April 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-2 and EB-3 Priority Dates Advance

The U.S. Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for April 2026, bringing welcome news for employment-based immigrant visa applicants. Both EB-2 (professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability) and EB-3 (skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers) categories saw their priority dates move forward, increasing visa number availability for the upcoming month. For EB-3 applicants, the forward movement in priority dates means that individuals with earlier priority dates may now be eligible to file adjustment of status applications or proceed with their immigrant visa applications at U.S. consulates abroad. The extent of advancement varies by country of chargeability, with high-demand countries such as India and China typically seeing more modest movement compared to rest-of-world applicants. The Visa Bulletin is published monthly by the U.S. Department of State and governs when applicants in employment-based preference categories can move forward in the green card process. USCIS uses the bulletin to determine filing eligibility for Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), making each monthly release closely watched by immigration attorneys and applicants alike. Applicants and their attorneys should review the April 2026 Visa Bulletin carefully to determine if their priority date is now current or falls within the 'Dates for Filing' chart, which may allow early filing of adjustment of status applications. Those with imminent priority dates should consult with their immigration counsel to prepare required documents in advance. The forward movement in both EB-2 and EB-3 reflects ongoing State Department efforts to maximize visa number usage within the annual statutory limits. Applicants are advised to monitor the bulletin monthly and maintain current documentation to act quickly when their priority date becomes current.