The April 2026 Visa Bulletin reflects continued forward movement in select Employment-Based categories, while many others begin to stabilize following earlier gains in FY 2026. Family-Based categories remain largely steady, with only limited advancement. The Department of State appears to be carefully managing visa number usage as demand patterns become clearer this fiscal year .
Employment-Based Preferences: Final Action Dates
EB-1: Priority Workers
- India:Â April 15, 2023 (advances)
- China:Â April 15, 2023 (advances)
- All Others:Â Current
EB-2: Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability
- India:Â December 1, 2013 (advances)
- China:Â September 1, 2021 (unchanged)
- All Others:Â January 1, 2025 (advances)
EB-3: Skilled Workers & Professionals
- India:Â December 15, 2013 (advances)
- China:Â May 1, 2021 (unchanged)
- All Others:Â November 1, 2023 (advances)
EB-3 Other Workers
- India:Â December 15, 2013 (advances)
- China:Â December 8, 2018 (unchanged)
- All Others:Â January 1, 2022 (advances)
EB-4: Certain Special Immigrants
- All Countries:Â July 15, 2021 (unchanged)
Certain Religious Workers (SR)
- All Countries:Â July 15, 2021
- Note:Â Program remains extended through September 30, 2026
EB-5: Unreserved
- India:Â June 1, 2022 (advances)
- China:Â October 1, 2016 (advances)
- All Others:Â Current
EB-5 Set-Asides (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure)
- All Chargeability Areas:Â Current
Family-Based Preferences: Final Action Dates
F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens)
- India/China/Other Countries:Â December 1, 2016 (advances)
- Mexico:Â January 1, 2007 (advances)
- Philippines:Â March 1, 2013 (unchanged)
F2A (Spouses/Children of LPRs)
- All Countries:Â February 1, 2024 (unchanged)
- Mexico:Â February 1, 2023 (unchanged)
F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of LPRs)
- India/China/Other Countries:Â January 1, 2017 (advances)
- Mexico:Â April 1, 2009 (advances)
- Philippines:Â December 22, 2012 (unchanged)
F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens)
- All Countries:Â October 1, 2011 (advances)
- Mexico:Â June 15, 2001 (advances)
- Philippines:Â March 1, 2005 (unchanged)
F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens)
- India:Â November 15, 2006 (advances)
- Mexico:Â May 1, 2001 (advances)
- Philippines:Â September 1, 2006 (unchanged)
- Others:Â February 1, 2008 (advances)
Key Takeaways
- Steady forward movement continues across EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-5 categories.
- India sees consistent advancement across EB categories, signaling improved visa availability early in FY 2026.
- China remains largely stable, with movement primarily in EB-5.
- Family-Based categories show gradual forward progress, particularly in F1, F2B, F3, and F4.
- The Department of State appears to be balancing demand carefully, suggesting potential stabilization in the coming months.
FAQ: April 2026 Visa Bulletin
Q1: Is forward movement expected to continue in the coming months?
Possibly, but movement may slow as demand increases and visa limits are monitored more closely.
Q2: Why is India seeing more movement in employment-based categories?
Early FY 2026 visa availability and prior underutilization have allowed for steady advancement.
Q3: Are EB-5 categories still favorable?
Yes. EB-5 remains current for most countries, with continued forward movement for India and China.
Q4: Should applicants act now if their priority date becomes current?
Yes. Filing promptly is important, as future retrogression is always possible.
Need Strategic Help?
Visa Bulletin changes can impact your immigration strategy and timing. For individualized legal guidance, contact NPZ Law Group at info@visaserve.com or call 551-400-6461, ext. 104. Stay updated at www.visaserve.com