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 welcome news for many applicants.
Employment-Based Preferences: Final Action Dates
EB-1: Priority Workers
- India: October 15, 2022
- China: June 1, 2023
- All Others: Current
EB-2: Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability
- India: Unavailable (U)
- China: September 1, 2021
- All Others: Current
EB-3: Skilled Workers & Professionals
- India: January 1, 2014
- China: December 22, 2021
- All Others: August 1, 2024
EB-3 Other Workers
- India: January 1, 2014
- China: April 1, 2019
- All Others: March 1, 2022
EB-4: Certain Special Immigrants
- All Countries: September 15, 2022
Certain Religious Workers (SR)
- All Countries: September 15, 2022
- Program remains extended through September 30, 2026
EB-5: Unreserved
- India: Unavailable (U)
- China: December 1, 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 and Daughters of U.S. Citizens)
- India/China/Other Countries: February 1, 2018
- Mexico: November 8, 2007
- Philippines: May 1, 2013
F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents)
- All Countries: January 1, 2025
- Mexico: January 1, 2024
F2B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents)
- India/China/Other Countries: November 22, 2017
- Mexico: February 15, 2009
- Philippines: May 15, 2013
F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens)
- All Countries: April 15, 2012
- Mexico: June 1, 2001
- Philippines: February 22, 2006
F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens)
- India: November 1, 2006
- Mexico: April 8, 2001
- Philippines: August 1, 2007
- Others: January 1, 2009
Key Takeaways
- EB-2 India is now unavailable for Final Action Dates for the remainder of FY 2026 after reaching its annual allocation limit. The Department of State expects movement to resume in October 2026 when FY 2027 begins.
- EB-5 Unreserved India is also unavailable for Final Action Dates due to high demand and number usage.
- EB-1 India retrogresses to October 15, 2022, reflecting continued pressure on visa numbers.
- China sees forward movement in EB-1, EB-3, and EB-5 categories.
- Family-Based categories continue making gradual progress, particularly F1, F2B, F3, and F4.
- DOS warns that EB-2 China and EB-3 Philippines could face retrogression or unavailability in upcoming months if demand continues to increase.
- Although EB-2 India and EB-5 India are unavailable on the Final Action chart, their Dates for Filing categories remain open. EB-2 India remains at January 15, 2015 on the Dates for Filing chart, and EB-5 India remains at May 1, 2024, providing some flexibility depending on USCIS filing guidance.
FAQ: July 2026 Visa Bulletin
Q1: What does “Unavailable” mean for EB-2 India and EB-5 India?
It means no additional immigrant visas can be issued in those categories during FY 2026 because the annual allocation has been exhausted.
Q2: Will EB-2 India reopen in October 2026?
The Department of State expects the category to advance again at the start of FY 2027, but future dates will depend on demand and the new annual visa allocation.
Q3: Why did EB-1 India retrogress again?
High demand and visa number usage required DOS to move the cutoff date backward to stay within annual limits.
Q4: Are EB-5 Set-Aside categories still current?
Yes. Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure EB-5 Set-Aside categories remain current for all countries.
Q5: Is EB-5 India completely closed?
No. The Final Action Date category is unavailable for the remainder of FY 2026, but the Dates for Filing chart remains at May 1, 2024 for EB-5 India. Applicants should continue monitoring USCIS filing chart guidance.
Need Strategic Help? Visa Bulletin changes can significantly affect green card filing strategies and processing timelines. For individualized legal guidance, contact NPZ Law Group at info@visaserve.com or call 201-670-0006, ext. 104. Stay informed at www.visaserve.com.