Visa Bulletin July 2026: DOS Releases New Cut-Off Dates for EB-3 Green Card Applicants

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has officially released the Visa Bulletin for July 2026, providing updated priority date cut-offs for all immigrant visa preference categories. The bulletin serves as the primary reference for determining when applicants in employment-based and family-based categories may move forward with their green card applications. For EB-3 applicants — covering skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers — the July 2026 bulletin establishes the priority dates that determine eligibility for filing adjustment of status or consular processing. Applicants whose priority dates are earlier than the published cut-off dates may be able to proceed with the final steps of their green card process. The Visa Bulletin reflects the ongoing management of the annual worldwide immigrant visa numerical limits set by Congress. Movement in cut-off dates varies by country of chargeability, with high-demand countries such as India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines typically seeing slower advancement than other countries. EB-3 applicants are advised to compare their priority date — found on their approved Form I-140 petition — against the dates published in the July 2026 bulletin under both the "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing" charts. USCIS announces each month whether the Dates for Filing chart may be used for adjustment of status submissions. Applicants should consult with a qualified immigration attorney to understand how the July 2026 Visa Bulletin specifically affects their case and whether any upcoming action is required.