March 2026 Visa Bulletin Shows Notable Advance for Indian EB-3 Applicants

The U.S. Department of State released the March 2026 Visa Bulletin, and it contains encouraging news for Indian-born green card applicants. The bulletin shows a notable leap forward in priority dates, which analysts are describing as a meaningful easing of the longstanding green card backlog affecting Indian nationals. Indian nationals in the EB-3 employment-based category have historically faced some of the longest wait times in the U.S. immigration system, often spanning decades due to per-country annual limits. Any forward movement in priority dates represents a tangible step forward for thousands of applicants waiting in the queue. For EB-3 applicants born in India — including skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers — the March 2026 bulletin may mean that those with earlier priority dates can now move closer to filing for adjustment of status or consular processing. Applicants should verify their specific priority date against both the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing charts in the official bulletin. Immigration attorneys recommend that affected applicants consult with their employers or legal counsel promptly to determine if they are now eligible to take next steps. Monitoring monthly bulletin updates remains essential, as dates can advance or retrogress based on demand.