The March 2026 Visa Bulletin delivers some of the most consequential mid-fiscal-year movements across employment-based categories, particularly EB-2 and EB-4.

The March 2026 Visa Bulletin provides crucial insights into visa number allocations for applicants.

Official government sources:

With the March 2026 Visa Bulletin, applicants can strategize their filing timelines effectively.

• March 2026 Visa Bulletin – U.S. Department of State
• February 2026 Visa Bulletin – U.S. Department of State
• USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing Charts

USCIS confirmed that applicants may use the Dates for Filing chart for March 2026 adjustment filings.

Key March 2026 Changes

1. EB-2 (All Chargeability Areas except India/China) became Current in the filing chart.The March 2026 Visa Bulletin signifies important advancements for many visa categories.
2. EB-2 India advanced nearly 11 months in the filing chart.
3. EB-1 India and China advanced four months in the filing chart.Reviewing the March 2026 Visa Bulletin is essential for understanding visa processing trends.
4. EB-4 advanced 14 months in Final Action and 17 months in Dates for Filing.
5. Family-based categories showed steady but modest one-month forward movement.
6. Certain Religious Workers (SR) were extended through September 30, 2026 and reflected as available.

Complete Priority Date Movement Tables

Stay informed by regularly checking the March 2026 Visa Bulletin for updates.

(February 2026 → March 2026)

Employment-Based Categories

EB-1 – Final Action Dates (Chart A)

The March 2026 Visa Bulletin outlines significant timelines for visa applicants.Monitor the March 2026 Visa Bulletin for your visa filing opportunities.

EB-1 – Dates for Filing (Chart B)

Understanding the March 2026 Visa Bulletin will help you navigate the application process.

Significant filing expansion for EB-1 India and China.

EB-2 – Final Action Dates (Chart A)

Referencing the March 2026 Visa Bulletin is vital for timely submission of your application.Use the March 2026 Visa Bulletin to plan your immigration strategy effectively.

Large forward movement for Rest of World EB-2.

EB-2 – Dates for Filing (Chart B)

The upcoming March 2026 Visa Bulletin may influence your application timeline.

This is the headline development of the March bulletin.

EB-3 – Final Action Dates (Chart A)

Understanding the details in the March 2026 Visa Bulletin can optimize your visa path.

Steady, incremental movement.

EB-3 – Dates for Filing (Chart B)

Check the March 2026 Visa Bulletin for possible changes in processing times.Stay updated with the March 2026 Visa Bulletin to avoid missing key deadlines.

EB-4 – Final Action Dates (Chart A)

EB-4 – Dates for Filing (Chart B)

The March 2026 Visa Bulletin provides essential insights for all applicants.

One of the largest single-month filing expansions across all visa categories.

EB-5 – Final Action Dates (Chart A)

The March 2026 Visa Bulletin showcases important adjustments in visa categories.Analyzing the March 2026 Visa Bulletin will aid in anticipating future movements.

Set-aside categories remain Current.

Family-Based Categories – Final Action Dates (Chart A)

F1 – Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

Each update in the March 2026 Visa Bulletin could change an applicant’s strategy.Keep an eye on the March 2026 Visa Bulletin for critical updates.

F2A – Spouses and Minor Children of LPRs

The March 2026 Visa Bulletin is a vital resource for prospective applicants.

Review the March 2026 Visa Bulletin to stay informed about your visa status.

F2B – Unmarried Adult Children of LPRs

The March 2026 Visa Bulletin plays a crucial role in immigration planning.

F3 – Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

Taking cues from the March 2026 Visa Bulletin can enhance your application timing.

F4 – Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens

The March 2026 Visa Bulletin serves as a key guideline for all immigration applicants.

Strategic Interpretation

March 2026 reflects active visa number allocation management:

• EB-2 Rest of World becoming Current for filing signals aggressive utilization.
• EB-4’s large forward jumps suggest prior under-utilization.
• EB-1 and EB-3 show stable, incremental progression.
• Family categories continue predictable monthly advancement.

However, large mid-year jumps sometimes precede stabilization or retrogression later in the fiscal year (June–September), depending on demand.

