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 what changed in the May 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:

  • Final Action Dates (Chart A): tells you when a green card can actually be approved. If your priority date is earlier than the listed date, your case may move to final approval. 
  • 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.

For May 2026, USCIS will require all employment-based preference categories to use Chart A, the Final Action Dates chart, to determine filing eligibility. This is a change from April, when applicants could use the Dates for Filing chart.

This means that some Indian and Chinese nationals who were able to file for Adjustment of Status under the April Visa Bulletin may no longer be eligible to file under May’s bulletin.

The good news is that for family-sponsored categories, USCIS will continue to honor the Dates for Filing chart. Applicants in F1, F2A, F3, and F4 categories should verify their eligibility on the USCIS website before filing.

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.

Final Action Dates

Employment-Based Green Cards

  • 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): 
    • All Countries: No Movement 
  • EB-3 (Other Workers): 
    • China, India & Philippines: No Movement
    • All other countries (including Mexico): Move 3 months to February 1, 2022 
  • EB-4 (Certain Special Immigrants): 
    • All countries: No Movement 
  • EB-5 (Investors, Unreserved Categories): 
    • China: Moves 21 days to September 22, 2016
    • India: No Movement
    • All other countries: Remain current.

Family-Sponsored Green Cards:

  • F-1 (Unmarried adult children of U.S. Citizens): 
    • Philippines: No Movement
    • Mexico: Moves 6 months to August 15, 2007
    • All Others (including China and India): Move 4 months to September 1, 2017 
  • F-2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents): 
    • All countries: Move 6 months to August 1, 2024 
  • F-2B (Unmarried adult sons and daughters of Permanent Residents): 
    • All countries: No Movement 
  • F-3 (Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens): 
    • Philippines: Moves 4 and a half month to November 22, 2005
    • Mexico: No Movement 
    • All Others (including China and India): Moves 2 months to February 15, 2012 
  • F-4 (Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens): 
    • Philippines: Moves 4 and a half months July 15, 2007
    • India and Mexico: No Movement
    • All Others (including China): Moves 3 Months to September 15, 2008

Dates for Filing

Employment-Based Green Cards

Per USCIS guidance for May 2026, all employment-based categories must use the Final Action Dates chart. The Dates for Filing chart does not apply to employment-based filings this month.

Family-Sponsored Green Cards:

  • F-1 (Unmarried adult children of U.S. Citizens): 
    • Philippines: No Movement 
    • Mexico: Moves 5 and a half months to October 1, 2008
    • All Others (including China and India): Moves 7 months to October 1, 2008 
  • F-2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents): 
    • All countries: Current 
  • F-2B (Unmarried adult sons and daughters of Permanent Residents): 
    • Mexico & Philippines: No Movement
    • All Others (including China and India): Moves 5 months to 01January 1, 2018
  • F-3 (Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens): 
    • Philippines: Moves 24 days to August 8, 2006
    • Mexico: Moves 15 days to July 15, 2001 
    • All Others (including China and India): Moves 16 days to December 8, 2012 
  • F-4 (Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens): 
    • India, Mexico, and Philippines: No Movements 
    • All Others (including China): Moves 3 and a half months to September 1, 2009

Our Guidance to You

The switch to the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based categories is the most significant change this month and one that could affect your ability to file. If you are an Indian or Chinese national who was planning to file for Adjustment of Status in May, please contact us right away so we can review your options.

For family-based applicants, this month brings continued movement in several categories. Check your priority date against the Dates for Filing chart and reach out if you think your date may be current.

As always, 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 your category saw no movement this month, know that this is not unusual. The Visa Bulletin is a marathon, not a sprint.

If you have questions about how the May 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.