July 2026 Visa Bulletin Update: USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing Dates for EB-3 Applicants

USCIS has announced the Adjustment of Status (AOS) filing dates for July 2026, providing critical guidance for applicants seeking to become U.S. permanent residents under family-sponsored or employment-based preference visa categories. These dates, derived from the July 2026 Visa Bulletin, determine which applicants with approved I-130 or I-140 petitions may move forward with filing their Form I-485. For employment-based applicants, particularly those in the EB-3 category covering skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers, the filing dates indicate current availability windows by country of chargeability. Applicants from countries with high demand — including India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines — should closely review the dates to determine their eligibility to file. The filing date differs from the final action date: the filing date allows applicants to submit their AOS package even when a visa number is not yet immediately available, enabling them to begin concurrent filing of work authorization and travel documents. This distinction is significant for applicants who want to lock in benefits sooner. EB-3 applicants are encouraged to compare their priority date against both the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing charts in the July 2026 Visa Bulletin. USCIS determines each month which chart applies, so applicants should verify on the USCIS website which chart is authorized for July 2026 filings. Applicants should act promptly, as filing windows can retrogress in subsequent months. Consulting with an immigration attorney to prepare a complete I-485 package before the filing deadline is strongly recommended.