Prediction and Late–FY2026 Retrogression Risk Assessment (June–September 2026)

This section is forecasting, not a guarantee. The Visa Bulletin is ultimately driven by real-time demand, visa number usage, and Department of State allocation controls. The March 2026 bulletin itself is the best indicator of current direction. March 2026 Visa Bulletin – U.S. Department of State

Why retrogression risk increases late in the fiscal year

FY2026 ends September 30, 2026. In the last third of the fiscal year (roughly June–September), retrogression risk rises because:

• More cases become documentarily complete / I-485-ready and enter the “ready for final action” pool
• USCIS and consulates may increase approvals as agencies push to use available numbers
• DOS sometimes pulls back cutoff dates to avoid exceeding annual numerical limits and per-country limits
• Big “Dates for Filing” expansions can front-load I-485 filings that later convert into final-action demand

DOS explains how it manages cutoffs to keep number use within limits in the Visa Bulletin’s explanatory sections. Visa Bulletin (general information) – U.S. Department of State

Executive forecast: what March 2026 movement most likely signals

Based on the magnitude and pattern of March movement:

1. DOS is releasing visa numbers aggressively in EB categories, especially EB-2 (Rest of World) and EB-4, suggesting earlier FY2026 usage may have been lower than expected in those lines, or DOS is deliberately accelerating allocations to avoid wasted numbers.
2. EB-2 India filing-date jump will likely increase I-485 filings immediately (because USCIS is honoring Dates for Filing in March), raising the probability that DOS slows or pauses movement later in the year to manage final-action demand.
3. Large EB-4 forward jumps often lead to future stabilization once the pipeline refills—sometimes followed by slow movement, and in some years, potential pullback depending on worldwide demand and category caps.

USCIS confirms which chart applies for I-485 filing each month. USCIS Visa Bulletin / Adjustment of Status Filing Charts

Retrogression Risk Ratings by Category (Late FY2026)

Risk scale

• Low: retrogression unlikely; modest forward movement likely continues
• Moderate: possible; dates may stall or advance slowly; retrogression could occur if demand spikes
• High: meaningful risk of retrogression or sharp “no movement” months late FY

Employment-based

EB-1

• EB-1 Rest of World: Low (typically stable; already Current in March)
• EB-1 India / China: Moderate
  Reason: March showed strong filing-date movement; if demand converts into final-action pressure, DOS may slow advancement later.

EB-2

• EB-2 Rest of World (All Chargeability except India/China): Moderate to High
  Reason: EB-2 became Current for filing in March, which can cause a surge of filings that later become “ready for final action.” Late FY controls often appear after big mid-year releases.
• EB-2 India: High
  Reason: an ~11-month filing-date leap is likely to trigger heavy I-485 demand. Late FY dates could stall, move minimally, or potentially retrogress if usage accelerates faster than expected.
• EB-2 China: Moderate
  Reason: smaller movement suggests DOS is already controlling pace; late FY can still tighten if worldwide usage rises.

EB-3

• EB-3 Rest of World: Moderate
  Reason: steady month-to-month movement is typical, but EB-3 is sensitive to cross-category demand shifts and late FY balancing.
• EB-3 India: Moderate (more likely “slow/no movement” than dramatic retrogression)
• EB-3 China: Moderate (similar: potential slowing)

EB-4 (including many religious worker cases)

• EB-4 Worldwide / Mexico: Moderate to High
  Reason: EB-4 advanced very sharply (both Final Action and Filing). Large jumps can be followed by plateaus; retrogression becomes more likely if the category suddenly becomes heavily utilized after the jump.

If you want an EB-4 planning page for faith-based organizations and special immigrants, align internal linking to your EB-4 cluster (HLG). Herman Legal Group – Immigration Resources

EB-5

• EB-5 Unreserved (China/India): Moderate
  Reason: typically controlled but can tighten depending on demand and consular throughput.
• EB-5 set-asides: Low (often Current, but still depends on statutory set-aside rules and demand)

Family-based (overall)

• F1 / F2B / F3 / F4: Moderate
  Reason: family categories tend to move in smaller increments; retrogression is less common than in volatile EB lines but can happen if DOS recalibrates demand late FY.
• F2A: Moderate
  Reason: F2A can be particularly sensitive to demand surges; late FY may bring slower movement or occasional pullback depending on usage.

