The April 2026 Visa Bulletin just dropped, and immigration attorneys across the U.S. are calling it one of the most significant bulletins in years. If you’re from India, China, the Philippines, Mexico, or anywhere else in the world, this bulletin could directly impact when you can apply for your U.S. green card.
India EB-2 jumped forward by nearly 10 months in a single bulletin. EB-3 for most countries around the world hit “Current,” meaning no waiting at all. And USCIS has opened the door for thousands of applicants to file their green card applications right now, even if final approval is still a little way off.
Here we’ll discuss what has changed in the latest US visa bulletin and what steps you can take further.
Big News: What’s Exciting in the April 2026 Visa Bulletin
India EB-2 Advanced by Nearly 10 Months
This is the headline. India’s EB-2 Final Action Date moved to July 15, 2014 — a jump of almost 10 months in a single bulletin. For context, that kind of movement rarely happens. People who thought they’d be staring at the same date for months suddenly find themselves significantly closer to the finish line. If you’re an Indian national in the EB-2 category, sit up and pay attention; this month is important for you.
EB-3 Rest of World Dates for Filing: Now Current
For skilled workers and professionals from most countries around the world, this is huge. The EB-3 Dates for Filing chart moved to Current, which means if you’re in this category, there is effectively no queue standing between you and filing your green card application. If your employer has filed for an employer-sponsored green card on your behalf, now is the time to act.
India EB-1 Also Moved Forward
India’s EB-1 Final Action Date advanced to April 1, 2023 — a full month forward. EB-1 covers priority workers, people with extraordinary ability, and multinational executives. Every bit of movement in this oversubscribed category counts.
China EB-1 and EB-2: Positive Movement
Chinese nationals in both EB-1 and EB-2 categories also saw forward movement this month, with EB-1 advancing to April 1, 2023, and EB-2 moving to September 1, 2021, on the Final Action Date chart.
India Family F1 Category Advanced Nearly 6 Months
If you’re an unmarried adult child of a U.S. citizen from India, the F1 Final Action Date moved to May 1, 2017, a meaningful advance for families who’ve been waiting a long time.
Why Did All This Happen?
Recent U.S. administration policies slowed down visa issuance from certain countries. That freed up green card numbers that then became available to other applicants. The State Department channeled those numbers into the categories above, which is what produced this unusually large movement.
Employment-Based Green Cards – Final Action Dates
Use this table to find out when your green card can be approved.
| Category | What It Covers | Most Countries | India | China | Mexico | Philippines |
| EB-1 | Extraordinary ability, top executives, outstanding researchers | Current | Apr 1, 2023 | Apr 1, 2023 | Current | Current |
| EB-2 | Advanced degree holders, exceptional ability professionals | Current | Jul 15, 2014 | Sep 1, 2021 | Current | Current |
| EB-3 Skilled/Prof | Bachelor’s degree workers, skilled professionals | Jun 1, 2024 | Nov 15, 2013 | Jun 15, 2021 | Jun 1, 2024 | Aug 1, 2023 |
| EB-3 Other Workers | Unskilled workers with 2+ years of experience | Nov 1, 2021 | Nov 15, 2013 | Feb 1, 2019 | Nov 1, 2021 | Nov 1, 2021 |
| EB-4 | Special immigrants — religious workers, broadcasters, etc. | Jul 15, 2022 | Jul 15, 2022 | Jul 15, 2022 | Jul 15, 2022 | Jul 15, 2022 |
| EB-5 (Unreserved) | Investor visas | Current | May 1, 2022 | Sep 1, 2016 | Current | Current |
Employment-Based: Dates for Filing
Use this table to find out when you can submit your I-485 Adjustment of Status application.
| Category | Most Countries | India | China | Mexico | Philippines |
| EB-1 | Current | Dec 1, 2023 | Dec 1, 2023 | Current | Current |
| EB-2 | Current | Jan 15, 2015 | Jan 1, 2022 | Current | Current |
| EB-3 Skilled/Prof | Current | Jan 15, 2015 | Jan 1, 2022 | Current | Jan 1, 2024 |
| EB-3 Other Workers | Aug 1, 2022 | Jan 15, 2015 | Oct 1, 2019 | Aug 1, 2022 | Aug 1, 2022 |
| EB-4 | Jan 1, 2023 | Jan 1, 2023 | Jan 1, 2023 | Jan 1, 2023 | Jan 1, 2023 |
“Current” simply means: no waiting. If you see this next to your category, you’re eligible to move forward right now.
Sponsoring a Family Member? Here’s Where the Line Stands
If you’re a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) bringing a loved one to the U.S., these are the current cutoff dates. Our family visa immigration lawyer can help you determine your eligibility and next steps.
| Relationship | Most Countries | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| F1 — Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens | May 1, 2017 | May 1, 2017 | Feb 15, 2007 | May 1, 2013 |
| F2A — Spouses & young children of green card holders | Feb 1, 2024 | Feb 1, 2024 | Feb 1, 2023 | Feb 1, 2024 |
| F2B — Unmarried adult children of green card holders | May 22, 2017 | May 22, 2017 | Feb 15, 2009 | Apr 8, 2013 |
| F3 — Married children of U.S. citizens | Dec 22, 2011 | Dec 22, 2011 | May 1, 2001 | Jul 1, 2005 |
| F4 — Siblings of U.S. citizens | Jun 8, 2008 | Nov 1, 2006 | Apr 8, 2001 | Feb 1, 2007 |
The One Thing We Don’t Want You to Ignore
We know it’s tempting just to feel good about this bulletin and move on. But here’s something important you need to hear:
The government itself has warned that these dates could move backward.
This is called retrogression, and it happens when more people apply than expected, or when policy shifts change how many visas are available. The State Department has been unusually direct about this risk in the April bulletin.
What that means for you: if April opens a window for your case, don’t wait to see what May brings. A window that’s open today could be smaller, or closed, next month.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
At The Law Firm of Abhisha Parikh, we help immigration seekers from every corner of the world navigate the U.S. green card process, from understanding your priority date to filing your I-485 and beyond.
Book a Case Evaluation. Our expert immigration attorney in New Jersey will review your priority date, category, and country chargeability to tell you exactly where you stand.
