The April 2026 Visa Bulletin (Number 13, Volume XI) has been officially released by the U.S. Department of State. This bulletin delivers some of the most dramatic movements of FY-2026 across both employment-based and family-sponsored categories. EB-2 India leaped nearly 10 months, EB-2 ROW went fully Current, EB-4 advanced a full year, and family categories like F1, F2B, and F4 saw advances of 150+ days. These historic moves are driven by reduced visa issuance under administration actions — but DOS explicitly warns retrogression may follow later in the fiscal year.
The April 2026 Visa Bulletin was published by the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA/VO: March 4, 2026). Demand data was received through March 4, 2026. USCIS determines monthly whether applicants should use the “Final Action Dates” or “Dates for Filing” charts — check www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for the current guidance.
April 2026 Visa Bulletin: Complete Analysis
Historic advances across EB and family categories — EB-2 ROW goes Current, EB-2 India leaps 10 months, EB-4 jumps a full year, family categories see 150+ day moves. DOS warns retrogression may follow.
DOS Retrogression Warning — Directly From the Bulletin
The April 2026 bulletin explicitly states that as additional demand materializes or administration actions are amended, retrogression may be necessary later in the fiscal year to keep issuances within annual limits. These advances are driven by reduced visa issuance under Presidential Proclamations 10949 and 10998 — not by reduced demand. Applicants who are newly current should file immediately.
Why These Historic Advances Are Happening
Immigrant visa issuance rates have decreased due to administration actions including Presidential Proclamation 10949, Presidential Proclamation 10998, and immigrant visa processing updates. To distribute available FY-2026 visa numbers to applicants from other countries, DOS has advanced dates across multiple categories. The bulletin’s Section D explicitly acknowledges this dynamic.
Employment-Based Final Action Dates: April 2026 (Official)
The April 2026 employment-based Final Action Dates show the most dramatic movements of FY-2026. EB-2 ROW/Mexico/Philippines have gone fully Current, EB-2 India jumped 303 days (nearly 10 months), EB-3 ROW advanced 244 days, and EB-4/SR leaped a full calendar year. Meanwhile, EB-2 China, EB-3 India, and Other Workers India/ROW remained frozen.
Employment-Based Final Action Dates
📈 Biggest EB Final Action Movements (Mar → Apr 2026)
| Category | Country | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | All Other | Current | Current | — |
| China | Mar 1, 2023 | Apr 1, 2023 | +31d | |
| India | Mar 1, 2023 | Apr 1, 2023 | +31d | |
| Mexico | Current | Current | — | |
| Philippines | Current | Current | — | |
| EB-2 | All Other | Oct 15, 2024 | Current | → Current! |
| China | Sep 1, 2021 | Sep 1, 2021 | 0 days | |
| India | Sep 15, 2013 | Jul 15, 2014 | +303d | |
| Mexico | Oct 15, 2024 | Current | → Current! | |
| Philippines | Oct 15, 2024 | Current | → Current! | |
| EB-3 | All Other | Oct 1, 2023 | Jun 1, 2024 | +244d |
| China | May 1, 2021 | Jun 15, 2021 | +45d | |
| India | Nov 15, 2013 | Nov 15, 2013 | 0 days | |
| Mexico | Oct 1, 2023 | Jun 1, 2024 | +244d | |
| Philippines | Aug 1, 2023 | Aug 1, 2023 | 0 days | |
| Other Workers | All Other | Nov 1, 2021 | Nov 1, 2021 | 0 days |
| China | Dec 8, 2018 | Feb 1, 2019 | +55d | |
| India | Nov 15, 2013 | Nov 15, 2013 | 0 days | |
| Mexico | Nov 1, 2021 | Nov 1, 2021 | 0 days | |
| Philippines | Nov 1, 2021 | Nov 1, 2021 | 0 days | |
| EB-4 | All Countries | Jul 15, 2021 | Jul 15, 2022 | +365d |
| Certain Religious Workers | All Countries | Jul 15, 2021 | Jul 15, 2022 | +365d |
| EB-5 Unreserved | All Other | Current | Current | — |
| China | Aug 15, 2016 | Sep 1, 2016 | +17d | |
| India | May 1, 2022 | May 1, 2022 | 0 days | |
| Mexico | Current | Current | — | |
| Philippines | Current | Current | — |
EB-5 Set-Aside Categories
All EB-5 Set-Aside categories remain Current for all countries in April 2026: Rural (20%), High Unemployment (10%), and Infrastructure (2%). This includes NR, RR, NH, RH, and RI subcategories.
Employment-Based Dates for Filing: April 2026 (Official)
The Dates for Filing chart continues the aggressive trend, with EB-3 All Other and Mexico going Current, EB-3 India Filing making a 153-day jump after months of stagnation, and EB-2 India Filing advancing 75 days. Check USCIS to confirm whether the Filing chart applies for your adjustment of status application this month.
