Visa Bulletin July 2026: Major Setbacks for Indian EB-3 Green Card Applicants

The U.S. Department of State's July 2026 Visa Bulletin has delivered disappointing news for Indian nationals pursuing employment-based green cards, particularly in the EB-3 category. The bulletin reflects notable retrogression in priority dates, meaning applicants whose cases were previously current may now face additional waiting periods before their visas can be processed. For Indian EB-3 applicants — which includes skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers — the July 2026 bulletin continues a long-standing pattern of severe backlog due to the per-country annual cap on immigrant visas. India consistently faces the longest wait times of any nationality in employment-based categories, often stretching decades for new applicants. The retrogression affects both the 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing' charts, potentially halting adjustment of status applications and consular processing for thousands of Indian nationals currently in the queue. Applicants are advised to verify their priority date against the latest bulletin before submitting any USCIS filings. Immigration practitioners are urging Indian EB-3 applicants to consult with legal counsel to reassess timelines and explore any available options, such as EB-1 or EB-2 National Interest Waiver pathways where eligible. Staying current with monthly bulletin changes remains critical for managing long-term immigration planning.