May 2026 Visa Bulletin Update: USCIS Switches to Final Action Dates for EB Categories

The U.S. Department of State has released the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, bringing a significant procedural shift for adjustment of status applicants. USCIS has announced it will now honor the Final Action Dates Chart for all employment-based categories, while continuing to use the Dates for Filing Chart exclusively for family-sponsored categories. This distinction is critical for applicants determining their eligibility to file Form I-485. For EB-3 applicants, the most notable movement is in the Other Workers subcategory, where Worldwide and Mexico chargeability areas advance 3 months to February 1, 2022. EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers cutoff dates remain unchanged: India stays at November 15, 2013, China at June 15, 2021, Philippines at August 1, 2023, and all other countries (including Worldwide and Mexico) at June 1, 2024. In the EB-1 and EB-2 categories, dates hold steady with no advancement. EB-1 India and China remain at April 1, 2023, while all other countries stay current. EB-2 India remains at July 15, 2014 and EB-2 China at September 1, 2021, with all other countries current. Family-sponsored categories see more substantial forward movement across the board. F2A Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents advance approximately 6 months for most countries, and F1 Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens advance nearly 6 months worldwide. EB-3 applicants should verify their priority date against the Final Action Dates Chart — not Dates for Filing — when assessing May 2026 adjustment of status eligibility, as USCIS has switched chart usage for employment-based cases this month.