Employment-Based Dates for Filing
📈 Biggest EB Filing Date Movements (Mar → Apr 2026)
| Category | Country | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | All Other | Current | Current | — |
| China | Dec 1, 2023 | Dec 1, 2023 | 0 days | |
| India | Dec 1, 2023 | Dec 1, 2023 | 0 days | |
| Mexico | Current | Current | — | |
| Philippines | Current | Current | — | |
| EB-2 | All Other | Current | Current | — |
| China | Jan 1, 2022 | Jan 1, 2022 | 0 days | |
| India | Nov 1, 2014 | Jan 15, 2015 | +75d | |
| Mexico | Current | Current | — | |
| Philippines | Current | Current | — | |
| EB-3 | All Other | Jan 15, 2024 | Current | → Current! |
| China | Jan 1, 2022 | Jan 1, 2022 | 0 days | |
| India | Aug 15, 2014 | Jan 15, 2015 | +153d | |
| Mexico | Jan 15, 2024 | Current | → Current! | |
| Philippines | Jan 1, 2024 | Jan 1, 2024 | 0 days | |
| Other Workers | All Other | Jun 22, 2022 | Aug 1, 2022 | +40d |
| China | Oct 1, 2019 | Oct 1, 2019 | 0 days | |
| India | Aug 15, 2014 | Jan 15, 2015 | +153d | |
| Mexico | Jun 22, 2022 | Aug 1, 2022 | +40d | |
| Philippines | Jun 22, 2022 | Aug 1, 2022 | +40d | |
| EB-4 | All Countries | Jan 1, 2023 | Jan 1, 2023 | 0 days |
| Certain Religious Workers | All Countries | Jan 1, 2023 | Jan 1, 2023 | 0 days |
| EB-5 Unreserved | All Other | Current | Current | — |
| China | Oct 1, 2016 | Oct 1, 2016 | 0 days | |
| India | May 1, 2024 | May 1, 2024 | 0 days | |
| Mexico | Current | Current | — | |
| Philippines | Current | Current | — |
EB-5 Set-Aside Filing Dates
All EB-5 Set-Aside filing categories remain Current for all countries: Rural (20%), High Unemployment (10%), and Infrastructure (2%).
India EB Categories: Detailed Analysis
April 2026 is a landmark month for India EB applicants. EB-2 India Final Action leaped 303 days — from September 15, 2013 to July 15, 2014 — the largest single-month advance for India EB-2 in recent memory. This move decisively places EB-2 India ahead of EB-3 India (which remains stuck at November 15, 2013). On the filing side, EB-2 India advanced 75 days to January 15, 2015, while EB-3 India made an unexpected 153-day jump from August 15, 2014 to January 15, 2015, converging with EB-2.
🇮🇳 India Final Action Dates (April 2026)
🇮🇳 India Dates for Filing (April 2026)
EB-2 India Now 8 Months Ahead of EB-3 India
With the 303-day leap, EB-2 India Final Action (July 15, 2014) is now 8 months ahead of EB-3 India (November 15, 2013). On the filing side, both converged at January 15, 2015. Downgrading from EB-2 to EB-3 now offers zero benefit for Indian applicants. Those who previously downgraded may want to consult their attorneys about reverting.
Action Required: File Immediately If Newly Current
India EB-2 applicants with priority dates between September 15, 2013 and July 15, 2014 are newly eligible under Final Action. India EB-3/OW applicants with filing priority dates between August 15, 2014 and January 15, 2015 are newly eligible under the Filing chart. Given the explicit retrogression warning from DOS, do not delay — file immediately.
🇮🇳 India EB-2 Wait Time Estimates (Based on April 2026 Data)
Priority Date: 2015
~1-2 years (est. 2027-2028)
Priority Date: 2018
~3-5 years (est. 2029-2031)
Priority Date: 2021
~6-9 years (est. 2032-2035)
Priority Date: 2024
~9-13+ years (est. 2035-2039)
China EB Categories: Detailed Analysis
China EB categories remain largely stagnant, though April brought modest relief. EB-3 China Final Action moved 45 days (from May 1, 2021 to June 15, 2021), and Other Workers China advanced 55 days. However, EB-2 China remains completely frozen at September 1, 2021 for the third consecutive month.
🇨🇳 China Final Action Dates (April 2026)
🇨🇳 China Dates for Filing (April 2026)
Why China Isn’t Seeing the Same Massive Advances
While ROW and India EB-2 saw massive advances, China EB-2 and EB-3 Filing remain frozen. China’s existing demand appears sufficient to consume the per-country allocation even with reduced overall issuance. Chinese applicants should consider EB-5 Set-Aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) which remain Current for all countries.
