The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released the March 2026 Visa Bulletin, outlining the availability of immigrant visas for family-sponsored and employment-based categories based on applicants’ priority dates.

DOS noted that immigrant visa issuance at U.S. consulates has slowed for certain countries due to recent restrictive measures, including a travel ban affecting nearly 40 countries and a visa-processing pause impacting about 75 countries. Because of this reduced demand, several cutoff dates moved forward in March. However, DOS cautioned that dates could retrogress later in FY 2026 if demand increases or if restrictions are lifted.

Final Action Dates – Key Updates

• EB-1: China and India advanced 1 month to March 1, 2023; all other countries remain Current.
• EB-2: India advanced to September 15, 2013; China remains September 1, 2021; other countries advanced to October 15, 2024.
• EB-3: Philippines advanced to August 1, 2023; China and India remain unchanged; other countries moved to October 1, 2023.
• EB-5 (Unreserved): China August 15, 2016, India May 1, 2022, others Current.

Dates for Filing – Key Updates

• EB-1: China and India advanced to December 1, 2023.
• EB-2: India advanced significantly to November 1, 2014.
• EB-3: Philippines moved to January 1, 2024, while other countries advanced to January 15, 2024.
• EB-5: China advanced to October 1, 2016.

USCIS Filing Guidance

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed that employment-based applicants may use the “Dates for Filing” chart for March 2026 Adjustment of Status filings, allowing more applicants to submit Form I-485 earlier.

The March 2026 Visa Bulletin shows moderate forward movement in several employment-based categories, particularly in the Dates for Filing chart. Applicants should continue monitoring future bulletins, as retrogression remains possible later in the fiscal year.

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Visa Bulletin For March 2026

Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin | USCIS