Visa Bulletin June 2026 EB3: India EB-1 & EB-2 Face Sharp Retrogression

The U.S. Department of State's June 2026 Visa Bulletin has delivered a significant blow to Indian employment-based applicants, with sharp retrogressions across EB-1 and EB-2 categories. EB-2 India falls by more than 10 months to September 1, 2013, while EB-1 India retrogresses over three months to December 15, 2022—a notable setback given the category's historically faster movement. For EB-3 applicants, the news is comparatively modest but positive. EB-3 India advances one month to December 15, 2013, and EB-3 China moves forward six weeks to August 1, 2021. The narrowing gap between EB-2 and EB-3 India priority dates may prompt some applicants to revisit interfiling or downgrade strategies depending on their case posture. The State Department issued an explicit warning that EB-1 and EB-2 India could retrogress further—or become entirely unavailable—before the fiscal year closes on September 30, 2026. This reflects mounting demand pressure as the government enters the final quarter of the fiscal year. EB-5 set-aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment Area, and Infrastructure) remain current for all countries including India and China, continuing to offer one of the few immediately available green card pathways for applicants facing prolonged backlogs in EB-1 and EB-2. For June filings, USCIS has confirmed that adjustment applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart rather than the Dates for Filing chart. Employers and foreign nationals are strongly advised to monitor upcoming bulletins closely, evaluate alternative strategies proactively, and consult with immigration counsel given the heightened volatility expected through September 2026.