US Visa Bulletin July 2026: EB-1 India Retrogresses, EB-3 Advances Significantly – What It Means for Green Card Applicants

US Visa Bulletin July 2026

June 17, 2026 — The U.S. Department of State has released the July 2026 Visa Bulletin, bringing mixed news for employment-based green card seekers. While most categories see forward movement, EB-1 India faces a two-month retrogression, and EB-2 India along with EB-5 India remain unavailable for the rest of the fiscal year.

This update is critical for thousands of professionals, especially from India and China, who are navigating the complex priority date system for employment-based immigrant visas.

Key Takeaways from July 2026 Visa Bulletin

• EB-1 India retrogresses by two months to October 15, 2022.

• EB-3 China advances substantially by nearly five months to December 22, 2021.

• EB-3 India moves forward by two weeks to January 1, 2014.

• EB-2 India and EB-5 India stay unavailable through September 30, 2026.

• USCIS will honor the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based adjustment of status filings in July.

Detailed Final Action Dates – July 2026

EB-1 (Priority Workers)

• China: Advances to June 1, 2023 (+2 months)

• India: Retrogresses to October 15, 2022 (-2 months)

• All other countries: Current

EB-2 (Advanced Degrees / Exceptional Ability)

• China: Holds at September 1, 2021

• India: Unavailable

• All other countries: Current

EB-3 (Professionals, Skilled Workers)

• China: Advances to December 22, 2021 (+~5 months)

• India: Advances to January 1, 2014 (+2 weeks)

• Philippines: Holds at August 1, 2023

• Rest of World: Advances to August 1, 2024 (+2 months)

EB-5 (Investors)

• Unreserved (China): Advances to December 1, 2016 (+>2 months)

• Unreserved (India): Unavailable

• All Set-Aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure): Current for all countries

USCIS Filing Guidance for July 2026

USCIS has confirmed it will accept employment-based adjustment of status (Form I-485) applications based on the Final Action Dates in the July Visa Bulletin.

To file in July, your priority date must be earlier than the Final Action Date for your category and country of chargeability.

This is welcome news for many applicants whose dates have become current or moved forward, allowing them to submit or upgrade their cases.

State Department Warnings and Outlook

The July Bulletin highlights a rise in demand for the EB-1 India category, resulting in retrogression. Further retrogressions or temporary unavailability are possible before the fiscal year ends on September 30, 2026.

The State Department also cautions that EB-2 China and EB-3 Philippines may face retrogression in coming months due to rising demand.

Visa numbers reset on October 1, 2026 (start of FY 2027), which often brings significant forward movement, particularly for India and China backlogs.

Practical Advice for Applicants

If your priority date is current

• File your adjustment of status as soon as possible to secure your place in line and gain work/travel authorization (EAD/AP).

If your date is not current

• Monitor monthly bulletins closely.

• Consider using premium processing for I-140 petitions when it is an option.

• Explore alternative strategies such as consular processing or changing employers if porting is beneficial.

For Indian nationals The retrogression in EB-1 and continued unavailability in EB-2/EB-5 highlight the persistent backlogs. Many applicants are exploring options like the EB-3 downgrade route when dates allow.

For Chinese nationals Strong forward movement in EB-3 and EB-5 Unreserved offers real progress for those waiting in these lines.

Why Visa Bulletin Movements Matter

Employment-based green cards are subject to annual numerical limits per category and per country. When demand exceeds supply, backlogs form — especially for India and China, which face per-country caps.

The July 2026 movements reflect typical end-of-fiscal-year dynamics, with some categories advancing while high-demand ones tighten.

For the most up-to-date analysis, priority date trackers, and country-specific strategies, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/usa