The U.S. Department of State has released the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, marking the start of the new federal fiscal year. October is always a significant month for employment-based immigration, as all annual visa numbers reset. This reset frequently results in forward movement for many categories, though some categories also see retrogressions...
The September 2026 Visa Bulletin closes out Fiscal Year 2026 with significant forward movement in several family-sponsored categories, while the major employment-based categories remain largely unchanged from August. For applicants chargeable to India, EB-2 and EB-5 Unreserved remain unavailable, EB-1 remains at October 15, 2022, and DOS continues to warn that additional...
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 PreferencesEB-1 India holds...
The July 2026 Visa Bulletin brings significant developments for employment-based applicants, particularly those born in India. Due to heavy demand and visa number usage, the Department of State has made EB-2 India and EB-5 Unreserved India unavailable for the remainder of FY 2026. Meanwhile, several Family-Based categories continue to advance steadily, offering...
The June 2026 Visa Bulletin reflects a mixed picture, with some Family-Based categories advancing while several Employment-Based categories face growing demand pressure. The Department of State has issued multiple warnings that retrogression or unavailability may occur in the coming months, particularly for India and China employment-based categories .
The May 2026 Visa Bulletin shows continued forward movement across several categories, particularly in Family-Based preferences, while Employment-Based categories remain mostly stable. However, the Department of State has issued an important warning that EB-5 India may face retrogression or become unavailable later this fiscal year due to rising demand .
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...
The March 2026 Visa Bulletin brings measured forward movement across several Employment-Based categories, continued stability in most Family-Based preferences, and important news — the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category has been extended through September 30, 2026. The Department of State also notes that immigrant visa issuance patterns have shifted...
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 DatesThe January 2026 Visa Bulletin opens the calendar year with notable forward movement in several Employment-Based categories, steady progress in Family-Based preferences, and an important reminder regarding the pending expiration of the Religious Worker (SR) program. Applicants should review the updates carefully, as demand continues to shape cut-off dates early in FY 2026.
