November 2026 Visa Bulletin Good News: EB-3 Advances 5 Months for Indian Applicants

The November 2026 Visa Bulletin has been released by the U.S. Department of State, delivering encouraging news for Indian nationals awaiting employment-based green cards. Most notably, the EB-3 category is reported to have advanced roughly 5 months, offering meaningful relief to applicants who have been waiting in the long-standing Indian backlog. For Indian EB-3 applicants, the distinction between the Skilled Workers and Other Workers subcategories remains significant. The priority date gap between these two tracks continues to be a critical factor in determining when an applicant may file for adjustment of status or expect visa availability, making it important for applicants to confirm which subcategory applies to their petition. The bulletin also carries broader context for the Indian immigrant community, as multiple employment-based and family-based categories (including F3 and F4) are seeing movement. Applicants are advised to cross-reference the Final Action Dates chart against their priority date and confirm whether USCIS has designated the Dates for Filing chart as applicable for the month. Indian nationals on H-1B visas should remain cautious about international travel, as green card travel risks and potential loss of status remain a concern during the adjustment of status process. Consulting with an immigration attorney before traveling is strongly recommended. Finally, ongoing legislative discussions around potentially eliminating certain employment-based categories, including EB-3 and EB-5, add uncertainty to long-term planning. Applicants should stay informed about Congressional developments that could affect their immigration pathways.