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’s new in the February 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)

This chart 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.

  1. Dates for Filing (Chart B)

This chart 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 track 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.

Country of Chargeability

Some countries, most notably India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines, have significantly higher demand, resulting in longer waiting times. These countries have separate cutoff dates listed in the Bulletin.

February 2026: What’s New?

February brings only a little movement, along with continued stability and no major retrogressions. While movement is incremental, consistency matters.

Employment-Based (EB) Green Cards

Overall, the February 2026 Visa Bulletin shows select forward movement, especially in EB-3 and certain Dates for Filing categories. This is cautiously positive news for employment-based applicants.

EB-1

(Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors/Researchers, Multinational Managers)

  • India: No change 
  • China: No change 
  • All other countries: Remain current 

What this means: EB-1 remains one of the strongest employment-based options, particularly for individuals with extraordinary ability or senior leadership experience.

EB-2

(Advanced Degree Professionals, National Interest Waivers)

  • India: No movement 
  • China: No movement 
  • All other countries: No change 

What this means: Backlogs remain significant for India and China. Strategic planning—especially alternative pathways such as EB-1 or NIW—is essential.

EB-3

(Professionals & Skilled Workers)

  • India: Advances by approximately 1 month 
  • China: Advances by approximately 1 month 
  • All other countries: Advances by approximately 1 month 

What this means: EB-3 continues to show steady forward progress, offering cautious optimism for applicants waiting in this category.

EB-3 Other Workers

  • India: Advances modestly 
  • China: Advances by nearly 1 year 
  • All other countries: Advances by approximately 1 month 

EB-5 (Investors – Unreserved Categories)

  • India: Advances 
  • China: Advances slightly 
  • All other countries: Remain current 

Dates for Filing: Notable Changes

While most Dates for Filing remain steady, there are important advances, particularly for China and India:

EB-1:

  • India advances by 4 months 
  • China advances by 3 months 

EB-2:

  • China advances by 1 month 
  • All other countries (except India) advance by 3 months 

EB-3 Other Workers:

  • China advances by 1 year 

EB-4 Special Immigrants & Religious Workers:

  • Advances by 1 month 

EB-5 Unreserved:

  • India advances by 2 years 
  • China advances by 1 month

Family-Sponsored Green Cards

Family-based categories continue to experience slow, incremental movement, with long waits remaining, particularly for families from Mexico and the Philippines.

Notable Changes

  • F-1 (Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens): 
    • Mexico moves forward slightly 
  • F-2B (Unmarried adult children of permanent residents): 
    • Philippines advances 
    • Mexico advances modestly 
  • F-3 (Married adult children of U.S. citizens): 
    • Philippines sees incremental progress 

Dates for Filing

  • F-2A (Spouses and minor children of permanent residents):
     Continues limited forward movement 

What this means: Progress exists, but patience remains necessary. Families in oversubscribed categories should prepare for extended waiting periods.

Which Chart to Use When Filing (February 2026)

Family-Sponsored Filings

For all family-sponsored preference categories, USCIS requires use of the Dates for Filing chart.

Employment-Based Filings

For all employment-based preference categories, USCIS also requires use of the Dates for Filing chart.

What to Expect Moving Forward

As we move deeper into 2026, here’s what we’re watching closely:

  • Employment-based categories may continue advancing if demand remains manageable 
  • Oversubscribed countries will likely continue to see slower movement 
  • No retrogressions this month, which is encouraging 
  • Filing opportunities remain open for certain applicants using Dates for Filing 
  • Gradual forward movement is expected unless demand spikes unexpectedly 

Our Guidance to Clients

  • Check your priority date against both charts. You may be eligible to file even if final approval is not yet available. 
  • Act quickly when dates open. Filing windows can change with little notice. 
  • Stay connected with our team. We monitor the Visa Bulletin every month and proactively advise our clients. 
  • Don’t lose hope. Progress may be slow, but it is happening, and we are here to guide you every step of the way. 

If you have questions about how the February 2026 Visa Bulletin affects your case or want help planning your next move, Garvish Immigration Law Group is here to help.