F4 | 08JAN08 | 08JAN08 | 01NOV06 | 08APR01 | 22MAR06 |
Table B — Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications (November 2025)
visabulletin_November2025
| Family-Sponsored | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | CHINA-mainland born | INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
| F1 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 08OCT06 | 22APR15 |
| F2A | 22SEP25 | 22SEP25 | 22SEP25 | 22SEP25 | 22SEP25 |
| F2B | 01JAN17 | 01JAN17 | 01JAN17 | 15DEC08 | 01OCT13 |
| F3 | 22JUL12 | 22JUL12 | 22JUL12 | 15JUN01 | 01AUG05 |
| F4 | 01MAR09 | 01MAR09 | 15DEC06 | 30APR01 | 01JAN08 |
Table C — Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases (November 2025)
visabulletin_November2025
| Employment-Based | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | CHINA-mainland born | INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
| EB-1 | C | 22DEC22 | 15FEB22 | C | C |
| EB-2 | 01DEC23 | 01APR21 | 01APR13 | 01DEC23 | 01DEC23 |
| EB-3 | 01APR23 | 01MAR21 | 22AUG13 | 01APR23 | 01APR23 |
| Other Workers | 15JUL21 | 01DEC17 | 22AUG13 | 15JUL21 | 15JUL21 |
| EB-4 | 01JUL20 | 01JUL20 | 01JUL20 | 01JUL20 | 01JUL20 |
| Certain Religious Workers | U | U | U | U | U |
| EB-5 Unreserved (C5/T5/I5/R5/NU/RU) | C | 08DEC15 | 01FEB21 | C | C |
| EB-5 Set-Aside: Rural (20%) | C | C | C | C | C |
| EB-5 Set-Aside: High Unemployment (10%) | C | C | C | C | C |
| EB-5 Set-Aside: Infrastructure (2%) | C | C | C | C | C |
Table D — Dates for Filing Employment-Based Visa Applications (November 2025)
visabulletin_November2025
| Employment-Based | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | CHINA-mainland born | INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
| EB-1 | C | 15MAY23 | 15APR23 | C | C |
| EB-2 | 15JUL24 | 01DEC21 | 01DEC13 | 15JUL24 | 15JUL24 |
| EB-3 | 01JUL23 | 01JAN22 | 15AUG14 | 01JUL23 | 01JUL23 |
| Other Workers | 01DEC21 | 01OCT18 | 15AUG14 | 01DEC21 | 01DEC21 |
| EB-4 | 15FEB21 | 15FEB21 | 15FEB21 | 15FEB21 | 15FEB21 |
| Certain Religious Workers | U | U | U | U | U |
| EB-5 Unreserved (C5/T5/I5/R5/NU/RU) | C | 01JUL16 | 01APR22 | C | C |
| EB-5 Set-Aside: Rural (20%) | C | C | C | C | C |
| EB-5 Set-Aside: High Unemployment (10%) | C | C | C | C | C |
| EB-5 Set-Aside: Infrastructure (2%) | C | C | C | C | C |
Trend Watch: September → October → November 2025 (EB-5 India)
| Month | Final Action (India) | Filing (India) | Set-Asides |
| September 2025 | 15 Nov 2019 | 01 Apr 2022 | Current |
| October 2025 | 01 Feb 2021 | 01 Apr 2022 | Current |
| November 2025 | 01 Feb 2021 | 01 Apr 2022 | Current |
Summary: The EB-5 India Final Action Date leapt forward in October and then held steady in November. That pause is normal after a big movement — the system is absorbing demand from the new fiscal year. If usage remains moderate through winter, we could see renewed movement in Q1 2026.
What This Means for Indian-Born EB-5 Applicants
- Unreserved EB-5 (India) — Flat at 01 Feb 2021. Applicants with priority dates before this can move forward as visas become available. Those after that remain in queue but benefit from the clear visibility that came with October’s jump.
- EB-5 Set-Asides — Still Current. Investors in qualifying Rural, High Unemployment, or Infrastructure projects can file immediately and receive priority processing. This continues to be the most viable fast-track path for H-1B doctors and dentists looking to secure a green card before retrogression returns.
- Employment Categories (EB-1 to EB-3) — Little to no movement for India, reinforcing why EB-5 remains the alternative path for those facing decade-long PERM queues.
- Broader Context: DOS notes no new retrogressions this month. The stable charts suggest visa demand is tracking with available numbers as FY-2026 begins its flow.
Strategic Insights for H-1B Doctors and Dentists
- If you’re unreserved and pre-Feb 2021: Ensure all documents are ready so your case can move the moment numbers free up.
- If your priority date is later: Explore a qualifying set-aside project — the difference in wait time can be years, not months.
- Filing Flexibility: If USCIS continues to permit Dates for Filing use, investors with priority dates before 01 Apr 2022 may file early for AOS (EAD/AP benefits sooner).
- Fiscal-Year Timing: Historically, significant advancements come mid-fiscal-year (Feb–Apr). November is a stabilizing month — perfect for positioning before spring movement.
- Parallel Employment-Based Paths: If you hold an EB-2/EB-3 petition via your hospital employer, continue it alongside EB-5. Maintaining dual tracks keeps options open as USCIS allocations fluctuate.
Practical Checklist (Next Steps)
- Confirm your priority date and category type (unreserved vs set-aside).
- Check USCIS filing chart announcement each month to see if you can use “Dates for Filing.”
- Keep source-of-funds and compliance documentation updated for audit readiness.
- Consult your immigration attorney before travel if adjustment is pending — especially for H-1B holders on advance parole.
- Track project job creation metrics if you’re already invested — they can impact final adjudication timelines.
In Closing
Whether you’re a first-time investor or reevaluating your strategy, careful planning is crucial to navigating these shifts. EB5 Doctors is here to provide the guidance, expertise, and support you need to make informed decisions and secure your future. Contact us today to learn more about your EB-5 opportunities and how to adapt to the latest visa updates. Don’t wait until the changes affect your plans — take action now!
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal or financial advice.
