The Visa Bulletin for April 2025 has just been released, and it brings some exciting news, especially for businesses in the United States and foreign workers waiting for opportunities to legally immigrate. The most notable update is the significant movement in the EB-3 visa category, with some of the most substantial increases seen since mid-2024.
This change is especially important for employers looking to fill critical labor gaps in sectors that depend on foreign workers, as well as for immigrants seeking to work legally in the U.S. Let’s dive deeper into the details of the latest updates.
1. WHAT IS THE VISA BULLETIN?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication issued by the U.S. Department of State. It provides information on the priority dates for different categories of U.S. immigrant visas. These dates indicate when foreign nationals can apply for permanent residency (Green Cards) based on their specific visa category.

The EB-3 visa is one of the most widely used employment-based visas and is specifically for skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers (referred to as “Other Workers”). The Visa Bulletin provides Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing for these categories, giving a clear indication of when applicants are likely to be able to submit their applications for a Green Card.
2. THE LATEST EB-3 VISA BULLETIN UPDATE FOR APRIL 2025
The April 2025 Visa Bulletin introduces some exciting movements in the EB-3 visa category:
A. FINAL ACTION DATES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCE CASES
- EB-3 Other Workers (Unskilled Labor): The Final Action Date for unskilled labor (Other Workers) in the EB-3 category has seen a remarkable jump, moving from February 1, 2021 to May 22, 2021. This is an exciting shift, exceeding the expectations of many immigration experts, and presents a major opportunity for industries that rely on unskilled labor, such as agriculture, hospitality, and construction. The movement here indicates that more applications are being processed and that the U.S. government is accelerating approvals for immigrant labor.
Employment-
based |
All Chargeability
Areas Except Those Listed |
CHINA-
mainland born |
INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
1st | C | 08NOV22 | 15FEB22 | C | C |
2nd | 22JUN23 | 01OCT20 | 01JAN13 | 22JUN23 | 22JUN23 |
3rd | 01JAN23 | 01NOV20 | 01APR13 | 01JAN23 | 01JAN23 |
Other Workers | 22MAY21 | 01APR17 | 01APR13 | 22MAY21 | 22MAY21 |
4th | U | U | U | U | U |
Certain Religious Workers | U | U | U | U | U |
5th Unreserved
(including C5, T5, I5, R5, NU, RU) |
C | 22JAN14 | 01NOV19 | C | C |
5th Set Aside:
Rural (20%, including NR, RR) |
C | C | C | C | C |
5th Set Aside:
High Unemployment (10%, including NH, RH) |
C | C | C | C | C |
5th Set Aside:
Infrastructure (2%, including RI) |
C | C | C | C | C |
B. DATES FOR FILING OF EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISA APPLICATIONS
- EB-3 Other Workers (Unskilled Labor): The Dates for Filing have also shown significant progress, now moving to May 22, 2021. This is a nearly 4-month leap, and it offers hope to applicants who have been waiting for their chance to work legally in the U.S. This category includes many industries in need of unskilled workers, and this change will help meet those labor demands.
Employment-
based |
All Chargeability
Areas Except Those Listed |
CHINA-
mainland born |
INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
1st | C | 01JAN23 | 15APR22 | C | C |
2nd | 01AUG23 | 01NOV20 | 01FEB13 | 01AUG23 | 01AUG23 |
3rd | 01MAR23 | 15NOV20 | 08JUN13 | 01MAR23 | 01MAR23 |
Other Workers | 22JUN21 | 01JAN18 | 08JUN13 | 22JUN21 | 22JUN21 |
4th | 01FEB21 | 01FEB21 | 01FEB21 | 01FEB21 | 01FEB21 |
Certain Religious Workers | 01FEB21 | 01FEB21 | 01FEB21 | 01FEB21 | 01FEB21 |
5th Unreserved
(including C5, T5, I5, R5) |
C | 01OCT16 | 01APR22 | C | C |
5th Set Aside:
(Rural: NR, RR – 20%) |
C | C | C | C | C |
5th Set Aside:
(High Unemployment: NH, RH – 10%) |
C | C | C | C | C |
5th Set Aside:
(Infrastructure: RI – 2%) |
C | C | C | C | C |
3. WHY IS THIS UPDATE IMPORTANT FOR U.S. EMPLOYERS?
For U.S. employers, this is an exciting development as it allows them to fill labor shortages more quickly, especially in industries that rely on foreign workers. The EB-3 visa is an essential channel for bringing legal immigrant labor into the country, and this new movement makes the process faster and more predictable for employers who need to staff their businesses.
As more opportunities open up for skilled and unskilled workers under the EB-3 visa, U.S. employers should consider taking action now to ensure they are hiring legal workers who are qualified to meet their needs. This is a crucial step in avoiding potential legal issues related to undocumented labor while ensuring that businesses can maintain a competitive workforce.
4. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR IMMIGRANT WORKERS
For immigrant workers, especially those in the EB-3 Other Workers (Unskilled Labor) category, this update brings a renewed sense of hope. If you’ve been waiting for a significant change, the recent movement in the Visa Bulletin is a promising sign. Not only does this update show the U.S. government’s willingness to process more applications, but it also indicates a positive shift in the policy approach towards legal immigration.
The EB-3 visa is a critical pathway for unskilled workers looking to build a future in the United States. With this change, those who may have been in a holding pattern for months or even years now have a better chance of successfully securing a Green Card and beginning their new lives in the U.S.
5. A POSITIVE SHIFT TOWARD LEGAL IMMIGRATION UNDER THE NEW ADMINISTRATION
This April 2025 Visa Bulletin is a strong indicator of a more favorable outlook towards legal immigrant labor under the current U.S. administration. The Trump administration has consistently advocated for immigration reforms that prioritize the legal entry of skilled and unskilled workers into the United States.
With the significant movement in the EB-3 visa categories, particularly the EB-3 Other Workers (unskilled labor) category, it is clear that the administration is taking proactive steps to meet the demand for labor in industries that depend heavily on foreign workers.
This shift shows that the U.S. government is serious about providing opportunities for legal immigrants to fill important roles within the economy while maintaining a stringent stance against illegal immigration. As the U.S. continues to focus on securing its borders, these recent changes represent a balanced approach toward addressing labor shortages in critical sectors while ensuring that those entering the U.S. do so through legal channels.
6. HOW CAN WINBI LLC HELP YOU?
As a trusted partner, Winbi LLC works closely with experienced legal professionals to guide employers and workers through the complex U.S. immigration process. Whether you’re a business looking to hire skilled or unskilled labor or an immigrant seeking guidance on navigating the EB-3 visa process, Winbi LLC has the expertise to ensure your success.
Working with a professional legal team is crucial for staying compliant with the latest regulations and maximizing the chances of visa approval. Our team at Winbi LLC provides a full range of services to support both employers and immigrant workers every step of the way.
A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EB-3 IMMIGRANT LABOR
The April 2025 Visa Bulletin brings good news to both U.S. businesses and immigrant workers. The significant movement in the EB-3 visa category is a clear sign of progress, offering new opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers to legally work and live in the U.S. As the demand for labor increases, particularly in sectors dependent on immigrant workers, businesses have a timely chance to strengthen their workforce by utilizing the EB-3 visa program.
If you’re an employer in need of legal immigrant labor or an immigrant worker hoping for a future in the U.S., now is the time to explore the EB-3 visa options. Winbi LLC can help you navigate the complexities and achieve your goals with professional legal support.