The April 2026 Visa Bulletin predictions are based on detailed quantitative analysis of the February → March 2026 movement patterns. The March 2026 bulletin delivered surprise advancements across multiple employment-based categories driven by reduced visa issuance under current administration actions. This comprehensive forecast covers all employment-based and family-sponsored categories with exact date calculations, confidence levels, and actionable recommendations for applicants across all chargeability areas.
The Department of State typically releases the April 2026 Visa Bulletin around March 8-12, 2026. These predictions are calculated using the observed movement velocities from the February → March 2026 bulletin cycle, the administration action context (Presidential Proclamations 10949, 10998), and historical mid-to-late fiscal year patterns.
Critical Context: Administration Actions & Retrogression Risk
March 2026 saw surprise advancements driven by reduced visa issuance under Presidential Proclamations 10949 and 10998. DOS explicitly warned that retrogression may be necessary later in FY-2026 if demand increases or policies change. April predictions assume administration actions remain in effect; if they are amended, dates could retrogress sharply. Applicants newly current should file applications immediately.
Prediction Methodology & Confidence Levels
Predictions use exact day-to-day movement analysis from February → March 2026, weighted by the administration action context. High Confidence (80-100%): Consistent pattern or structurally stable category. Medium Confidence (60-79%): Pattern driven by external factors with some uncertainty. Low Confidence (<60%): Volatile or unprecedented pattern with high retrogression risk.
Quantitative Movement Analysis: February → March 2026
The March 2026 bulletin was the most eventful of FY-2026 so far, with broad advancements across employment-based categories. Understanding the exact movements is critical for projecting April. The key driver: reduced visa issuance from administration actions forced DOS to advance dates to distribute available FY-2026 visa numbers.
Employment-Based Movement Analysis
📈 EB Final Action Date Changes (Feb → Mar 2026)
📈 EB Dates for Filing Changes (Feb → Mar 2026)
Family-Sponsored Movement Analysis
📈 Family Final Action Date Changes (Feb → Mar 2026)
📈 Family Dates for Filing Changes (Feb → Mar 2026)
Observed Feb→Mar Movement: +62 days
Adjustment: Slight acceleration expected as DOS pulls EB-2 ahead of EB-3 (Nov 15, 2013)
Calculation: Sep 15, 2013 + 77 days = December 1, 2013
Confidence: 70% (administration-driven movement may vary; retrogression possible)
Employment-Based Final Action Dates: April 2026 Predictions
Based on March 2026 data showing broad EB advancements driven by administration actions, we predict continued forward movement in April 2026 for most categories — though at a moderating pace. DOS has used visa numbers faster than expected and may begin calibrating. The biggest watch items: EB-2 India pulling further ahead of EB-3, and EB-2/EB-3 ROW continuing their rapid advance.
| Category | Country | Feb 2026 | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 Pred | Feb→Mar | Mar→Apr | Conf |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | All Other | Current | Current | Current | — | — | 95% |
| China | Feb 1, 2023 | Mar 1, 2023 | Apr 1, 2023 | +28d | +31d | 80% | |
| India | Feb 1, 2023 | Mar 1, 2023 | Apr 1, 2023 | +28d | +31d | 80% | |
| Mexico | Current | Current | Current | — | — | 95% | |
| Philippines | Current | Current | Current | — | — | 95% | |
| EB-2 | All Other | Apr 1, 2024 | Oct 15, 2024 | Feb 1, 2025 | +197d | +109d | 70% |
