The Immigration Team at Song Law Firm provides the following update based on the U.S. Department of State’s January 2026 Visa Bulletin. The tables below summarize current priority date availability as published by the Department of State.
FINAL ACTION DATES FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCE CASES
These dates determine when an immigrant visa may be issued or an adjustment of status application may be approved.
| Category | All Chargeability Areas | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| F1 | 11/08/2016 | 11/08/2016 | 11/08/2016 | 09/06/2007 | 03/13/2013 |
| F2A | 02/01/2024 | 02/01/2024 | 02/01/2024 | 02/01/2023 | 02/01/2024 |
| F2B | 12/01/2016 | 12/01/2016 | 12/01/2016 | 11/08/2008 | 12/22/2012 |
| F3 | 09/08/2011 | 09/08/2011 | 09/08/2011 | 07/01/2001 | 02/06/2005 |
| F4 | 01/08/2008 | 01/08/2008 | 11/01/2006 | 04/08/2001 | 01/15/2008 |
DATES FOR FILING FAMILY-SPONSORED VISA APPLICATIONS
These dates indicate when applicants may begin submitting immigrant visa or adjustment of status applications.
| Category | All Chargeability Areas | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| F1 | 09/01/2017 | 09/01/2017 | 09/01/2017 | 09/01/2007 | 04/22/2015 |
| F2A | 12/22/2025 | 12/22/2025 | 12/22/2025 | 12/22/2025 | 12/22/2025 |
| F2B | 03/15/2017 | 03/15/2017 | 03/15/2017 | 11/09/2009 | 10/01/2013 |
| F3 | 07/22/2012 | 07/22/2012 | 07/22/2012 | 07/01/2001 | 02/01/2006 |
| F4 | 03/01/2009 | 03/01/2009 | 12/15/2006 | 04/30/2001 | 01/08/2008 |
FINAL ACTION DATES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCE CASES
| Preference | All Chargeability Areas | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| 1st | C | 02/01/2023 | 02/01/2023 | C | C |
| 2nd | 04/01/2024 | 09/01/2021 | 07/15/2013 | 04/01/2024 | 04/01/2024 |
| 3rd | 04/22/2023 | 05/01/2021 | 11/13/2013 | 04/22/2023 | 04/22/2023 |
| Other Workers | 09/01/2021 | 12/08/2018 | 11/13/2013 | 09/01/2021 | 09/01/2021 |
| 4th | 01/01/2021 | 01/01/2021 | 01/01/2021 | 01/01/2021 | 01/01/2021 |
| 5th (Unreserved) | C | 05/01/2024 | C | C | C |
DATES FOR FILING OF EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISA APPLICATIONS
| Preference | All Chargeability Areas | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| 1st | C | 05/15/2023 | 04/15/2023 | C | C |
| 2nd | 07/15/2024 | 01/01/2022 | 12/01/2013 | 07/15/2024 | 07/15/2024 |
| 3rd | 07/01/2023 | 01/01/2022 | 08/15/2014 | 07/01/2023 | 07/01/2023 |
| Other Workers | 12/01/2021 | 10/01/2018 | 08/15/2014 | 12/01/2021 | 12/01/2021 |
| 4th | 02/15/2021 | 02/15/2021 | 02/15/2021 | 02/15/2021 | 02/15/2021 |
| 5th (Unreserved) | C | 07/22/2016 | 04/01/2022 | C | C |
“C” indicates that visa numbers are currently available for all qualified applicants in that category.
ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FILING CHARTS PROVIDED BY USCIS
For individuals residing in the United States and applying for a green card through Adjustment of Status, it is important to review not only the Visa Bulletin but also USCIS’s monthly guidance on which chart may be used to file Form I-485.
According to USCIS’s current Adjustment of Status filing guidance for January 2026, applicants may use the Dates for Filing chart when submitting Form I-485. USCIS determines chart usage on a monthly basis, and this guidance may change. Applicants should always confirm the applicable filing chart on USCIS’s official Adjustment of Status Filing Charts page before submitting an application.
Please note that failure to verify your Priority Date against the correct chart may result in your Form I-485 being rejected and returned. You may file Form I-485 only if your Priority Date is earlier than the applicable date shown in the Visa Bulletin and USCIS filing instructions.
Contact Us
If you have questions about priority dates, immigrant visas, or Adjustment of Status timing, please contact Song Law Firm at 21-461-0031 or mail@songlawfirm.com. We are happy to assist you in reviewing your eligibility and planning next steps based on the most current guidance.
