The August 2026 Visa Bulletin brings a quieter month for the employment-based categories hit hardest over the summer, but it introduces a meaningful shift on the family-sponsored side and a fresh warning for EB-1 India that filers should not overlook.
Employment-Based Preferences
EB-1 India holds at October 15, 2022, unchanged from July, but the Department of State cautions in this bulletin that high demand could force the category into Unavailable status in the coming weeks if India’s pro-rated EB-1 limit is reached before the fiscal year closes. EB-2 India and EB-5 Unreserved India remain Unavailable for a third consecutive month, with no relief expected until FY 2027 opens on October 1. EB-3 India holds steady at January 1, 2014. Outside India, most employment-based categories remain relatively stable. However, EB-3 for all chargeability areas except China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines retrogressed to September 1, 2024. The Department of State also warns that the EB-2 category could face retrogression or become unavailable in the coming months if demand continues to increase.
Family-Sponsored Preferences
The standout change this month is in F2A. This marks the first meaningful F2A retrogression in several months, reflecting increased demand as the fiscal year approaches its end. After holding current for most of the summer, spouses and children of permanent residents chargeable to countries other than Mexico now face a final action cutoff of July 22, 2025 for numbers subject to the per-country limit, with exempt numbers available slightly further out. Mexico’s F2A allocation remains current. F1, F2B, F3, and F4 continue their slow, incremental movement, with little meaningful change from July across most chargeability areas.
What This Means for Filers
Applicants relying on the USCIS Dates for Filing chart should note that it remains more generous than the Final Action chart in several categories, including F2A, which remains Current for filing purposes across all countries this month. Applicants should also verify which chart USCIS has designated before filing an adjustment of status application. With the Diversity Visa program’s entitlement window closing on September 30, DV-2026 selectees still need to secure their visas soon, as numbers could be exhausted before the fiscal year ends. Given the EB-1 India warning and the ongoing EB-2 and EB-5 India unavailability, applicants in those categories should stay in close contact with counsel as FY 2027 approaches.
FAQ: August 2026 Visa Bulletin
Q1: Why is EB-2 India still unavailable in August?
EB-2 India reached its annual allocation limit earlier this year, and the Department of State cannot issue additional numbers in that category until FY 2027 begins on October 1, 2026.
Q2: Could EB-1 India become unavailable too?
It’s possible. This bulletin specifically warns that high demand and number use could push EB-1 India to Unavailable status if India’s pro-rated limit is reached before the fiscal year ends.
Q3: What changed for F2A this month?
F2A moved from current to a specific cutoff date for the first time in several months, with numbers subject to the per-country limit now capped at a July 22, 2025 priority date for most countries.
Q4: When will EB-2 and EB-5 India reopen?
The Department of State expects both categories to resume forward movement when FY 2027 opens on October 1, 2026, though the pace will depend on demand and that year’s annual allocation.
Q5: Is the Diversity Visa program still open?
Yes, but only through September 30, 2026. DV-2026 selectees and their qualifying family members must have their visas issued by that date, as entitlement to DV status does not carry over into the next fiscal year.
Q6: Why are the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing charts different?
The Final Action Dates chart determines when an immigrant visa or green card may actually be issued. The Dates for Filing chart allows certain applicants to submit documentation or adjustment of status applications earlier when USCIS authorizes its use.
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