February 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-3 Advances Three Months for Most Countries

The U.S. Department of State's February 2026 Visa Bulletin brings positive news for EB-3 applicants from most countries, with the category advancing three months. This movement indicates that visa numbers remain available and the backlog is progressing at a steady pace for nationals of countries not subject to per-country limitations. China and India, which maintain separate, heavily backlogged priority date queues due to high demand relative to the annual per-country visa cap, did not share in this advancement. Applicants from these countries continue to face significantly longer wait times, often measured in years or decades, compared to the rest of the world. For EB-3 applicants from countries other than China and India, this three-month advancement may allow those with priority dates that recently became current to proceed with filing I-485 adjustment of status applications or consular immigrant visa applications, depending on the Dates for Filing chart versus the Final Action Dates chart issued by USCIS. Applicants should verify whether USCIS has authorized use of the Dates for Filing chart for the current month, as this determines which chart governs eligibility to file. Consulting with an immigration attorney is recommended to assess individual eligibility and next steps based on the updated bulletin.