EB-3 Visa Bulletin May 2026: USCIS Switches to Chart A, I-485 Filing Window Closes

USCIS has switched from Chart B (Dates for Filing) to Chart A (Final Action Dates) effective May 1, 2026, closing the I-485 adjustment of status filing window for thousands of applicants who had been eligible under the more permissive chart. This shift ends a consecutive six-month run of Chart B usage spanning October 2025 through April 2026. The impact is especially pronounced for India-born employment-based applicants. India EB-3 workers face a 14-month band of priority dates that were eligible to file in April 2026 but are now cut off in May. India EB-2 applicants are similarly affected, with a 6-month band of dates now locked out under the Final Action Date cutoffs. For applicants in these categories, the inability to file I-485 means they cannot yet lock in a filing date to preserve their place in line or access benefits such as work authorization (EAD) and advance parole through the pending adjustment application. Those who missed the April window may need to wait for future months when USCIS returns to Chart B or when Final Action Dates advance sufficiently. Applicants are advised to monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin from the Department of State and USCIS's own filing chart determination closely. USCIS announces which chart governs I-485 filings each month, and the decision can change from month to month based on demand and visa number availability.