March 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-2 Dates for Filing Turn Current for Most Countries – India Jumps 11 Months Forward!
- XAVIO
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 20
Published: 2026-02-20T07:45+05:30 (IST)
By Xavio
Big movement in the March 2026 Visa Bulletin! The U.S. Department of State has released the latest numbers, and the news is overwhelmingly positive for employment-based green card hopefuls — especially those outside India and China. USCIS has confirmed it will continue using the Dates for Filing chart in March, meaning thousands more applicants can now file their I-485 adjustment of status applications immediately.
The standout highlight: EB-2 Dates for Filing become current for all countries except India and China, while India sees a massive 11-month leap to November 1, 2014. This opens the filing window wide for professionals in advanced-degree and exceptional-ability categories worldwide.
Key Highlights from March 2026 Visa Bulletin
Dates for Filing (when you can file I-485 with USCIS)
EB-1: China & India advance 4 months to December 1, 2023 → All others remain current.
EB-2: All nations aside from India and China have become current. India jumps forward 11 months to November 1, 2014 (huge relief for many waiting since 2013–2014). China stays at January 1, 2022.
EB-3 Skilled/Professionals: China unchanged at January 1, 2022; India unchanged at August 15, 2014. All others (except Philippines) advance ~3.5 months to January 15, 2024 (note: PDF says Jan 1, website says Jan 15 — use official source).
EB-5 Unreserved: China moves 5 weeks to October 1, 2016; India unchanged at May 1, 2024; all others current.
Final Action Dates (when green card can actually be approved/visa issued)
EB-1: China and India move ahead one month to March 1, 2023. All other countries remain current.
EB-2: China unchanged at September 1, 2021; India advances 2 months to September 15, 2013; all others jump 6.5 months to October 15, 2024.
EB-3: China unchanged at May 1, 2021; India unchanged at November 15, 2013; Philippines +2 months to August 1, 2023; others +4 months to October 1, 2023.
EB-5 Unreserved: China unchanged at August 15, 2016; India unchanged at May 1, 2022; others current.
Why the Forward Movement? A Note from State Department
The State Department explains that recent Trump administration policies — including nationality-based travel restrictions affecting nearly 40 countries and a broader immigrant visa processing pause impacting nationals of 75 countries — have dramatically reduced visa issuance rates. With fewer visas being issued, cutoff dates are advancing faster than usual.
However, they add an important caution: “As demand increases or if these restrictive policies change, some of these dates may need to retrogress later in FY 2026 (ending September 30, 2026).”
This means the current forward momentum is partly due to lower issuance — not necessarily higher visa numbers — so staying proactive and filing quickly is key.
What This Means for Applicants
EB-2 India — 11-month advance in Dates for Filing is one of the biggest jumps in recent years. Many who were stuck around late 2013/early 2014 can now file I-485 in March 2026.
Final Action still slow (only +2 months), but filing now locks in your place in queue and allows EAD/AP combo card benefits while waiting.
If you're in EB-2 or EB-3 with a priority date before the new cutoffs — act fast! Consult your attorney to prepare and file before any potential retrogression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I file my I-485 in March 2026?
Yes — if your priority date is earlier than the March Dates for Filing for your category/country. USCIS is using the Filing chart again this month.
Q: Why did EB-2 advance so much for most countries?
Mainly due to reduced visa issuance from travel bans and processing pauses — fewer visas used = faster forward movement of dates.
Q: Will these dates retrogress later?
Possible — State Department explicitly warns that if issuance normalizes or demand spikes, cutoffs could move backward before September 30, 2026.
Q: Where can I see the full official Visa Bulletin?
Direct from the U.S. Department of State: March 2026 Visa Bulletin.
For the complete March 2026 Visa Bulletin tables, priority date explanations, and USCIS filing guidance, visit the official U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin page.
For personalized advice on whether you can file in March, tracking your priority date, or preparing I-485 in 2026, explore our dedicated U.S. green card & visa bulletin section. Don't miss your window!
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