US Visa Bulletin June 2026: Major Retrogression Hits India EB-2, Mixed Movements Across Categories
- Xavi
- May 21
- 3 min read
Updated: May 21
Washington, May 21, 2026 — The U.S. Department of State has released the June 2026 Visa Bulletin, bringing significant setbacks for Indian applicants in the EB-2 category and modest forward movement in several family-based categories.
This monthly update is critical for green card applicants, as it determines when individuals can file their Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or when visas become available. With growing backlogs, especially for Indian and Chinese nationals, the June bulletin delivers both hope and disappointment depending on your category and country of chargeability.
Key Highlights from the June 2026 Visa Bulletin
Employment-Based Categories: Notable retrogression in EB-2 India (10.5 months backward) and EB-1 India (3.5 months backward). China EB-3 and India EB-3 saw small forward movement.
Family-Based Categories: Positive movement in F-2B (2.5 months forward) and F-1 (7 months forward), while F-4 showed mixed results with slight advances in most countries.
EB-5 Investors: Minor retrogression for China, while most other categories remained current.
USCIS has announced that for June 2026, applicants should use the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based cases and the Dates for Filing chart for family-based cases when determining eligibility to file Adjustment of Status applications.
Family-Based Green Card Backlogs – June 2026
Category | Country | New Cut-Off Date | Old Cut-Off Date | Movement |
F-1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters 21+) | All Countries | 1-Oct-18 | 1-Mar-18 | +7 months |
F-2A (Spouses & Children <21) | All Countries | Current | Current | No Change |
F-2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters 21+) | All Countries | 22-Mar-18 | 1-Jan-18 | +2.5 months |
F-3 (Married Sons/Daughters) | All Countries | 8-Dec-12 | 22-Nov-12 | +16 days |
F-4 (Siblings) | All Countries | 22-Dec-09 | 1-Sep-09 | +3.5 months |
Notable: Strong forward movement in F-1 and F-2B categories provides some relief for adult children of U.S. citizens and green card holders.
Employment-Based Green Card Backlogs – June 2026
Category | Country | New Cut-Off Date | Old Cut-Off Date | Movement |
EB-1 | India | 15-Dec-22 | 1-Apr-23 | -3.5 months |
EB-2 | India | 1-Sep-13 | 15-Jul-14 | -10.5 months |
EB-3 (Skilled/Professional) | India | 15-Dec-13 | 15-Nov-13 | +1 month |
EB-3 (Other Workers) | India | 15-Dec-13 | 15-Nov-13 | +1 month |
EB-5 (Investors) | China | 22-Sep-16 | 1-Sep-16 | -21 days |
Most Impacted: Indian EB-2 applicants (Advanced Degrees/Exceptional Ability) suffered the heaviest setback, with the cut-off date moving back over 10 months. This category remains one of the most backlogged.
What This Means for Green Card Applicants
The June 2026 Visa Bulletin highlights the ongoing and unpredictable nature of U.S. green card backlogs. Although some family-based categories are advancing, employment-based applicants — especially those from India and China — still encounter multi-year delays due to per-country limits.
Practical Advice:
Carefully track your priority date (usually the date your I-140 or petition was filed).
Check the Visa Bulletin monthly, as changes can occur suddenly.
For Adjustment of Status, pay attention to USCIS announcements regarding which chart to use.
Consider premium processing where available to expedite petition approvals.
Expert Analysis
Immigration lawyers observe that the significant retrogression in EB-2 India is due to high demand and a limited number of visas. Many STEM professionals are now experiencing waits of over 10–12 years. The slight progress in EB-3 provides only limited relief for skilled workers and professionals.
Final Thoughts
The June 2026 Visa Bulletin highlights the ongoing difficulties within the U.S. immigration system. Although there is some positive movement in family-based categories, those applying through employment-based channels — particularly from countries with high demand — need to remain patient and plan strategically.
To access the latest insights on the US Visa Bulletin, green card processing times, Adjustment of Status guidance, and expert immigration strategies for 2026, visit:
Comments