February 2026 Visa Bulletin Analysis: What you need to Know

The U.S. Department of State has officially released the February 2026 Visa Bulletin, providing immigrant visa availability information for the month. This comprehensive analysis examines the actual Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing across all employment-based and family-sponsored categories, and compares them to our earlier predictions.

The February 2026 bulletin reveals a widespread pause in forward movement across employment-based categories, with most Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing remaining unchanged from January 2026. The only notable exception is EB-3 for Rest of World, Mexico, and Philippines, which advanced by 40 days in the Final Action Dates. This pause represents typical mid-fiscal year calibration by the State Department to manage visa number allocation through September 2026.

Employment-Based Final Action Dates

The February 2026 Visa Bulletin shows a significant slowdown in forward movement across most employment-based categories. After months of consistent advancement, particularly in the EB-2 and EB-3 India categories, the State Department has paused progression for many cutoff dates. Only select categories showed forward movement this month.

This pattern is not uncommon mid-fiscal year as the State Department manages visa number allocation to prevent exceeding annual limits. Applicants should expect movement to resume in coming months as demand patterns stabilize.

Employment-Based Dates for Filing

The Dates for Filing chart, which determines when applicants can submit their adjustment of status applications (when USCIS allows its use), showed no movement from January 2026. This is consistent with the pause in Final Action Dates as the State Department manages visa allocation during the middle of the fiscal year.

Always check USCIS.gov/visabulletininfo each month to confirm whether the Dates for Filing chart applies for adjustment of status filings.

India Employment-Based Categories Analysis

India remains the most backlogged country for employment-based immigration, with wait times spanning over a decade for EB-2 and EB-3 categories. The February 2026 bulletin brings disappointing news for Indian applicants, as all Final Action Dates remained unchanged from January.

EB-2 India

The EB-2 India Final Action Date remains at July 15, 2013—unchanged from January 2026. After the promising 61-day advancement seen between December 2025 and January 2026, the State Department has paused forward movement for this category.

This pause is likely a mid-fiscal year adjustment to manage visa number allocation. With approximately 5 months remaining in FY2026, the State Department may be calibrating demand to ensure numbers last through September while avoiding retrogression.

EB-3 India

EB-3 India also remained static at November 15, 2013. The gap between EB-2 and EB-3 India continues to narrow—now only 4 months apart. This means the traditional strategy of “upgrading” from EB-3 to EB-2 offers minimal advantage for most applicants.

EB-1 India

EB-1 India remained at February 1, 2023, unchanged from January. After the extraordinary 322-day leap seen in the January bulletin (from March 15, 2022 to February 1, 2023), the category has stabilized. This was expected, as such large jumps rarely repeat consecutively.

The good news is that EB-1 India applicants with priority dates through January 2023 are now current for filing. The dates have synchronized with EB-1 China at the same cutoff date.

China Employment-Based Categories Analysis

China-mainland born applicants also experienced a pause in Final Action Date movement across all employment-based categories. However, the Dates for Filing chart showed significant advancement for EB-2 and EB-3 China.

Rest of World (All Other Chargeability Areas)

Applicants born in countries other than India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines continue to enjoy favorable conditions across most employment-based categories, with EB-3 being the standout performer in the Final Action Dates.

Family-Sponsored Preference Categories

Family-based categories showed mixed results in the February 2026 bulletin, with some categories advancing while others remained static. Mexico and Philippines categories showed notable movement.

Diversity Visa (DV-2026) Program

The February 2026 Diversity Visa cut-off numbers were already published in the January bulletin. Here are the confirmed numbers along with the March 2026 preview.

Prediction vs. Actual Comparison

Our February 2026 predictions assumed continued forward movement at the December-to-January velocity rate. However, the actual February 2026 bulletin showed a broad pause in Final Action Date movement. Here’s how our predictions compared to reality.

Special Regulatory Notes

Key Takeaways

Fiscal Year Progress: FY2026 is now approximately 40% complete (October 2025 through January 2026). The mid-fiscal year pause in Final Action Date movement suggests the State Department is managing visa number allocation carefully to prevent exceeding annual limits.

Per-Country Limits: The statutory 7% per-country limit (25,620 visas annually) continues to constrain India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines. This is the primary driver of the multi-decade backlogs for these countries.

USCIS Filing Chart: Each month, USCIS determines whether adjustment of status applicants may use the Dates for Filing chart or must use the Final Action Dates chart. Always verify at USCIS.gov/visabulletininfo before filing.

Movement Expected to Resume: Historical patterns suggest that movement typically resumes after mid-fiscal year pauses. Applicants should monitor the March 2026 bulletin for potential advancement.

Complete February 2026 Final Action Dates

Disclaimer

This analysis is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Individual circumstances vary, and applicants should consult with a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions based on visa bulletin information.

Always verify information at travel.state.gov and uscis.gov before taking action.

Analysis based on the official February 2026 Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State (Volume XI, Number 11), dated January 5, 2026.