The visa bulletin february 2026 has been released, bringing important updates for employment-based and family-sponsored immigration categories that affect thousands of individuals and employers across the United States. This monthly publication determines when green card applicants can move forward in the permanent residency process. For February 2026, the most notable movement appears in the EB-3 employment category, while other classifications show limited or no advancement.
This detailed breakdown explains what changed, who benefits, and what applicants should do next.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin and Priority Dates
Each month, the U.S. government publishes a visa bulletin outlining the availability of immigrant visa numbers. Because the number of green cards issued each year is capped by law, applicants are placed in preference categories and assigned priority dates.
A priority date usually reflects the date an immigrant petition or labor certification was filed. When the bulletin’s listed cut-off date reaches an applicant’s priority date, that applicant may proceed with the next step in the green card process.
There are two key charts:
- Final Action Dates – Determines when a green card can actually be approved.
- Dates for Filing – Determines when applicants may submit adjustment of status applications.
For February 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is using the Dates for Filing chart for employment-based categories. This allows eligible applicants to file adjustment applications even if final approval will occur later.
Key Highlights for February 2026
EB-3 Category Shows Forward Movement
The most significant development this month involves the EB-3 Professional and Skilled Worker category.
For most countries, EB-3 priority dates have advanced by approximately three months under the Dates for Filing chart. This movement opens the door for many applicants who were previously waiting for their priority dates to become current.
However, applicants from India and China do not see advancement in EB-3 this month. Their priority dates remain unchanged due to high demand and annual country limits.
This advancement is especially meaningful for employers who rely on EB-3 workers in industries such as healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, and technology. Forward movement allows companies to continue long-term workforce planning with more certainty.
Employment-Based Categories: February 2026 Overview
EB-1 – Priority Workers
For most countries, EB-1 remains current. This means eligible applicants in this category can proceed without waiting for a priority date cut-off.
For India and China, EB-1 remains subject to a cut-off date. The backlog persists due to heavy demand in prior years.
EB-2 – Advanced Degree and Exceptional Ability
EB-2 shows no forward movement this month.
Applicants from most countries remain subject to established cut-off dates. India and China continue to experience significant backlogs in this category, with priority dates far earlier than those for the rest of the world.
EB-3 – Professionals and Skilled Workers
As noted earlier, EB-3 sees the most notable progress in the visa bulletin february 2026.
- Most countries: Priority dates advance several months.
- China: No movement.
- India: No movement.
This shift offers relief to many applicants who have waited years to file their final paperwork.
EB-4 – Special Immigrants
The Certain Religious Workers subcategory under EB-4 is unavailable in February 2026 due to the expiration of its statutory authorization at the end of January. Other EB-4 categories remain unchanged.
EB-5 – Immigrant Investors
Most EB-5 unreserved categories remain subject to existing cut-off dates. Reserved and set-aside categories remain current for all countries.
Family-Sponsored Categories
Family-sponsored immigrant categories continue to show limited forward movement.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens remain current, as they are not subject to annual numerical caps.
Preference categories for adult children and siblings of U.S. citizens, as well as spouses and children of permanent residents, remain backlogged, with modest shifts in some regions. Applicants should carefully compare their priority dates with the February 2026 charts to determine eligibility.
What This Means for Adjustment of Status Applicants
Because USCIS is honoring the Dates for Filing chart for employment-based applicants in February 2026, many individuals may now submit Form I-485 if their priority date is earlier than the listed filing date.
Filing adjustment of status offers several advantages:
- Eligibility for work authorization
- Ability to apply for advance parole travel permission
- Protection under pending adjustment rules
- Greater employment flexibility in certain situations
Applicants who become eligible to file should prepare documentation quickly to avoid delays. Movement in future bulletins is never guaranteed and can slow or retrogress if demand increases.
Impact on Employers
Employers who sponsor foreign workers should pay close attention to EB-3 advancements this month.
When employees file adjustment of status:
- They may qualify for employment authorization.
- They gain portability rights under certain conditions.
- Workforce retention improves because employees feel more secure about long-term residency prospects.
Companies with pending labor certifications or immigrant petitions should reassess timelines and ensure internal immigration records are current.
Backlogs for India and China Continue
Despite EB-3 movement worldwide, applicants from India and China remain subject to lengthy waits in multiple employment-based categories.
Annual per-country limits cap the number of green cards issued to nationals of each country. When demand exceeds those limits, backlogs develop.
For many Indian applicants in EB-2 and EB-3, wait times remain measured in years. Chinese applicants also face extended queues, though typically shorter than those for India.
Religious Worker Category Pause
The expiration of the Certain Religious Workers program within EB-4 affects a specific group of applicants who relied on that pathway. Unless reauthorized, new filings in that subcategory cannot proceed.
Other special immigrant categories under EB-4 remain active and unchanged.
Looking Ahead to Future Bulletins
Visa bulletin movement depends on demand patterns, visa usage rates, and remaining annual allocations. The fiscal year runs through September 30, and visa numbers must be carefully distributed to avoid exceeding statutory caps.
Applicants should monitor upcoming bulletins for:
- Possible retrogression if demand spikes
- Continued EB-3 forward movement
- Potential EB-2 shifts later in the fiscal year
- Any legislative changes affecting expired programs
Action Steps for Applicants
If your priority date is earlier than the February 2026 filing date:
- Confirm eligibility under the correct chart.
- Gather required documentation immediately.
- File adjustment applications without delay.
- Maintain lawful status until adjustment is properly submitted.
If your date is not yet current, continue monitoring monthly bulletins and consult with qualified immigration professionals for long-term planning.
The visa bulletin february 2026 delivers meaningful progress in the EB-3 category while maintaining stability in most other employment and family-based classifications. For many applicants, this month offers a valuable opportunity to move closer to permanent residency in the United States.
Have your priority date become current this month? Share your experience below and join the conversation.