February 2026 Visa Bulletin Advances EB-3 Dates — China and India Excluded

The Department of State's February 2026 Visa Bulletin brings encouraging news for most EB-3 applicants, with the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing both reflecting forward movement in the employment-based third preference category. This advancement means that workers with approved I-140 petitions in the EB-3 classification may be closer to filing adjustment of status applications or receiving immigrant visa appointments at U.S. consulates abroad. The advancement applies to applicants born in most countries, often referred to as 'Rest of World,' as well as specific chargeability countries such as Mexico, Philippines, and El Salvador. These applicants could see priority dates move forward by several weeks to months compared to the January 2026 bulletin, though specific date ranges were not detailed in the available source content. Notably, applicants born in China-Mainland and India will not benefit from this month's advancement. Both countries face severe backlogs in the EB-3 category due to per-country annual numerical limits and historically high demand. India in particular has faced multi-decade waiting periods in EB-3, and the February bulletin does not alter that trajectory. For EB-3 applicants outside of India and China, this bulletin may represent an actionable opportunity. Those whose priority dates are now current should confirm eligibility with their immigration attorneys and prepare to file Form I-485 (if USCIS confirms acceptance per the Visa Bulletin) or proceed with consular processing if applicable. Applicants should review both the 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing' charts in the official February 2026 Visa Bulletin on travel.state.gov to determine which chart applies to their situation, as USCIS announces each month whether the Dates for Filing chart may be used for adjustment of status filings.