Every month, the U.S. Department of State releases the Visa Bulletin, and every month, it means something different for the thousands of people waiting on their green card. For some, it brings good news. For others, it means more waiting. And for Indian nationals in employment-based categories this month, it brings a significant setback.

At Garvish Immigration Law Group, we break it down every month so you know exactly where you stand and what to do next.

How to Read the Visa Bulletin

The Visa Bulletin has two charts that matter:

  • Final Action Dates (Chart A): the date your green card can actually be approved. Your priority date must be earlier than the listed date for your case to move forward. 
  • Dates for Filing (Chart B): the date you are allowed to file for Adjustment of Status, even if a green card number is not yet available. 

For June 2026, USCIS has designated the Final Action Dates chart as the only chart available for employment-based filings. If your priority date was current under the Dates for Filing chart but is not current under the Final Action Dates chart, you will not be able to file this month.

For family-sponsored categories, the Dates for Filing chart remains available. Verify your eligibility on the USCIS website before filing.

Why Priority Dates Matter

Your priority date is your place in line. How fast that line moves depends on your visa category and country of birth. Applicants from high-demand countries like India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines typically see slower movement and longer waits.

The Big News This Month: Sharp Retrogression for India

June is a difficult month for Indian nationals in employment-based categories. EB-1 and EB-2 India have both retrogressed, meaning the dates moved backward. The EB-2 India drop is particularly steep, moving back more than ten months.

The State Department has also flagged several categories for potential further retrogression or unavailability before the fiscal year closes on September 30, 2026, including EB-1 and EB-2 for India, EB-2 for China, EB-3 for the Philippines, and EB-5 Unreserved for India. EB-5 Unreserved for India could face retrogression as early as next month.

If you fall into any of these categories, this is not a month to wait and see.

Final Action Dates

Employment-Based Green Cards

  • EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors/Researchers, Multinational Managers): 
    • China: No Movement 
    • India: Retrogresses three and a half months to December 15, 2022
    • All other countries: Remain current. 
  • EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals, National Interest Waivers): 
    • India: Retrogresses more than ten months to September 1, 2013 
    • China: No Movement
    • All other countries: Remain current. 
  • EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals): 
    • China: Advances six weeks to August 1, 2021 
    • India: Advances one month to December 15, 2013
    • All other countries: No Movement 
  • EB-3 (Other Workers): 
    • China: Advances 2 months to April 1, 2019
    • India: Advances 1 month to December 15, 2013
    • All other countries: No Movement 
  • EB-4 (Certain Special Immigrants): 
    • All countries: No Movement 
  • EB-5 (Investors, Set-Aside Categories): 
    • All countries including India and China: Remain current. 
  • EB-5 (Investors, Unreserved Categories): 
    • India & China: No Movement
    • All other countries: Remain current.

Family-Sponsored Green Cards:

  • F-1 (Unmarried adult children of U.S. Citizens): 
    • Mexico: Advances more than 2 months to November 8, 2007
    • All Other Countries: No Movement 
  • F-2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents): 
    • Mexico: Advances 5 months to January 1, 2024
    • All Other Countries: Advance 5 months to January 1, 2025 
  • F-2B (Unmarried adult sons and daughters of Permanent Residents): 
    • Philippines & Mexico: No Movement
    • All Others (including China and India): Advance 4 months to September 22, 2017 
  • F-3 (Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens): 
    • All Countries: No Movement 
  • F-4 (Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens): 
    • India, Mexico & Philippines: No Movement
    • All Others (including China): Advance 8 weeks to November 8, 2008

Dates for Filing

Employment-Based Green Cards

Per USCIS guidance, the Dates for Filing chart does not apply to employment-based filings in June 2026. All employment-based applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart.

  • EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors/Researchers, Multinational Managers): 
    • China & India: No Movement
    • All other countries: Remain current. 
  • EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals, National Interest Waivers): 
    • China & India: No Movement
    • All other countries: Remain current. 
  • EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals): 
    • China, India & Philippines: No Movement
    • All other countries: Current 
  • EB-3 (Other Workers): 
    • All Countries: No Movement 
  • EB-4 (Certain Special Immigrants): 
    • All countries: No Movement 
  • EB-5 (Investors, Set-Aside Categories): 
    • All countries including India and China: Remain current. 
  • EB-5 (Investors, Unreserved Categories): 
    • India & China: No Movement
    • All other countries: Current 

Family-Sponsored Green Cards:

  • F-1 (Unmarried adult children of U.S. Citizens): 
    • All Countries: No Movement 
  • F-2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents):
    •  All countries: Current 
  • F-2B (Unmarried adult sons and daughters of Permanent Residents): 
    • Philippines & Mexico: No Movement
    • All Others (including China and India): Advance 2 and a half months to March 22, 2018 
  • F-3 (Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens): 
    • All Countries: No Movement 
  • F-4 (Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens): 
    • China, India & Philippines: No Movement
    • All other countries: Advance 3 and a half months to December 22, 2009

Our Guidance to You

This month’s biggest takeaway is the retrogression in EB-1 and EB-2 India, and the very real possibility of further movement before September 30. If you are an Indian national in either category, reach out to us now. Depending on where your case stands, it may be worth exploring other strategies that may make sense for you.

For employers with a large India-born EB-2 pipeline, proactive planning is essential. Waiting on this one could limit your options significantly.

It is also worth noting that EB-5 set-aside categories remain current for all countries, including India and China, making them one of the few immediately available pathways right now.

For family-based applicants, check your priority date against the Dates for Filing chart. If you think your date may be current, reach out and we will help you figure out your next step.

Stay Connected

We monitor the Visa Bulletin every month and proactively advise our clients on what it means for their case. If you have questions about June or want to plan ahead, Garvish Immigration Law Group is here. Reach out to us today.