May 2026 Visa Bulletin: Indian EB-3 Green Card Backlog Persists, EB-5 Faces Cut-Off Rollback

The U.S. Department of State has released the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, and for Indian nationals awaiting employment-based green cards, the news offers little relief. The backlog for India-born applicants in the EB-3 category continues to stretch back many years, reflecting the persistent oversubscription driven by per-country annual caps under current immigration law. A notable development in the May 2026 bulletin is the potential rollback of cut-off dates for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. A retrogression in EB-5 cut-offs typically signals that visa demand has outpaced supply in that category, which can affect investors who have been counting on more predictable timelines. For EB-3 skilled workers and professionals from India, the priority date movement remains a critical factor in planning their immigration journey. Applicants are advised to monitor both the 'Dates for Filing' and 'Final Action Dates' charts, as USCIS periodically allows the use of the more favorable chart for adjustment of status filings. Practitioners and applicants alike should review the May 2026 bulletin carefully and consult with an immigration attorney to assess whether any movement in priority dates creates an actionable window. Given the current policy environment and potential legislative changes, staying current with each monthly bulletin is essential.