March 2026 Visa Bulletin: Major EB-2 & EB-1 Movement

The U.S. Department of State has released the March 2026 Visa Bulletin, and it features some of the most significant forward movement for employment-based (EB) categories in years.

For many employment-based applicants, the “wait in line” just got shorter — especially for those in EB-2 from countries other than India and China.

Quick Summary: Top Changes for March 2026

• EB-2 Breakthrough: For all countries except India and China, EB-2 is now “Current” for filing.
• India EB-2 Jump: Advanced by 11 months to November 1, 2014.
• USCIS Filing Chart: USCIS will honor the Dates for Filing chart for March 2026, allowing more applicants to submit their Adjustment of Status applications.
• EB-1 Progress: India and China both saw a 4-month jump in filing dates to December 1, 2023.

What Is the Visa Bulletin?

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly update from the U.S. Department of State that shows when people can move forward in the green card process. Because there are limits on how many green cards can be issued each year, not everyone can apply at once.

Each bulletin lists cutoff dates by category and country. If your priority date is earlier than the listed cutoff, you are eligible to proceed. Priority dates are your place in line based on when your petition was filed.

The Visa Bulletin includes two charts:

• Final Action Dates — These show when a green card can actually be approved.
• Dates for Filing — These show when you may submit your application, if USCIS authorizes use of this chart in a given month. 

USCIS posts monthly guidance confirming whether applicants should use the Dates for Filing chart or the Final Action Dates chart when filing adjustment of status.

For March 2026, USCIS is honoring the Dates for Filing chart, so eligible applicants inside the U.S. may file their adjustment of status applications using those dates, even if the Final Action Dates have not yet advanced. 

March 2026 Employment-Based Dates for Filing

USCIS will use this chart to determine eligibility for filing adjustment of status applications this month.

Category-by-Category Breakdown

EB-1 (Priority Workers)

China: December 1, 2023 (Advanced 4 months)

India: December 1, 2023 (Advanced 4 months)

All other countries: Current

Steady forward movement suggests improved visa availability for high-priority workers.

EB-2 (Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability)

China: January 1, 2022 (No change)

India: November 1, 2014 (Advanced 11 months)

All other countries: Current

This is the headline of the month. The move to "Current" for most countries signals massive availability. Notably, EB-2 India has now overtaken EB-3 India, which may lead many to "interfile" or upgrade their pending applications.

EB-3 (Professionals and Skilled Workers)

China: January 1, 2022 (No change)

India: August 15, 2014 (No change)

All other countries: January 15, 2024 (Advanced 3.5 months)

Steady but modest progress for most, while the largest backlogs remain stalled.

EB-4 (Special Immigrants)

All countries: January 1, 2023 (21.5-month leap)

The Certain Religious Workers (SR) category is now officially available again through September 30, 2026, following the signing of H.R. 7148 on February 3, 2026.

EB-5 (Immigrant Investors)

China (Unreserved): October 1, 2016 (Advanced 5 weeks)

India (Unreserved): May 1, 2024 (No change)

All other countries: Current

Set-Aside Categories (Rural / High Unemployment / Infrastructure): Current for all countries

EB-5 set-aside categories continue to offer the fastest path for investors from India and China, as they remain current while unreserved categories face backlogs.

Why So Much Movement?

The State Department has noted that immigrant visa issuance at U.S. consulates has decreased for certain nationalities due to recent government policies, including:

• A nationality-based travel ban affecting nearly 40 countries
• An immigrant visa processing pause affecting approximately 75 countries

 While this creates a temporary "surge" in availability, applicants should beware of possible retrogression (dates moving backward) later in the 2026 fiscal year as demand catches up.

What Applicants Should Keep in Mind

• USCIS is honoring the Filing Chart. If your priority date is current under the Dates for Filing chart, you may file your adjustment application in March.
• Retrogression risk exists. Mid–fiscal year advancement can sometimes be followed by backward movement later in the year. If your priority date is current, filing as soon as possible is advisable.

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.