December 2025 Visa Bulletin: Forward Movement Returns for EB-3 Categories

The December 2025 Visa Bulletin has been released, bringing welcome updates for many international nurses. After two months of little to no change, the new bulletin reflects advancement across all EB-3 employment-based categories.

Watch the Full Visa Bulletin Recap

In this broadcast clip, Associate Director of Immigration & Licensing Elizabeth McCullough provides a clear breakdown of December’s changes and shares practical guidance for nurses navigating this stage of the immigration process.

What Changed in the December 2025 Visa Bulletin

The December bulletin shows the following movement:

• EB-3 Philippines: +2 weeks

• EB-3 Rest of World: +2 weeks

• EB-3 India: +1 month

• EB-3 China: +1 month

• EB-3 Mexico: +2 weeks

These shifts indicate that the U.S. Department of State is continuing to process cases and that the employment-based queue is progressing as expected.

Elizabeth noted, “Even modest advancement reflects ongoing case movement within the system.”

Why the December Movement Matters

Your priority date, assigned when your I-140 is filed, determines your place in line for an immigrant visa. Each monthly Visa Bulletin shows how quickly that line is moving toward your priority date becoming “current”—the point at which you can move forward with your U.S. embassy interview.

If you’re looking for deeper guidance on priority dates, visa categories, or embassy preparation, explore our U.S. Immigration and Retrogression Resources designed to give internationally trained nurses the knowledge and confidence they need throughout the process.

What This Means for Nurses

Elizabeth highlighted several key reminders for nurses monitoring their case status:

• Your priority date remains valid and secure once your I-140 is filed.

• Retrogression slows movement but does not stop case processing.

• Embassy interviews and visa issuances continue, though timelines may shift.

• December’s advancement aligns with expectations for renewed movement heading into early 2026.

How to Use This Waiting Period Wisely

This phase of the immigration journey is an ideal time to focus on preparation. A strong foundation now ensures readiness when your priority date becomes current.

Strengthen your English language skills
Prepare for VisaScreen requirements and practice clinical communication common in U.S. hospitals.

Maintain or advance your clinical experience
Recent bedside practice remains a crucial part of successfully transitioning into the U.S. healthcare environment.

Organize your documents early
Gather and update your credentials, identification records, and certificates to avoid future delays.

Plan financially and logistically
Relocation involves housing, transportation, and onboarding costs—early planning reduces stress later.

Stay connected with your PassportUSA support team
Your advisors and clinical experts can help you stay informed and confident throughout the waiting period.

Your Full Circle of Support

Although the immigration timeline still requires patience, progress in the December bulletin underscores that movement is ongoing. Thousands of nurses worldwide are navigating the same process, and Health Carousel’s Full Circle of Support is designed to guide you through every phase of it.

As Elizabeth shared, “When your priority date becomes current, you’ll be ready—and we’ll be right here to support you through the final steps toward your U.S. nursing career.”

As the Visa Bulletin continues to advance, preparation becomes even more important. If you aspire to work as a nurse in the U.S., apply now so you can begin the process, strengthen your clinical readiness, and be prepared when priority dates move further.