The February 2026 Visa Bulletin reflects a more cautious pace following January’s movement. Most Employment-Based and Family-Based categories remain unchanged, while the EB-4 Certain Religious Worker (SR) category is now officially unavailable due to statutory expiration. Here’s what applicants need to know this month.
Employment-Based Preferences: Final Action Dates
EB-1: Priority Workers
- India: February 1, 2023 (unchanged)
- China: February 1, 2023 (unchanged)
- All Others: Current
EB-2: Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability
- India: July 15, 2013 (unchanged)
- China: September 1, 2021 (unchanged)
- All Others: April 1, 2024 (unchanged)
EB-3: Skilled Workers & Professionals
- India: November 15, 2013 (unchanged)
- China: May 1, 2021 (unchanged)
- All Others: June 1, 2023 (advances from April 22, 2023)
EB-3 Other Workers
- India: November 15, 2013 (unchanged)
- China: December 8, 2018 (unchanged)
- All Others: September 1, 2021 (unchanged)
EB-4: Certain Special Immigrants
- All Countries: January 1, 2021
EB-4 Certain Religious Workers (SR)
- All Countries: Unavailable (U)
EB-5: Unreserved
- India: May 1, 2022 (unchanged)
- China: August 15, 2016 (unchanged)
- All Others: Current
EB-5 Set-Asides (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure)
- All Chargeability Areas: Current
Family-Based Preferences: Final Action Dates
F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens)
- India/China/Other Countries: November 8, 2016 (unchanged)
- Mexico: December 22, 2006 (advances from September 1, 2006)
- Philippines: March 1, 2013 (unchanged)
F2A (Spouses/Children of LPRs)
- All Countries: February 1, 2024 (unchanged)
- Mexico: February 1, 2023 (unchanged)
F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of LPRs)
- India/China/Other Countries: December 1, 2016 (unchanged)
- Mexico: February 15, 2009 (advances from November 15, 2008)
- Philippines: December 22, 2012 (unchanged)
F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens)
- All Countries: September 8, 2011 (unchanged)
- Mexico: May 1, 2001 (unchanged)
- Philippines: March 1, 2005 (unchanged)
F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens)
- India: November 1, 2006 (unchanged)
- Mexico: April 8, 2001 (unchanged)
- Philippines: July 22, 2006 (unchanged)
- Others: January 8, 2008 (unchanged)
Key Takeaways
- Minimal movement this month as the Department of State manages FY 2026 demand.
- EB-3 Rest of World advances, offering a small filing opportunity.
- EB-4 Religious Worker (SR) category is now unavailable due to program expiration.
- Family-Based categories remain largely stable, with modest Mexico-only advances.
- Additional movement may resume later in spring once usage trends are clearer.
FAQ: February 2026 Visa Bulletin
Q1: Why did most categories remain unchanged in February?
After early FY movement, DOS often slows advancement to avoid mid-year retrogression.
Q2: What does “Unavailable” mean for Religious Workers?
It means no visas can be issued in the EB-4 SR category unless Congress reauthorizes the program.
Q3: Is EB-3 Rest of World still moving?
Yes. February shows a modest advance, but demand remains high.
Q4: Can EB-4 Religious Workers become available again?
Yes—only if Congress passes a legislative extension. If extended, the category may reopen immediately.
Need Strategic Help?
Visa Bulletin shifts can directly affect filing strategy. For individualized legal guidance, contact NPZ Law Group at info@visaserve.com or call 551-400-6461, ext. 104. Stay informed at www.visaserve.com