| China | Sep 1, 2021 | Sep 1, 2021 | Oct 1, 2021 | 0 days | +30d | 55% | |
| India | Jul 15, 2013 | Sep 15, 2013 | Dec 1, 2013 | +62d | +77d | 70% | |
| Mexico | Apr 1, 2024 | Oct 15, 2024 | Feb 1, 2025 | +197d | +109d | 70% | |
| Philippines | Apr 1, 2024 | Oct 15, 2024 | Feb 1, 2025 | +197d | +109d | 70% | |
| EB-3 | All Other | Jun 1, 2023 | Oct 1, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 | +122d | +92d | 75% |
| China | May 1, 2021 | May 1, 2021 | May 1, 2021 | 0 days | 0 days | 75% | |
| India | Nov 15, 2013 | Nov 15, 2013 | Dec 1, 2013 | 0 days | +16d | 55% | |
| Mexico | Jun 1, 2023 | Oct 1, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 | +122d | +92d | 75% | |
| Philippines | Jun 1, 2023 | Aug 1, 2023 | Oct 1, 2023 | +61d | +61d | 75% | |
| Other Workers | All Other | Sep 1, 2021 | Nov 1, 2021 | Jan 1, 2022 | +61d | +61d | 75% |
| China | Dec 8, 2018 | Dec 8, 2018 | Dec 8, 2018 | 0 days | 0 days | 85% | |
| India | Nov 15, 2013 | Nov 15, 2013 | Nov 15, 2013 | 0 days | 0 days | 85% | |
| Mexico | Sep 1, 2021 | Nov 1, 2021 | Jan 1, 2022 | +61d | +61d | 75% | |
| Philippines | Sep 1, 2021 | Nov 1, 2021 | Jan 1, 2022 | +61d | +61d | 75% | |
| EB-4 | All Countries | Jan 1, 2021 | Jul 15, 2021 | Nov 1, 2021 | +195d | +109d | 70% |
| SR (Religious) | All Countries | Unavailable | Jul 15, 2021 | Nov 1, 2021 | Restored | +109d | 70% |
| EB-5 Unreserved | All Other | Current | Current | Current | — | — | 95% |
| China | Aug 15, 2016 | Aug 15, 2016 | Aug 15, 2016 | 0 days | 0 days | 85% | |
| India | May 1, 2022 | May 1, 2022 | May 1, 2022 | 0 days | 0 days | 80% | |
| Mexico | Current | Current | Current | — | — | 95% | |
| Philippines | Current | Current | Current | — | — | 95% |
EB-5 Set-Aside Categories
All EB-5 Set-Aside categories (Rural 20%, High Unemployment 10%, Infrastructure 2%) are predicted to remain Current for all countries in April 2026 with 95% confidence. These categories have consistently remained current since their introduction.
Employment-Based Dates for Filing: April 2026 Predictions
The Dates for Filing chart showed the most dramatic changes in March 2026, with EB-2 ROW/Mexico/Philippines going fully Current and EB-2 India Filing leaping 335 days. We predict continued aggressive advancement for categories where administration actions have suppressed demand, but at moderating rates as DOS calibrates.
| Category | Country | Feb 2026 | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 Pred | Feb→Mar | Mar→Apr | Conf |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | All Other | Current | Current | Current | — | — | 95% |
| China | Aug 1, 2023 | Dec 1, 2023 | Mar 1, 2024 | +122d | +91d | 70% | |
| India | Aug 1, 2023 | Dec 1, 2023 | Mar 1, 2024 | +122d | +91d | 70% | |
| Mexico | Current | Current | Current | — | — | 95% | |
| Philippines | Current | Current | Current | — | — | 95% | |
| EB-2 | All Other | Oct 15, 2024 | Current | Current | → Current | — | 90% |
| China | Jan 1, 2022 | Jan 1, 2022 | Jan 1, 2022 | 0 days | 0 days | 65% | |
| India | Dec 1, 2013 | Nov 1, 2014 | Mar 1, 2015 | +335d | +120d | 60% | |
| Mexico | Oct 15, 2024 | Current | Current | → Current | — | 90% | |
| Philippines | Oct 15, 2024 | Current | Current | → Current | — | 90% | |
| EB-3 | All Other | Oct 1, 2023 | Jan 15, 2024 | Apr 1, 2024 | +106d | +76d | 75% |
| China | Jan 1, 2022 | Jan 1, 2022 | Jan 1, 2022 | 0 days | 0 days | 75% | |
| India | Aug 15, 2014 | Aug 15, 2014 | Aug 15, 2014 | 0 days | 0 days | 80% | |
| Mexico | Oct 1, 2023 | Jan 15, 2024 | Apr 1, 2024 | +106d | +76d | 75% | |
| Philippines | Oct 1, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 | Mar 15, 2024 | +92d | +74d | 75% | |
| Other Workers | All Other | Dec 1, 2021 | Jun 22, 2022 | Dec 1, 2022 | +203d | +162d | 65% |
