April 2026 Visa Bulletin: Major Progress for EB-2/EB-3 India & Chart B Confirmed

The U.S. Department of State has released the April 2026 Visa Bulletin. USCIS has officially confirmed that applicants must use the Dates for Filing (Chart B) for all employment-based categories this month. 

This creates an important filing opportunity—particularly for applicants in EB-2 and EB-3 categories, where forward movement continues.

Key Takeaways: April 2026 at a Glance

• USCIS Filing Chart: USCIS has confirmed that applicants should use Chart B (Dates for Filing). This is a major advantage, as Chart B dates are typically months or years ahead of Chart A.
• India EB-2 & EB-3 Surge: Major progress for Indian nationals. Both EB-2 and EB-3 India filing dates have advanced to January 15, 2015.
• EB-3 Worldwide Recovery: The "Rest of World" and Mexico categories are now Current, offering a wide-open filing window for skilled workers.
• Strategic Outlook: High filing volumes in March and April suggest an increase in filings that may lead to retrogression later in 2026.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly report from the U.S. Department of State that manages the annual quota of immigrant visas. Because Congress limits the number of Green Cards issued each year, the Bulletin acts as a "waiting list" for applicants.

• Priority Date: Think of this as your "place in line." It is usually the date your labor certification or I-140 petition was first filed.
• Final Action Dates (Chart A): These dates indicate when a Green Card can be officially issued or an I-485 can be approved.
• Dates for Filing (Chart B): These dates signify when you can submit your application to USCIS, even if a visa isn't ready to be issued yet.

Important for April 2026: USCIS has confirmed that applicants should use Chart B (Dates for Filing). This is a major advantage, as Chart B dates are typically months or years ahead of Chart A, allowing you to secure work and travel authorization (EAD/AP) sooner.

April 2026 Dates for Filing (Chart B)

Use this chart to determine I-485 eligibility.

What Changed in April 2026

EB-2 India: Historic Advancement

The most dramatic news this month is for EB-2 India. Final Action Dates (Chart A) leaped forward by 303 days to July 15, 2014. More importantly for filers, the Filing Date (Chart B) jumped to January 15, 2015. This movement indicates that visa spillover from other categories is likely reaching the Indian backlog.

EB-3 India: Strategic Alignment

EB-3 India Filing Dates have moved to January 15, 2015, reaching parity with EB-2. This alignment removes the filing incentive for switching to EB-2 but provides a massive opportunity for those whose priority dates finally become current.

EB-3 Worldwide & Mexico: Recovery Complete

The EB-3 "Rest of World" and Mexico categories have returned to Current for filing. This represents a significant recovery after previous periods of stagnation, allowing immediate I-485 Adjustment of Status filings.

Strategic Outlook: Summer 2026

When USCIS allows Chart B for consecutive months—as seen in March and April—it often leads to increased filing volume.

The Department of State (DOS) warns that high demand could mean retrogression later in the fiscal year.

If your priority date is current under Chart B, it's recommended that you file in April if possible.

Why this matters:

• Lock in eligibility before potential retrogression
• Obtain EAD and Advance Parole
• Start the 180-day AC21 portability clock

Next Steps

If your priority date is close to becoming current, or if you are considering strategy changes, careful legal guidance is essential.

Need help understanding your options? Ellis can help — get in touch today.

This update is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.