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 .
Employment-Based Preferences: Final Action Dates
EB-1: Priority Workers
- India:Â Retrogresses to December 15, 2022 (from April 1, 2023)
- China:Â Still at April 1, 2023
- All Others:Â Current
EB-2: Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability
- India:Â Retrogresses to September 1, 2013 (from July 15, 2014)
- China:Â Still at September 1, 2021
- All Others:Â Current
EB-3: Skilled Workers & Professionals
- India:Â Advances slightly to December 15, 2013 (from November 15, 2013)
- China:Â Advances to August 1, 2021 (from June 15, 2021)
- All Others:Â Still at June 1, 2024
EB-3 Other Workers
- India:Â Advances to December 15, 2013 (from November 15, 2013)
- China:Â Advances to April 1, 2019 (from February 1, 2019)
- All Others:Â Still at February 1, 2022
EB-4: Certain Special Immigrants
- All Countries:Â July 15, 2022 (unchanged)
Certain Religious Workers (SR)
- All Countries:Â July 15, 2022
- Program remains extended through September 30, 2026
EB-5: Unreserved
- India:Â May 1, 2022 (unchanged)
- China:Â September 22, 2016 (unchanged)
- 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 September 1, 2017 (unchanged)
- Mexico:Â Advances to November 8, 2007 (from August 15, 2007)
- Philippines:Â May 1, 2013 (unchanged)
F2A (Spouses/Children of LPRs)
- All Countries:Â Advances to January 1, 2025 (from August 1, 2024)
- Mexico:Â Advances to January 1, 2024 (from August 1, 2023)
F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of LPRs)
- India/China/Other Countries:Â Advances to September 22, 2017 (from May 22, 2017)
- Mexico:Â Still at February 15, 2009
- Philippines:Â Still at April 8, 2013
F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens)
- All Countries:Â February 15, 2012 (unchanged)
- Mexico:Â Still at May 1, 2001
- Philippines:Â Still at November 22, 2005
F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens)
- India:Â November 1, 2006 (unchanged)
- Mexico:Â Still at April 8, 2001
- Philippines:Â Still at July 15, 2007
- Others:Â Advances to November 8, 2008 (from September 15, 2008)
Key Takeaways
- EB-1 India and EB-2 India retrogress significantly due to high demand and visa number usage.
- DOS warns that further retrogression or category unavailability may occur for India EB-1, EB-2, and EB-5 .
- China EB-3 categories continue moving forward, showing continued visa availability in those categories.
- F2A advances substantially, providing important filing opportunities for spouses and children of permanent residents.
- DOS also warns that Philippines EB-3Â could retrogress or become unavailable later this fiscal year.
FAQ: June 2026 Visa Bulletin
Q1: Why did EB-1 India and EB-2 India retrogress?
The Department of State cited high demand and increased visa number usage by applicants chargeable to India .
Q2: Could more retrogression happen this year?
Yes. DOS specifically warns that additional retrogression or even category unavailability may be necessary in the coming months.
Q3: Is EB-5 India at risk?
Yes. DOS warns that EB-5 India Unreserved could retrogress or become unavailable as early as next month.
Q4: Which Family-Based category moved the most?
F2A saw the biggest advancement, moving to January 1, 2025 for most countries.
Need Strategic Help?
Visa Bulletin changes can dramatically affect 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.