USCIS AOS 2026 Update: India EB-2 Backlog Drops 7th Straight Month, 2015 Priority Dates Now Visible

USCIS published its April 3, 2026 pending I-485 inventory this week, releasing three months of data — February, March, and April — in a single batch. The data provides a detailed snapshot of how many adjustment-of-status applications remain pending across employment-based preference categories and countries of chargeability. The most significant headline from the April report is that India EB-2 inventory declined for the seventh consecutive month. This sustained downward trend suggests that USCIS has been adjudicating India EB-2 cases at a pace that exceeds new filings, which could eventually contribute to forward movement in the Visa Bulletin priority dates for that category — though the backlog remains enormous. Also notable in the April data is the first-ever appearance of 2015 priority dates in the inventory report. This marks a milestone for long-waiting Indian nationals who filed their I-485 petitions over a decade ago, as their cases are now actively reflected in USCIS pending counts — an indicator that adjudication activity has reached this cohort. For EB-3 applicants, particularly those from India and China with older priority dates, inventory trends are a key leading indicator for Visa Bulletin movement. A shrinking pending inventory in a given category generally supports favorable date advancement in upcoming bulletins, though the Department of State makes final cutoff date decisions based on multiple factors including visa number demand and usage rates. Applicants are encouraged to monitor both the monthly USCIS I-485 inventory releases and the Visa Bulletin closely. Those with 2015 or earlier priority dates in EB-2 or EB-3 India should ensure their cases are in order and consult with their attorneys about any required updates to pending applications.