Q4 2026 Visa Bulletin Trends: EB-1 · EB-2 · EB-3 · Family-Based Outlook

Why the Visa Bulletin Matters

Published monthly by the State Department, the Visa Bulletin is the official schedule that governs green-card queue movement. For each preference category, the Final Action Date identifies when adjudication can conclude, while the Date for Filing identifies when applicants may submit I-485 paperwork. Tracking the monthly movement of both dates is the foundation of any green-card strategy.

EB-1 Movement

As of late 2026, EB-1 remains current for most countries, while applicants chargeable to China and India continue to face date-based cutoffs. The three EB-1 sub-categories—EB-1A (extraordinary ability), EB-1B (outstanding researchers and professors), and EB-1C (multinational executives and managers)—differ meaningfully in evidentiary standards. Confirming the right sub-category before filing is essential.

EB-2 and EB-3 Trends

EB-2 and EB-3 (worldwide excluding China and India) approached current during the first half of 2026, but momentum has slowed in the second half, with retrogression signals in some months. Rising NIW (National Interest Waiver) self-petition volume has increased overall EB-2 demand.

Renewed Attention to EB-3 Other Workers

EB-3 Other Workers tends to move faster than the main EB-3 skilled category because of lower demand. PERM processing is longer, but total time to green card can be shorter for candidates whose profile fits this subcategory.

Family-Based Preferences (F1 · F2A · F2B · F3 · F4)

Family-based categories follow a “slow but steady” pattern. F2A (spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents) moves relatively faster. F1, F2B, F3, and F4 require long-term status-maintenance planning given multi-year waits.

Dates for Filing vs. Final Action Date

USCIS announces each month whether I-485 filings may use the Date for Filing or must wait for the Final Action Date. In months when Dates for Filing is permitted, applicants can submit earlier and gain earlier EAD/AP benefits. This monthly announcement must be checked each cycle.

How Song Law Firm Uses the Visa Bulletin

Immediately after each monthly Visa Bulletin release, Song Law Firm analyzes impact for each represented client and sends tailored update emails. We adjust filing sequence and timing based on date movement, consider EB-2 ↔ EB-3 cross-chargeability where helpful, and refine F2A-family strategies month by month.