Latest USA Visa Bulletin Updates – Family & Employment Categories (2026 Guide)
The Green Card process requires patience, planning, and close attention to monthly updates. One of the most important tools in this journey is the USA Visa Bulletin.
If you are applying through a family-sponsored petition or an employment-based category, this bulletin determines when you can move forward in the immigration process. For Indian applicants facing significant backlogs, monitoring these updates is not optional it is essential.
This guide explains the latest updates in simple, clear terms so you understand exactly where you stand.
What is the USA Visa Bulletin?
The USA Visa Bulletin is published every month by the U.S. Department of State.
It announces the availability of immigrant visas (Green Cards) across different categories and countries.
Since U.S. immigration law limits the number of Green Cards issued each year, applicants must wait until their priority date becomes current. The bulletin essentially manages this waiting list.
When your priority date becomes current, your case can move toward approval. Until then, you remain in line.
Understanding the Two Important Charts
Each monthly bulletin contains two charts. Understanding them correctly is critical.
Final Action Dates
This chart indicates when a Green Card can actually be approved.
If your priority date is earlier than the listed date in your category and country, your application can proceed to final approval.
You may also see:
- C (Current): Visa numbers are available immediately.
- U (Unavailable): No visa numbers are available at this time.
This chart determines actual approvals.
Dates for Filing
This chart shows when applicants may submit documentation before a visa becomes available.
Each month, USCIS announces whether applicants inside the United States can use:
- Chart A (Final Action Dates), or
- Chart B (Dates for Filing).
For applicants filing Adjustment of Status (Form I-485), this distinction is especially important.
Latest Family-Based Visa Bulletin Updates – February 2026
Family-sponsored categories continue to show gradual movement this month.
Family Categories Explained
- F1: Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- F2A: Spouses and minor children of Green Card holders
- F2B: Unmarried adult children of Green Card holders
- F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens
Current Priority Date Movements
India:
F1 and F3 categories moved slightly forward. F4 remains significantly backlogged.
Mexico & Philippines:
Long waiting periods continue, particularly in F3 and F4 categories.
All Other Countries:
Some family categories remain current or show moderate forward movement.
Key Changes This Month
- Modest forward movement in F1 and F2B.
- F2A remains relatively stable.
- No major retrogression reported this month.
For many families, even small forward movement represents meaningful progress.
Latest Employment-Based Visa Bulletin Updates – February 2026
Employment-based categories show mixed trends, particularly for India.
Employment Categories Explained
- EB1: Priority workers
- EB2: Professionals with advanced degrees
- EB3: Skilled workers and professionals
- EB4: Special immigrants
- EB5: Immigrant investors
Priority Date Movement by Country
India:
EB2 showed modest forward movement. EB3 continues to experience slower progress. EB1 remains comparatively more favorable but is not current.
China:
Limited forward movement in EB2 and EB3.
Worldwide (All Other Countries):
Several categories remain current or move more steadily compared to oversubscribed countries.
Major Observations This Month
- EB2 India advanced slightly.
- EB3 India remains heavily backlogged.
- EB1 continues to offer relatively better movement for Indian applicants.
Applicants considering category upgrades (for example, EB3 to EB2) may evaluate these trends carefully with professional guidance.
What These Updates Mean for Applicants
If your priority date is current under the Final Action Dates chart, your case may proceed toward approval.
If your category shows forward movement, you are closer to becoming current.
If retrogression occurs, your application will pause until visa numbers become available again.
For applicants inside the United States filing Form I-485, chart selection directly affects when you may submit your application.
For applicants processing through U.S. consulates abroad, only the Final Action Dates chart applies.
Predictions & Trends for Upcoming Months
Historically, the beginning of the U.S. fiscal year (October onward) brings increased movement due to new visa allocations.
However, demand remains high in EB2 and EB3 India. As a result, forward movement may continue at a gradual pace.
Retrogression remains possible if visa demand exceeds supply.
Applicants should expect steady but cautious progress rather than rapid advancements.
Common Questions About the Visa Bulletin
Why does retrogression happen?
Retrogression occurs when demand exceeds the annual visa quota, forcing the government to move priority dates backward.
How long does it take for priority dates to become current?
In highly oversubscribed categories such as EB2, EB3, and F4 for India, waiting periods can extend several years.
Can I upgrade from EB3 to EB2?
Yes, if eligibility criteria are met and the employer supports the process.
Does filing early guarantee faster approval?
Filing early secures your place in line but does not eliminate statutory waiting times.
How to Check Your Priority Date
Follow these steps:
- Review your Form I-797 Approval Notice.
- For employment cases, check your PERM approval date.
- For family-based cases, refer to your I-130 receipt or approval notice.
- Compare your priority date with the latest bulletin published online.
Accurate comparison ensures informed decision-making.
Conclusion
This month’s USA Visa Bulletin reflects gradual movement in both family-sponsored and employment-based categories, with India continuing to face longer waiting periods in EB2, EB3, and F4.
Regular monitoring of monthly updates is crucial. Even minor date changes can significantly impact your immigration strategy.
The Green Card process requires careful planning and timely action. If you are uncertain how these updates affect your case, consulting experienced immigration professionals can help you make informed decisions.
At Nriway, we remain committed to keeping you updated and prepared at every stage of your immigration journey.
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