EB-2 and EB-3 Priority Dates Advance for Indian Applicants in April 2026 Visa Bulletin

The U.S. Department of State's April 2026 Visa Bulletin brings positive news for Indian nationals waiting in the employment-based immigration queue. Both EB-2 (professionals with advanced degrees) and EB-3 (skilled workers and professionals) categories have seen their priority dates move forward, signaling increased visa number availability for the month. For Indian EB-3 applicants, forward movement in priority dates means that individuals with earlier priority dates may now be eligible to file for adjustment of status or receive an immigrant visa. This is particularly significant given the historically long backlogs Indian nationals face in employment-based categories due to per-country caps. The advancement in dates comes as part of the regular monthly visa bulletin cycle, where the Department of State allocates available immigrant visa numbers based on demand and annual limits. When dates move forward, it reflects that visa numbers are available for applicants whose priority dates fall before the newly listed cutoff. Applicants who are current under the new dates should coordinate with their employers and immigration attorneys to prepare and submit required documentation promptly. USCIS typically allows a brief window for filing, and being prepared in advance is critical to taking advantage of favorable bulletin movement. Those not yet current should continue monitoring monthly bulletins and maintain up-to-date petitions. The April 2026 movement suggests continued, if incremental, progress through the backlog for Indian employment-based applicants.