Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication that is issued by the U.S. Department of State. This publication provides important information about the availability of immigrant visa numbers. It is mainly used by people who apply for family-sponsored or employment-based (EB) permanent residency (green cards) to check out when they can move forward in the immigration process.
The bulletin shows priority dates and cut-off dates for different visa categories and countries. By checking the Visa Bulletin each month, applicants and employers can track progress, estimate waiting times, and know when it is possible to file applications or receive final approval. Some categories and countries (like India and China) have too many applicants, therefore the waiting time becomes longer because the availability of fewer visas.
Important Key Terms of Visa Bulletin
- Priority Date: This is the date when you first file your immigration petition with USCIS or the Department of Labor. It is the starting point of your green card process and shows your place in line.
- Cutoff Date: The cutoff date is the date listed in the Visa Bulletin for each visa category and country. It sets the limit for how many people can move forward based on visa availability. If your priority date is earlier than the cutoff date, then you are eligible to move forward.
- Dates for Filing: This provides you the information about the submission of your green card application or required documents. If your priority date is before this date, you can submit your application, even if the green card is not fully ready yet.
- Final Action Date: This date shows when a green card can be issued to you. Even after you file your application, approval cannot happen until your priority date is earlier than the final action date. This confirms that a visa number is available for your case.
Key Highlights of Visa Bulletin February 2026
The U.S. Department of State has released the February 2026 Visa Bulletin. Given below are the main updates for the month of February:
Employment-Based Visa Updates
- EB-1 final action dates and filing dates remained unchanged for all countries
- EB-2 final action dates and filing dates remained unchanged for all countries
- EB-3 final action dates moved forward 40 days for all other areas, Mexico, and the Philippines
- EB-3 final action dates showed no movement for India and China
- EB-3 filing dates moved forward 92 days for all other areas, Mexico, and the Philippines
- EB-3 filing dates showed no movement for India and China
- EB-4 final action dates remained unchanged for all countries
- EB-5 final action dates remained unchanged for all countries
Family-Based Visa Updates
- F1 final action dates for Mexico moved forward 112 days
- F1 final action dates for all other areas, China, India, and the Philippines remained unchanged
- F2B final action dates for Mexico moved forward 92 days
- F2B final action dates for all other areas, China, India, and the Philippines remained unchanged
- F1 dates for filing for Mexico moved forward 91 days
- F1 dates for filing for all other areas, China, India, and the Philippines remained unchanged
- F2A dates for filing moved forward 31 days for all countries
- F2B dates for filing for Mexico moved forward 92 days
- F2B dates for filing for all other areas, China, India, and the Philippines remained unchanged
Employment-Based Visa Bulletin – Dates for Filing (February 2026)
To file an employment-based adjustment of status application in February 2026, your priority date must be earlier than the cutoff date listed for your category and country. If a category is marked “C” (Current) in the Visa Bulletin, you may file regardless of your priority date.
Preference Category | All Chargeability Areas | China (Mainland Born) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
EB-1 | C | 1 August 2023 | 1 August 2023 | C | C |
EB-2 | 15 October 2024 | 1 January 2022 | 1 December 2013 | 15 October 2024 | 15 October 2024 |
EB-3 | 1 October 2023 (was 1 Jul 2023) | 1 January 2022 | 15 August 2014 | 1 October 2023 (was 1 Jul 2023) | 1 October 2023 (was 1 Jul 2023) |
Other Workers | 1 December 2021 | 1 October 2019 | 15 August 2014 | 1 December 2021 | 1 December 2021 |
FAQs on Visa Bulletin
- Why does the Visa Bulletin sometimes stop moving?
The Visa Bulletin may show little or no movement when visa demand is high and annual limits are reached. This is common and does not mean there is a problem with your case.
- Does being current in the Visa Bulletin guarantee a green card?
No, if your status is current in the Visa Bulletin, then it means that a visa number may be available. Your approval will still depend on eligibility, documentation, background checks, and final action dates.
- What does it mean if my date is current in the Visa Bulletin?
If your priority date is current under the Filing Dates chart in the Visa Bulletin, then you may submit your adjustment of status application if you are in the U.S.
- How can I stay updated on the Visa Bulletin each month?
In order to stay updated, you can check the information every month on the official Visa Bulletin page on the U.S. Department of State website.
- What is the next step after my priority date becomes current?
In case your priority date becomes current, you can apply for a green card. If you are in the U.S., then you can file for adjustment of status. But, if you are outside the U.S., then you need to go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
News on Visa Bulletin
US Visa Bulletin for May released, EB-5 demand from India may cause delays
The US government said demand for the EB-5 investor visa from India is increasing and is being closely monitored. In the May 2026 visa bulletin, there are no major changes, but officials warned that if demand stays high, visa dates could move backward, or the category could even be paused under yearly limits. The EB-5 program allows foreigners to get a green card by investing in the US and creating at least 10 jobs, without needing a job offer. For India, the current final action date for EB-5 is 1 May 2022, which means that only older applications are being approved now. The bulletin also noted that EB-1 for India remains at 1 April 2023, EB-2 is at 15 July 2014, and EB-3 is at 15 November 2013. It explained that visa dates can move forward, stay the same, or go backward depending on demand, and right now rising applications from India may lead to longer waiting times.
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