What to expect in upcoming bulletins (April–September 2026)

Most likely path (base case)

• April–May 2026: continued forward movement, but smaller increments than March in EB categories
• June–July 2026: increased chance of stalling months (no movement) in EB-2/EB-4 as DOS evaluates usage
• August–September 2026: highest probability period for retrogression or “holding patterns,” especially where March created a filing surge

Upside scenario (faster movement continues)

This happens if:

• demand is lower than expected (fewer cases ready for final action)
• consular processing remains slower than projected
• USCIS approvals lag due to RFE volume/backlogs

Downside scenario (tightening / retrogression)

This becomes more likely if:

• USCIS rapidly adjudicates newly-filed I-485s from March filing expansion
• consular posts clear backlogs faster than expected
• employment-based demand is higher than DOS projected mid-year

Practical planning guidance for applicants and employers (late FY readiness)

If you are newly eligible under Dates for Filing (March)

Because USCIS is honoring Dates for Filing in March, front-load preparation to avoid missing the window:

• file as early as possible if eligible
• ensure medical strategy is coordinated (timing matters)
• prepare for possible late FY “final action tightening”

USCIS chart selection and filing rules: USCIS Visa Bulletin / Adjustment of Status Filing Charts

If you are close to current under Final Action

Treat the next 4–6 months as a compression window:

• keep eligibility clean (job portability issues, continued offer validity, etc.)
• avoid travel/status errors that create avoidable delays
• be ready for rapid RFE responses to prevent cases from missing final action availability

EB-4 / Religious worker organizations

Given EB-4 volatility and the programmatic history of special immigrant lines:

• plan filings with “date control” in mind
• anticipate possible late FY stabilization/slowdown
• keep organization documentation updated and consistent

“Retrogression Watchlist”

Late FY2026 Retrogression Watchlist (June–Sept 2026)

• Highest risk: EB-2 India; EB-2 Rest of World; EB-4 Worldwide/Mexico
• Medium risk: EB-1 India/China; EB-3 Rest of World; EB-5 China/India (Unreserved)
• Lower risk: EB-1 Rest of World; EB-5 set-asides (often Current)

Frequently Asked Questions – March 2026 Visa Bulletin

1. What are the biggest changes in the March 2026 Visa Bulletin?

The March 2026 Visa Bulletin introduced major employment-based movement:

• EB-2 (All Chargeability Areas except India and China) became Current in the Dates for Filing chart.
• EB-2 India advanced nearly 11 months in the filing chart.
• EB-1 India and China advanced four months in filing eligibility.
• EB-4 advanced 14 months in Final Action Dates and 17 months in Dates for Filing.
• Family-based categories advanced approximately one month across most classifications.

These are some of the most significant mid-fiscal-year movements in recent years.

2. Is USCIS using the Dates for Filing chart for March 2026?

Yes. USCIS confirmed that applicants may use the Dates for Filing chart for March 2026 adjustment of status filings.

This means many applicants who are not yet current under Final Action Dates may still file Form I-485 and obtain:

• Employment Authorization (EAD)
• Advance Parole (AP)
• Priority date protection
• Potential Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) benefits

3. What does it mean that EB-2 is “Current” for filing?

When EB-2 (Rest of World) is “Current” in the filing chart, it means there is no cutoff date for filing Form I-485.

Applicants whose I-140 petitions are approved (or concurrently filed where permitted) may immediately file adjustment of status, regardless of priority date.

However, Final Action approval still depends on visa availability under the Final Action chart.

4. Why did EB-2 India jump almost 11 months?

Large filing-date jumps typically signal one of two things:

1. Lower-than-expected demand earlier in the fiscal year
2. Intentional release of visa numbers by the Department of State to accelerate usage

However, such jumps often increase the risk of later-year stabilization or retrogression if demand surges.

5. What is retrogression, and is it likely in late FY2026?

Retrogression occurs when a priority date moves backward due to visa number exhaustion.

Late FY2026 (June–September) carries increased retrogression risk because:

• USCIS adjudicates more cases ready for final action
• Consular posts increase visa issuance
• DOS must prevent exceeding annual visa caps
• Filing expansions convert into final-action demand

Highest retrogression risk categories for late FY2026:

• EB-2 India
• EB-2 Rest of World
• EB-4 Worldwide/Mexico

Moderate risk categories include EB-1 India/China and EB-3.

6. How do Final Action Dates differ from Dates for Filing?

Final Action Dates determine when a green card may be approved.

Dates for Filing determine when you may submit Form I-485.

USCIS decides monthly which chart applicants may use.

In March 2026, USCIS is honoring Dates for Filing.

7. Should I file immediately if I am newly eligible?

Yes, in most cases.

When large filing windows open:

• Filing early secures your place in the queue
• It reduces exposure to future retrogression
• It allows you to obtain work and travel authorization

Delaying may expose you to cutoff stabilization or reversal later in the fiscal year.

8. Why did EB-4 move so dramatically?

EB-4 advanced 14 months in Final Action and 17 months in filing eligibility.

