The 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 visabulletin_January2026.
Employment-Based Preferences: Final Action Dates
EB-1: Priority Workers
- India: Advances to February 1, 2023
- China: Advances to February 1, 2023
- All Others: Current
EB-2: Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability
- India: Advances to July 15, 2013
- China: Advances to September 1, 2021
- All Others: Advances to April 1, 2024
EB-3: Skilled Workers & Professionals
- India: Advances to November 15, 2013
- China: Advances to May 1, 2021
- All Others: Advances to April 22, 2023
EB-3 Other Workers
- India: Advances to November 15, 2013
- China: Advances to December 8, 2018
- All Others: Advances to September 1, 2021
EB-4 & Certain Religious Workers
- All Countries: January 1, 2021
- Important: The SR (Religious Worker) category expires on January 30, 2026 unless extended by Congress
EB-5: Unreserved
- India: Advances to May 1, 2022
- China: Advances to August 15, 2016
- 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
- Mexico: September 1, 2006
- Philippines: March 1, 2013
F2A (Spouses/Children of LPRs)
- All Countries: February 1, 2024
- Mexico: February 1, 2023
F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of LPRs)
- India/China/Other Countries: December 1, 2016
- Mexico: November 15, 2008
- Philippines: December 22, 2012
F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens)
- All Countries: September 8, 2011
- Mexico: May 1, 2001
- Philippines: March 1, 2005
F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens)
- India: November 1, 2006
- Mexico: April 8, 2001
- Philippines: July 22, 2006
- Others: January 8, 2008
Key Takeaways
- Strong forward movement across EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-5 categories at the start of 2026.
- EB-4 and Religious Workers are current, but the SR program expires January 30, 2026 without further legislation.
- Family-Based categories continue steady, incremental progress with no retrogressions this month.
- Early FY 2026 trends suggest continued movement, but demand may slow advances later in the year.
FAQ: January 2026 Visa Bulletin
Q1: Why did many employment-based categories move forward in January?
New calendar-year demand data and unused visa numbers allowed forward movement early in FY 2026.
Q2: What happens if the Religious Worker (SR) program expires?
If Congress does not extend the program, the SR category will immediately become “Unavailable” after January 30, 2026, even for otherwise current cases.
Q3: Are EB-5 set-aside categories still current?
Yes. Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure EB-5 categories remain current for all countries.
Q4: Should applicants file as soon as their date becomes current?
Yes. Visa Bulletin dates can change monthly, and filing promptly helps avoid future retrogression risks.
Need Strategic Help?
Visa Bulletin movement can directly impact filing strategy and timing. 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