January 2026 Visa Bulletin Shows Advancement for Employment-Based Categories

The Department of State's January 2026 Visa Bulletin has brought positive news for employment-based immigration, showing advancement across multiple immigrant visa categories. This monthly publication sets the priority dates that determine which applicants may move forward with their green card applications, making each bulletin closely watched by immigration practitioners and applicants alike. For EB-3 applicants — which covers skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers — forward movement in priority dates means those with earlier-filed petitions may now be eligible to file adjustment of status applications or proceed with consular processing. Even modest advancements are significant for applicants who have waited years in the backlog, particularly those from high-demand countries such as India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines. Employment-based preference categories operate under both a "Final Action Date" chart and a "Dates for Filing" chart each month. USCIS determines which chart is used for adjustment of status filings, so applicants should confirm with USCIS guidance which chart applies in January 2026 before submitting applications. Applicants and their employers are encouraged to review the full January 2026 Visa Bulletin on the Department of State's travel.state.gov website and consult with qualified immigration counsel to assess their individual eligibility and next steps based on their specific priority date and country of chargeability.