| China | Oct 1, 2019 | Oct 1, 2019 | Oct 1, 2019 | 0 days | 0 days | 80% | |
| India | Aug 15, 2014 | Aug 15, 2014 | Aug 15, 2014 | 0 days | 0 days | 85% | |
| Mexico | Dec 1, 2021 | Jun 22, 2022 | Dec 1, 2022 | +203d | +162d | 65% | |
| Philippines | Dec 1, 2021 | Jun 22, 2022 | Dec 1, 2022 | +203d | +162d | 65% | |
| EB-4 | All Countries | Mar 15, 2021 | Jan 1, 2023 | Jul 1, 2023 | +657d | +181d | 60% |
| SR (Religious) | All Countries | Unavailable | Jan 1, 2023 | Jul 1, 2023 | Restored | +181d | 60% |
India EB Categories: Detailed Analysis & Predictions
The March 2026 bulletin broke India’s months-long stagnation, with EB-2 India Final Action advancing 62 days and Filing jumping a massive 335 days. EB-3 India, however, remained completely frozen. This divergence suggests DOS is intentionally pulling EB-2 ahead. For April 2026, we expect this trend to continue with EB-2 India continuing forward while EB-3 India shows minimal or no movement.
🇮🇳 India Final Action Date Predictions
🇮🇳 India Dates for Filing Predictions
EB-2 India Gaining Momentum
EB-2 India Final Action is predicted to reach December 1, 2013 in April — surpassing EB-3 India (Dec 1, 2013 predicted vs Nov 15, 2013 current). EB-2 India Filing at March 1, 2015 would be well ahead of EB-3 India Filing (Aug 15, 2014). Downgrading from EB-2 to EB-3 now offers no benefit for India; applicants who downgraded may want to reconsider.
Retrogression Risk for India EB-2
These advances are driven by reduced visa issuance, not reduced demand. If administration actions are amended and visa processing returns to normal pace, EB-2 India could retrogress. Applicants with priority dates between Jul 2013 and Dec 2013 should file immediately to lock in their filing date.
🇮🇳 India EB-2 Wait Time Projections (Updated)
Priority Date: 2015
~2-3 years (est. 2028-2029)
Priority Date: 2018
~4-6 years (est. 2030-2032)
Priority Date: 2021
~7-10 years (est. 2033-2036)
Priority Date: 2024
~10-15+ years (est. 2036-2041)
FY-2026 YTD Movement: ~4.5 months of priority dates (Oct 2025 → Mar 2026)
Annualized Rate: ~9-12 months of priority dates per fiscal year (accelerating)
Backlog to 2024 Filers: ~10.5 years of priority dates
Estimated Wait for 2024 Filers: 10.5 years ÷ 0.75-1.0 years/year ≈ 10-14 years
Note: Rate improvement driven by administration actions; sustainability uncertain.
China EB Categories: Detailed Analysis & Predictions
China EB categories remain largely frozen except for EB-1. EB-2 and EB-3 China showed zero movement in both February and March 2026, despite broad advancements for other countries. We predict continued stagnation for most China categories in April, with possible modest EB-2 China movement as DOS redistributes unused numbers.
🇨🇳 China Final Action Date Predictions
🇨🇳 China Dates for Filing Predictions
Why China Isn’t Seeing the Same Advances
While ROW and India categories advanced, China EB-2 and EB-3 remained frozen. This may reflect a different demand profile for China — existing demand is sufficient to consume the per-country allocation even with reduced issuance, or DOS is holding China back to prevent oversubscription. Chinese applicants should consider EB-5 Set-Aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) which remain Current.
Family-Sponsored Categories: April 2026 Predictions
Family-sponsored categories were largely frozen in March 2026, with only F3/F4 showing minimal 7-day advances for some countries. Mexico family categories that had been advancing rapidly in February paused completely in March. We predict a continuation of this mixed pattern in April — most categories frozen, with small advances for F3/F4 and possible resumption of Mexico advancement.
