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As the fiscal year winds down, the September Visa Bulletin is set for only minor shifts. EB-1 and EB-2 for India and China inch forward (if at all), EB-3 brings a few consolation prizes, EB-4 stays frozen, and family categories mostly hold their ground. Here's what to watch for as summer ends and the new visa year looms.

The July 2025 Visa Bulletin brings minimal movement in EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3, with India largely stalled. EB-5 remains retrogressed for China and India, while EB-4 stays unavailable. Family-based categories hold steady. Expect cautious movement as the fiscal year winds down.

The April 2025 Visa Bulletin shows mixed movements: modest progress in EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3, but major retrogression in EB-5 for China and India. Family-based categories see slow but steady advancements. EB-4 remains unavailable until FY2026. Expect potential EB-2/EB-3 slowdowns ahead due to high demand.

The EB-2 NIW lets skilled professionals self-petition for a U.S. green card—no employer, no labor certification, and yes, you dodge those lawyer fees (which can run $4,000-$10,000). Essentially, if you've got an advanced degree or exceptional skills, you gather your records, fill out the I-140 form, and wait (think of it like waiting for your favorite package to arrive—sometimes 6-9 months, or 45 days with premium processing if you have $2,805 to spare). It's a DIY immigration journey that saves you money and lets you be the captain of your own ship.

The April 2025 Visa Bulletin will likely see small advancements in EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 for India and China, while some categories might face retrogression due to high demand. EB-4 could become unavailable, and family-based visa movement will be minimal, except for slight progress in the Philippines' F3 and F4 categories. With fewer employment-based visas in FY 2025, overall movement will be slow and cautious.