Large jumps in EB-4 often occur when:

• Earlier visa demand was lower than projected
• DOS reallocates unused numbers
• Prior category constraints are lifted

However, such dramatic movement can lead to future plateaus once new filings enter the pipeline.

9. Did family-based categories see major changes?

Family-based categories moved steadily but modestly, generally about one month forward.

There were no dramatic shifts comparable to EB-2 or EB-4.

Family categories tend to move in smaller, predictable increments unless annual caps are reached unexpectedly.

10. Will the Visa Bulletin continue advancing in 2026?

Most likely scenario:

• April–May: continued forward movement, but slower than March
• June–July: possible stalling in EB-2 and EB-4
• August–September: highest probability of retrogression or holding patterns

The Department of State carefully balances annual numerical limits before fiscal year end (September 30).

11. How can I monitor future Visa Bulletin changes?

You should:

• Review the Visa Bulletin monthly
• Confirm USCIS chart selection each month
• Track EB-2 and EB-4 movement carefully
• Prepare filings early when eligible

Late fiscal year monitoring is especially critical.

12. What is the “Retrogression Watchlist” for late FY2026?

Highest Risk:

• EB-2 India
• EB-2 Rest of World
• EB-4 Worldwide/Mexico

Moderate Risk:

• EB-1 India/China
• EB-3 Rest of World
• EB-5 Unreserved China/India

Lower Risk:

• EB-1 Rest of World
• EB-5 set-aside categories

Why This FAQ Is Important

The March 2026 Visa Bulletin represents:

• Aggressive employment-based number release
• Expanded filing eligibility
• Increased late-year retrogression risk
• Strategic timing opportunities

Understanding both the data and the fiscal-year cycle is critical to avoiding missed filing windows or unexpected cutoff reversals.

March 2026 Visa Bulletin Resource Directory

A. Primary government sources (start here)

• March 2026 Visa Bulletin (DOS)
• February 2026 Visa Bulletin (DOS)
• Visa Bulletin archive + explanations (DOS)
• USCIS: Which Visa Bulletin chart to use for I-485 (Visa Bulletin Info)
• USCIS: Visa availability & priority dates overview

B. Government forms and category hubs (quick access)

Employment-based:

• USCIS: Permanent workers (employment-based green cards)
• USCIS: Form I-140

Family-based:

• USCIS: Family-based green card categories
• USCIS: Form I-130

Adjustment of Status:

• USCIS: Form I-485

EB-4 / Religious workers:

• USCIS: EB-4 Special Immigrant Religious Workers
• USCIS: Form I-360

EB-5:

• USCIS: EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

 Herman Legal Group resources (Visa Bulletin + green card strategy)

C. Visa Bulletin fundamentals (HLG)

• The Types of Visa Bulletin Charts (HLG)
• What Is Retrogression? (HLG)

D. Visa Bulletin monthly analysis pages (HLG)

Use these to build context, compare movement patterns, and support “trend” sections:

• Visa Bulletin February 2026 Updates and Charts (HLG)
• January 2026 Visa Bulletin: Changes & What to Expect (HLG)
• December 2025 Visa Bulletin Predictions & Analysis (HLG)
• Visa Bulletin October 2025: What You Need to Know (HLG)

E. Adjustment of Status (I-485) preparation (HLG)

• Adjustment of Status Processing Times (HLG)
• Adjustment of Status with USCIS (Family-based practice page) (HLG)
• Marriage Green Card: Adjustment of Status Document List (HLG)
• I-485 Marriage Adjustment Steps 2026 Guide (HLG)
• Marriage Green Card Timeline 2026 (HLG)

F. Consular processing (HLG)

• Green Card Consular Processing Guide (HLG)
• EB-1 Visa: Consular Processing (HLG)

G. Employment-based green card strategy (HLG)

• EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 Visa Guide (HLG)
• How to Navigate Employment-Based Adjustment of Status (HLG)
• Employment-Based Green Card Timeline & Strategy (HLG)

H. Fast action (HLG)

• Book Consultation (HLG)

How to use this directory

1. Start with the official bulletin: March 2026 Visa Bulletin (DOS)
2. Confirm which chart USCIS is honoring: USCIS Visa Bulletin Info
3. If “Dates for Filing” makes you eligible, use HLG’s I-485 preparation pages to build a same-week filing plan:
   • Adjustment of Status Processing Times (HLG)
   • I-485 Marriage Adjustment Steps 2026 (HLG)
4. If you’re worried about backward movement later in FY2026, ground your “retrogression watch” section in:
   • What Is Retrogression? (HLG)
   • DOS Visa Bulletin archive