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 changed from the February 2026 edition to the March 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.
  2. 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 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. 

Which Chart USCIS Will Use for Filing

For March 2026, USCIS has indicated that it intends to honor the Dates for Filing chart for both employment and family based cases. This means many applicants whose priority dates fall before the new filing cut-offs should prepare to file if they have not already done so. 

Employment-Based Green Cards

Final Action Dates

EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors/Researchers, Multinational Managers)

  • India: Advance +1 month
  • China: Advance +1 month
  • All Other Countries: Remain current

EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals, National Interest Waivers)

  • India: Moves to Sep 15, 2013 (+2 months)
  • China: No movement
  • All Other Countries: Move to Oct 15 2024 (+4 months)

EB-3 (Skilled Workers & Professionals)

  • India: No movement
  • China: No movement
  • Philippines: Moves to Aug 1, 2023 (+2 months)
  • All Other Countries: Moves to Oct 1, 2023 (+4 months)

EB-3 (Other Workers)

  • India & China: No movement
  • All Other Countries: Move to Nov 1, 2021 (+2 months)

EB-4 (Certain Special Immigrants)

  • All Countries (including India & China): Move to July 15, 2021 (+6 months)

EB-5 (Investors, Unreserved Categories)

  • India & China: No movement
  • All Other Countries: Remain current 
Dates for Filing

EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors/Researchers, Multinational Managers)

  • India and China: Advance to Dec 1, 2023 (+4 months)
  • All other countries: Current 

EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals, National Interest Waivers) 

  • India: Advances to Nov 1, 2014 (+11 months)
  • China: No movement
  • All other countries: Current 

EB-3 (Skilled Workers & Professionals)

  • India and China: No movement
  • All other countries: Move to Jan 15, 2024 (+3.5 months) 

EB-3 (Other Workers)

  • India & China: No movement
  • All Other Countries: Move to June 22, 2022 (+6.5 months)

EB-4  (Certain Special Immigrants)

  • All Countries (including India & China): Move to Jan 1, 2023 (+1 year, 9.5 months)

EB-5 (Investors, Unreserved Categories)

  • India: No movement
  • China: Moves to Oct 10, 2016 (+1.5 months)
  • All other countries: Current

Other Workers

  • India & China: No movement
  • All Other Countries: Move to June 22, 2022 (+6.5 months)

Family-Sponsored Green Cards

Final Action Dates
  • All Countries/ All Categories: No Movement
Dates for Filing

F-2A

  • All Countries: Move to Feb 22, 2026

F-3

  • Philippines: Move to June 1, 2006 (+4 months)
  • All Other Counties: No Movement

No other movements

Our Guidance to Clients

  • Check your priority date against both charts. Even if final approval is not yet available, filing sooner can help you secure your place.
  • Act quickly when dates open. Priority date movements can change month to month.
  • Stay connected with our team. We monitor the Visa Bulletin every month and proactively advise our clients.

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