June 2026 Visa Bulletin Released: EB-3 Cutoff Dates & July 2026 Predictions
The Department of State has released the June 2026 Immigration Visa Bulletin, updating priority dates for employment-based categories including EB-3. Applicants should review cutoff dates to determine filing eligibility.
The Department of State has officially released the June 2026 Visa Bulletin, providing updated priority dates for all preference categories, including employment-based EB-3 (skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers). The bulletin serves as the monthly guide determining which applicants may file adjustment of status or proceed with consular processing based on their priority date and country of chargeability.
For EB-3 applicants, the June bulletin reflects the ongoing management of the global visa queue amid continued high demand. Oversubscribed countries—including India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines—typically see slower movement or retrogression, while rest-of-world applicants generally benefit from more favorable cutoff dates. Applicants are advised to compare their priority date against both the 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing' charts, as USCIS determines which chart governs each month.
The release of the June bulletin also signals an opportunity for stakeholders to begin forecasting the July 2026 Visa Bulletin. Analysts and immigration practitioners typically assess visa usage patterns from the prior fiscal year quarter to predict whether dates will advance, hold, or retrogress in upcoming months. EB-3 and EB-5 categories are of particular interest given current demand trends.
EB-3 applicants with pending or upcoming cases should consult with a qualified immigration attorney to assess how June's cutoff dates affect their timeline. Those in the adjustment of status process should verify whether USCIS has confirmed acceptance under the Dates for Filing chart for the current month.
The October 2026 Visa Bulletin, the first of FY2027, shows EB-3 Worldwide retrogressing to August 1, 2024, while EB-3 China, India, and Philippines all advance. USCIS will accept employment-based Adjustment of Status under the Dates for Filing chart.
October 2026 brings dramatic gains for China and India EB-3 applicants, with China advancing 27 months to April 2024 and India jumping 12+ months to January 15, 2015. Rest of World and Mexico see a minor one-month retrogression.
For the first time since April 2026, worldwide EB-2 has a cutoff date in the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, with a Final Action Date of January 1, 2025. USCIS designated the Dates for Filing chart for October, creating three distinct applicant positions based on priority date.