Final Action Dates Predictions
| Category | Country | Feb 2026 | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 Pred | Feb→Mar | Mar→Apr | Conf |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | All Other | Nov 8, 2016 | Nov 8, 2016 | Nov 8, 2016 | 0 days | 0 days | 85% |
| China | Nov 8, 2016 | Nov 8, 2016 | Nov 8, 2016 | 0 days | 0 days | 85% | |
| India | Nov 8, 2016 | Nov 8, 2016 | Nov 8, 2016 | 0 days | 0 days | 85% | |
| Mexico | Dec 22, 2006 | Dec 22, 2006 | Mar 15, 2007 | 0 days | +83d | 60% | |
| Philippines | Mar 1, 2013 | Mar 1, 2013 | Mar 1, 2013 | 0 days | 0 days | 85% | |
| F2A | All Countries | Various | Various | No change | 0 days | 0 days | 85% |
| F2B | All Other / China / India / Phil | Dec 1, 2016 | Dec 1, 2016 | Dec 1, 2016 | 0 days | 0 days | 85% |
| Mexico | Feb 15, 2009 | Feb 15, 2009 | May 1, 2009 | 0 days | +75d | 60% | |
| F3 | All Other / China / India | Sep 1, 2011 | Sep 8, 2011 | Sep 15, 2011 | +7d | +7d | 80% |
| Mexico | May 1, 2001 | May 1, 2001 | May 1, 2001 | 0 days | 0 days | 85% | |
| Philippines | Mar 1, 2005 | Mar 1, 2005 | Mar 1, 2005 | 0 days | 0 days | 85% | |
| F4 | All Other | Jan 1, 2008 | Jan 8, 2008 | Jan 15, 2008 | +7d | +7d | 80% |
| China | Jan 1, 2008 | Jan 8, 2008 | Jan 15, 2008 | +7d | +7d | 80% | |
| India | Nov 1, 2006 | Nov 1, 2006 | Nov 8, 2006 | 0 days | +7d | 70% | |
| Mexico | Apr 8, 2001 | Apr 8, 2001 | Apr 8, 2001 | 0 days | 0 days | 85% | |
| Philippines | Sep 1, 2006 | Sep 1, 2006 | Sep 1, 2006 | 0 days | 0 days | 85% |
Dates for Filing Predictions
| Category | Country | Feb 2026 | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 Pred | Feb→Mar | Mar→Apr | Conf |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | All / China / India | Sep 1, 2017 | Sep 1, 2017 | Sep 1, 2017 | 0 days | 0 days | 85% |
| F1 | Mexico | Dec 1, 2007 | Dec 1, 2007 | Feb 8, 2008 | 0 days | +69d | 60% |
| F1 | Philippines | Apr 15, 2015 | Apr 22, 2015 | May 1, 2015 | +7d | +9d | 75% |
| F2A | All Countries | Jan 22, 2026 | Feb 22, 2026 | Mar 22, 2026 | +31d | +28d | 85% |
| F2B | All / China / India / Phil | Mar 15, 2017 | Mar 15, 2017 | Mar 15, 2017 | 0 days | 0 days | 85% |
| F2B | Mexico | Feb 15, 2010 | Feb 15, 2010 | May 1, 2010 | 0 days | +75d | 60% |
| F3 | All / China / India | Jul 15, 2012 | Jul 22, 2012 | Aug 1, 2012 | +7d | +10d | 75% |
| F4 | India | Dec 1, 2006 | Dec 15, 2006 | Jan 1, 2007 | +14d | +17d | 70% |
| F4 | Philippines | Jan 1, 2008 | Jan 15, 2008 | Feb 1, 2008 | +14d | +17d | 70% |
Diversity Visa (DV-2026): April Cut-Offs (Official)
The March 2026 Visa Bulletin already published the official DV-2026 cut-off numbers for April. These are confirmed figures, not predictions. April shows significant jumps across all regions, with Africa reaching 55,000 and Europe nearly doubling to 20,000.
