EB-2 and EB-3 Dates Move Forward Significantly in April 2026 Visa Bulletin
The April 2026 Visa Bulletin brings significant forward movement for Indian nationals in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, offering relief to thousands of long-waiting applicants.
The April 2026 Visa Bulletin has brought notable progress for Indian nationals waiting in the EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based immigration queues. The forward movement in priority dates is being described as significant relief for a population that has historically faced some of the longest wait times in the U.S. immigration system due to per-country caps.
For EB-3 applicants from India, advancement in the priority date means that individuals whose petitions were filed earlier may now be eligible to proceed with the final steps of the green card process, including filing Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or pursuing consular processing. This progression is a critical milestone for affected workers and their families.
The movement in both EB-2 and EB-3 categories simultaneously is noteworthy, as it suggests broader administrative efforts to reduce backlogs. Applicants are advised to check the official April 2026 Visa Bulletin on travel.state.gov to confirm their specific priority date eligibility and consult with an immigration attorney regarding next steps.
Those with approved I-140 petitions should verify whether their priority date is now current under either the Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing charts, as USCIS may authorize use of the Dates for Filing chart for adjustment of status applications during this bulletin period.
The April 2026 Visa Bulletin brings significant advances for employment-based categories. EB-3 Worldwide and Mexico move forward 8 months in Final Action and become current in Dates for Filing. EB-2 Worldwide, Mexico, and Philippines also reach current status.
The April 2026 Visa Bulletin showed a dramatic 10-month advance for EB-2 India while EB-3 India remained frozen, prompting debate about demand allocation, spillover mechanics, and what it means for backlogged applicants.
The March 2026 Visa Bulletin outlines immigrant visa number availability for employment-based and family-sponsored preference categories. Key oversubscribed chargeability areas remain China, India, Mexico, and Philippines.