EB2 EB3 Green Card No Wait April 2026: Documents to Prepare When Priority Date Becomes Current

With the April 2026 Visa Bulletin showing favorable movement for EB-2 and EB-3 green card applicants, now is the time to prepare documentation in advance of your priority date becoming current. Murthy Law Firm outlines key steps applicants can take to ensure a smooth and timely filing when their window opens. Applicants should begin collecting civil documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and foreign police clearances well in advance, as these can take weeks or months to obtain from foreign governments. Medical examination records (Form I-693) completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon should also be arranged ahead of time, though the form has a validity window that must be considered. Employment-based adjustment of status applicants should work closely with their sponsoring employer and immigration attorney to ensure the I-140 petition is approved and all supporting employment documentation is current. Pay stubs, tax returns, and employer support letters may be required at the time of filing Form I-485. For applicants with dependents, ensuring that each family member's documents are equally prepared is critical. Delays in one family member's paperwork can hold up the entire household's green card applications. With favorable conditions in the April 2026 Visa Bulletin for certain EB-3 categories, proactive preparation can mean the difference between filing promptly when a date becomes current versus missing a filing window due to documentation gaps.