Official April 2026 DV Numbers (Published in March Bulletin)
The following DV-2026 cut-off numbers for April were already published in the March 2026 Visa Bulletin. These are confirmed official figures. Deadline: September 30, 2026. Annual limit reduced to ~52,000.
| Region | Feb 2026 | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 (Official) | Feb→Mar | Mar→Apr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFRICA | 45,000 | 45,000 | 55,000 | 0 | +10,000 |
| — Algeria (except) | 37,000 | 37,000 | 37,000 | 0 | 0 |
| — Egypt (except) | 21,000 | 22,250 | 30,000 | +1,250 | +7,750 |
| ASIA | 30,000 | 30,000 | 35,000 | 0 | +5,000 |
| — Nepal (except) | 6,500 | 6,500 | 10,000 | 0 | +3,500 |
| EUROPE | 11,000 | 11,000 | 20,000 | 0 | +9,000 |
| NORTH AMERICA (Bahamas) | 25 | 30 | 50 | +5 | +20 |
| OCEANIA | 1,175 | 1,200 | 1,500 | +25 | +300 |
| SOUTH AMERICA & CARIBBEAN | 2,000 | 2,100 | 3,000 | +100 | +900 |
Summary: All April 2026 Predictions at a Glance
| Category | Chart | Country | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 Pred | Movement | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-2 | Final Action | ROW / Mexico / Phil | Oct 15, 2024 | Feb 1, 2025 | +109 days | 70% |
| EB-2 | Final Action | India | Sep 15, 2013 | Dec 1, 2013 | +77 days | 70% |
| EB-2 | Filing | India | Nov 1, 2014 | Mar 1, 2015 | +120 days | 60% |
| EB-3 | Final Action | ROW / Mexico | Oct 1, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 | +92 days | 75% |
| EB-3 | Filing | ROW / Mexico | Jan 15, 2024 | Apr 1, 2024 | +76 days | 75% |
| EB-4 | Final Action | All Countries | Jul 15, 2021 | Nov 1, 2021 | +109 days | 70% |
| EB-2 | Final Action | China | Sep 1, 2021 | Oct 1, 2021 | +30 days | 55% |
| EB-3 | Final Action | India | Nov 15, 2013 | Dec 1, 2013 | +16 days | 55% |
| F2A | Filing | All Countries | Feb 22, 2026 | Mar 22, 2026 | +28 days | 85% |
| F1 | Final Action | Mexico | Dec 22, 2006 | Mar 15, 2007 | +83 days | 60% |
📐 Prediction Methodology
- Data Sources: February 2026 Visa Bulletin (Vol XI, No. 11, CA/VO: Jan 5, 2026) and March 2026 Visa Bulletin (Vol XI, No. 12, CA/VO: Feb 4, 2026)
- Calculation Method: Exact day-to-day movement analysis between consecutive bulletins, weighted by administration action context and historical FY patterns
- Key Factor: Administration actions (Presidential Proclamations 10949, 10998) reducing visa issuance, causing DOS to advance dates to distribute available FY-2026 numbers
- Fiscal Year Context: April 2026 represents Month 7 of FY2026; DOS typically begins more aggressive movement in the second half of the fiscal year
- Risk Assessment: ELEVATED retrogression risk for categories that advanced rapidly in March if administration policies change or demand spikes
📚 Official Sources & References
- U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin (Official)
- USCIS Visa Availability and Priority Dates
- February 2026 Visa Bulletin: Number 11, Volume XI (CA/VO: January 5, 2026)
- March 2026 Visa Bulletin: Number 12, Volume XI (CA/VO: February 4, 2026)
- H.R. 7148: Extension of SR Category through September 30, 2026 (Signed February 3, 2026)
Disclaimer: These predictions are based on quantitative analysis of historical patterns, current visa bulletin data, and the administration action context. Actual visa bulletin dates are determined solely by the U.S. Department of State and may differ from these projections. The March 2026 bulletin explicitly warns that retrogression may be necessary later in FY-2026 — applicants should not assume these advances will hold. This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The April 2026 Visa Bulletin is expected to be released around March 8-12, 2026. Always verify dates on the official State Department website.
