Like every month, the U.S. Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin. This publication determines when individuals waiting for permanent residence (green cards) can move forward in their immigration process. For many of our clients, the Visa Bulletin can feel confusing, technical, and deeply emotional. It represents hope, frustration, progress, and, at times, long periods of waiting.

At Garvish Immigration Law Group, our goal is to serve as your trusted guide through this process.

Below is a clear explanation of how to read the Visa Bulletin, what advances have happened in the April 2026 edition, and what these changes may mean for you.

How to Read the Visa Bulletin

The Visa Bulletin contains two important charts for both family-based and employment-based green card categories:

  1. Final Action Dates (Chart A): tells you when a green card can actually be approved. If your priority date (the date your immigrant petition was filed) is earlier than the listed date, your case may move to final approval.
  2. Dates for Filing (Chart B:) tells you when you are allowed to file your case in the U.S. (Adjustment of Status), even if a green card number is not yet available.

Each month, USCIS announces which chart must be used for adjustment-of-status filings. We watch this closely to ensure our clients take advantage of filing opportunities as soon as they open.

Why Priority Dates Matter

Your priority date is your place in line. The Visa Bulletin shows how quickly that line is moving based on your visa category and country of birth. Applicants from high-demand chargeability areas like India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines often see slower movement and longer waits.

The good news this month is that the USCIS will continue to honor and accept filings under the Dates of Filing Chart.

Final Action Dates

Employment-Based Green Cards

This month brings positive movement for employment-based applicants in several categories. Here’s what changed from March to April:

  • EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors/Researchers, Multinational Managers):
    • China: Advanced one month to April 1, 2023.
    • India: Also advanced one month to April 1, 2023.
    • All other countries: Remain current.
  • EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals, National Interest Waivers):
    • India: advances 10 months to July 15, 2014
    • China: no movement
    • All other countries: remain current.
  • EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals): This category saw meaningful advances.
    • China: Advances 1 month and a half to June 15, 2021
    • India: No movement
    • Philippines: No movement
    • All other countries (including Mexico) : advance 8 months to June 1, 2024.
  • EB-3 (Other Workers):
    • China: Advances almost 2 months to February 1, 2019
    • India: No movement
    • All other countries: remain on November 1, 2021.
  • EB-4 (Certain Special Immigrants):
    • The entire category advanced one year forward, now sitting at July 15, 2022.
  • EB-5 (Investors, Unreserved Categories):
    • India and China: No movement.
    • All other countries: Remain current.

Family-Sponsored Green Cards:

  • F-1 (Unmarried adult children of U.S. Citizens):
    • Philippines: Advances 2 months to May 1, 2013
    • Mexico: Advances almost 2 months to February 15, 2007
    • All Others (including China & India): Advance 6 months to May 1, 2017
  • F-2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents):
    • No movement
  • F-2B (Unmarried adult sons and daughters of Permanent Residents):
    • Philippines: Advances 3 and a half months to April 8, 2013
    • Mexico: No movement
    • All Others (including China & India): Advance 5 and a half months to May 22, 2017
  • F-3 (Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens):
    • Philippines: Advances 4 months to July 1, 2005
    • Mexico: No movement
    • All Others (including China & India): Advance 3 and a half months to December 22, 2011
  • F-4 (Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens):
    • Philippines: Advances 5 months to February 1, 2007
    • India & Mexico: No movement
    • All Others (including China): Advance 5 months to June 8, 2011

Dates for Filing:

Employment-Based Green Cards

  • EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors/Researchers, Multinational Managers):
    • China: No movement.
    • India: No movement.
    • All other countries: Remain current.
  • EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals, National Interest Waivers):
    • India: Advances 2 and a half months to January 15, 2015
    • China: No movement
    • All other countries: Remain current.
  • EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals):
    • China & the Philippines: No movement
    • India: Advances 5 months to January 15, 2015
    • All other countries (including Mexico) : Current
  • EB-3 (Other Workers):
    • China: No movement
    • India: Advances 1 year to August 15, 2015
    • All other countries (including Mexico & the Philippines): Advance 1 and a half months to August 1, 2022
  • EB-4 (Certain Special Immigrants):
    • No movement
  • EB-5 (Investors, Unreserved Categories):
    • India and China: No movement.
    • All other countries: Remain current.

Family-Sponsored Green Cards:

  • F-1 (Unmarried adult children of U.S. Citizens):
    • Philippines: No movement
    • Mexico: Advances 4 and a half months to April 15, 2008
    • All Others (including China & India): Advance 6 months to March 1, 2018
  • F-2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents):
    • Current
  • F-2B (Unmarried adult sons and daughters of Permanent Residents):
    • Philippines: No movement
    • Mexico: Advances 3 months to May 15, 2010
    • All Others (including China & India): Advance 5 months to August 8, 2017
  • F-3 (Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens):
    • Philippines: Advances 1 month and a half to July 15, 2006
    • Mexico: No movement
    • All Others (including China & India): Advance 4 months to November 22, 2012
  • F-4 (Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens):
    • Philippines: Advance 2 months to March 22, 2008
    • India & Mexico: No movement
    • All Others (including China): Advance 2 and a half months to May 15, 2009

Our Guidance to You

Check your priority date against both charts. If you have a current number under the Dates of Filing chart, you may be able to file your adjustment of status in April.

Pay attention to movement patterns in your category and chargeability area. Some categories advance steadily month to month; others may move in larger jumps. Knowing where you stand helps us plan your next steps.

Act quickly when your filing date opens. Priority date movements can shift month to month, and we want to help you take advantage of every opportunity.

If you fall into a category where no movement occurred this month, know that this is not unusual. The Visa Bulletin is a marathon, not a sprint. We are here to monitor the trends, watch for opportunities, and keep you informed.

Stay Connected

If you have questions about how the April 2026 Visa Bulletin affects your case or want help planning your next move, Garvish Immigration Law Group is here to help. We monitor the Visa Bulletin every month and proactively advise our clients. Reach out to us today.