Navigating the March 2026 Visa Bulletin: Forward Movement and Religious Worker Extension

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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 this fiscal year, prompting broader advancement in certain categories visabulletin_March2026.

Here’s what applicants need to know.

Employment-Based Preferences: Final Action Dates

EB-1: Priority Workers

  • India: March 1, 2023 (advances)
  • China: March 1, 2023 (advances)
  • All Others: Current

EB-2: Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability

  • India: September 15, 2013 (advances)
  • China: September 1, 2021 (unchanged)
  • All Others: October 15, 2024 (advances)

EB-3: Skilled Workers & Professionals

  • India: November 15, 2013 (unchanged)
  • China: May 1, 2021 (unchanged)
  • All Others: October 1, 2023 (advances)

EB-3 Other Workers

  • India: November 15, 2013 (unchanged)
  • China: December 8, 2018 (unchanged)
  • All Others: November 1, 2021 (advances)

EB-4: Certain Special Immigrants

  • All Countries: July 15, 2021 (advances)

Certain Religious Workers (SR)

  • All Countries: July 15, 2021
  • Important Update: Congress extended the SR program through September 30, 2026 visabulletin_March2026

EB-5: Unreserved

  • India: May 1, 2022 (unchanged)
  • China: August 15, 2016 (unchanged)
  • 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: December 22, 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: February 15, 2009
  • 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: September 1, 2006 (advances)
  • Others: January 8, 2008

Key Takeaways

  • EB-1 India and China advance again, showing steady forward momentum in FY 2026.
  • EB-2 Rest of World jumps significantly, reflecting lower-than-expected demand in certain regions.
  • EB-4 and SR categories advance to July 15, 2021, following Congressional extension.
  • Most Family-Based categories remain stable, with limited but positive movement for the Philippines in F4.
  • The Department of State notes that visa issuance rates from certain countries have decreased, allowing broader advancement — but retrogression later in the fiscal year remains possible visabulletin_March2026.

FAQ: March 2026 Visa Bulletin

Q1: Why did several Employment-Based categories advance this month?
The Department of State reported reduced issuance rates in certain regions, allowing visa numbers to move forward more quickly across multiple categories visabulletin_March2026.

Q2: Is the Religious Worker (SR) program still active?
Yes. Congress extended the SR category through September 30, 2026, and it now follows the EB-4 cutoff date.

Q3: Should applicants file immediately if their date becomes current?
Yes. The Visa Bulletin can retrogress later in the fiscal year if demand increases.

Q4: Could retrogression happen later in 2026?
Yes. DOS specifically notes that retrogression may become necessary if additional demand materializes.

Need Strategic Help? Visa Bulletin movement can directly impact filing strategies 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