Visa Bulletin June 2026: EB-1, EB-2 Dates Retrogress — EB3 Priority Date Changes Explained

The U.S. Department of State has released the June 2026 Visa Bulletin, revealing a significant setback for Indian-born applicants in the EB-1 and EB-2 employment-based preference categories. Priority dates for these categories have retrogressed, meaning applicants with earlier priority dates may temporarily lose their ability to file adjustment of status applications or proceed with immigrant visa processing. The backward movement of EB-1 and EB-2 cutoff dates reflects the ongoing and worsening green card backlog, driven by high demand and the per-country annual numerical caps. India, which consistently exhausts its annual allocation, is particularly affected by these fluctuations. Retrogression in higher preference categories can also indirectly affect EB-3 queue dynamics. For EB-3 applicants, it is critical to compare both the 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing' charts in the June 2026 bulletin to determine current eligibility. USCIS will issue a separate announcement confirming which chart applies for adjustment of status filings for the month. Applicants from Vietnam and other high-demand countries should monitor the National Visa Center (NVC) processing time updates alongside the bulletin, as NVC scheduling delays can add months to overall case timelines. Consulting with an immigration attorney is advisable for those whose priority dates are near the cutoff dates, as retrogression can happen quickly in subsequent bulletins.