EB-2 Priority Date India: Massive Movement for April 2026

USCIS has confirmed it will use filing dates rather than final action dates for the April 2026 Visa Bulletin, a decision that has significant implications for Indian nationals in the EB-2 employment-based immigration category. This determination allows applicants with earlier priority dates to file adjustment of status applications sooner than under the final action date system. The April 2026 Visa Bulletin reportedly shows substantial forward movement for India's EB-2 priority dates. Such movement is noteworthy given that India's employment-based categories have historically experienced extreme backlogs due to per-country caps under current immigration law. Applicants should verify their specific priority date against the April 2026 Visa Bulletin to determine eligibility to file. Those with priority dates that are now current under the filing date chart may be able to submit Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) applications, locking in their place in line and becoming eligible for certain benefits such as work authorization and advance parole. While this article focuses on EB-2, the bulletin movements often signal broader trends across employment-based categories including EB-3, which covers skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers. Indian nationals in EB-3 should also review the April 2026 bulletin closely for any corresponding movement in their category.