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

The U.S. Department of State's April 2026 Visa Bulletin has delivered encouraging news for Indian nationals awaiting employment-based green cards, with forward movement reported in both the EB-2 and EB-3 preference categories. This progression signals increased visa number availability and represents a meaningful step forward for applicants who have often faced multi-decade backlogs. For EB-3 applicants from India — which includes skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers — the forward movement means that individuals with earlier priority dates may now be eligible to file adjustment of status applications or proceed with consular processing. The specific cutoff dates for India's EB-3 category determine who can take the next steps toward permanent residency. The advance in EB-2 dates is equally significant, as many Indian nationals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability have been caught in lengthy queues. Movement in this category can allow applicants to file I-485 applications or renew employment authorization documents while their cases are pending. Applicants should review both the 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing' charts in the official bulletin to determine their eligibility to proceed. Those whose priority dates are now current should consult with an immigration attorney to take timely advantage of the updated cutoff dates before the May 2026 bulletin is released. The monthly Visa Bulletin is published by the U.S. Department of State and governs when employment-based and family-based immigrant visa numbers become available. Fluctuations in dates are common and can move forward or retrogress depending on demand and visa number usage.