Family-Sponsored Categories: April 2026 (Official)
April 2026 delivered surprisingly large movements across family-sponsored categories as well, driven by the same administration actions affecting employment-based categories. F1 All Other advanced ~174 days to May 1, 2017, F2B All Other jumped ~172 days, F4 All Other/China leaped ~152 days, and F3 All Other advanced ~105 days. The F2A system continues its dual structure with exempt and per-country-limit dates.
Final Action Dates — Family-Sponsored (Verified from PDF)
| Category | All Other | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | May 1, 2017 | May 1, 2017 | May 1, 2017 | Feb 15, 2007 | May 1, 2013 |
| F2A | Feb 1, 2024 | Feb 1, 2024 | Feb 1, 2024 | Feb 1, 2023 | Feb 1, 2024 |
| F2B | May 22, 2017 | May 22, 2017 | May 22, 2017 | Feb 15, 2009 | Apr 8, 2013 |
| F3 | Dec 22, 2011 | Dec 22, 2011 | Dec 22, 2011 | May 1, 2001 | Jul 1, 2005 |
| F4 | Jun 8, 2008 | Jun 8, 2008 | Nov 1, 2006 | Apr 8, 2001 | Feb 1, 2007 |
F2A Special Structure for April 2026
F2A numbers EXEMPT from per-country limit are authorized for all countries with priority dates earlier than February 1, 2023. F2A numbers SUBJECT to per-country limit are authorized for all countries EXCEPT Mexico with priority dates beginning February 1, 2023 and earlier than February 1, 2024. All F2A numbers for Mexico are exempt from the per-country limit.
Dates for Filing — Family-Sponsored (Verified from PDF)
| Category | All Other | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Mar 1, 2018 | Mar 1, 2018 | Mar 1, 2018 | Apr 15, 2008 | Apr 22, 2015 |
| F2A | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| F2B | Aug 8, 2017 | Aug 8, 2017 | Aug 8, 2017 | May 15, 2010 | Oct 1, 2013 |
| F3 | Nov 22, 2012 | Nov 22, 2012 | Nov 22, 2012 | Jul 1, 2001 | Jul 15, 2006 |
| F4 | May 15, 2009 | May 15, 2009 | Dec 15, 2006 | Apr 30, 2001 | Mar 22, 2008 |
Key Family-Sponsored Developments
F2A Filing is Current for ALL countries (including Philippines). F1 All Other/China/India advanced to May 1, 2017 in Final Action (~174 days from March). F2B All Other/China/India jumped to May 22, 2017 (~172 days). F4 All Other/China advanced to Jun 8, 2008 (~152 days). Multiple Mexico and Philippines family categories reflect the administration action context.
Diversity Visa (DV-2026): April & May Cut-Offs
The April 2026 bulletin includes both the April and May 2026 DV cut-off numbers. April shows significant jumps across all regions, with Africa reaching 55,000 and Europe doubling to 20,000. The May cut-offs are identical to April, suggesting the program is nearing its annual ceiling. The DV-2026 annual limit has been reduced to approximately 52,000 due to NACARA and NDAA provisions.
DV-2026 Cut-Off Numbers
| Region | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 | May 2026 | Mar → Apr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFRICA | 45,000 | 55,000 | 55,000 | +10,000 |
| — Algeria (except) | 37,000 | 37,000 | 37,000 | 0 |
| — Egypt (except) | 22,250 | 30,000 | 30,000 | +7,750 |
| ASIA | 30,000 | 35,000 | 35,000 | +5,000 |
| — Nepal (except) | 6,500 | 10,000 | 10,000 | +3,500 |
| EUROPE | 11,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | +9,000 |
| NORTH AMERICA (Bahamas) | 30 | 50 | 50 | +20 |
| OCEANIA | 1,200 | 1,500 | 1,500 | +300 |
| SOUTH AMERICA & CARIBBEAN | 2,100 | 3,000 | 3,000 | +900 |
DV-2026 Deadline: September 30, 2026
DV-2026 entitlement ends September 30, 2026. No visas will be issued to DV-2026 applicants after that date. The fact that May cut-offs are identical to April suggests the program is approaching its ceiling. Numbers could be exhausted before September 30. DV-2026 annual limit has been reduced to approximately 52,000 due to NACARA and NDAA provisions.
Key Takeaways & What to Do Now
Summary of All Major Changes
| Category | Chart | Country | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-4 / SR | Final Action | All Countries | Jul 15, 2021 | Jul 15, 2022 | +365 days |
| EB-2 | Final Action | India | Sep 15, 2013 | Jul 15, 2014 | +303 days |
| EB-3 | Final Action | ROW / Mexico | Oct 1, 2023 | Jun 1, 2024 | +244 days |
| EB-2 | Final Action | ROW / Mex / Phil | Oct 15, 2024 | Current | → Current |
| F1 | Final Action | All / China / India | Nov 8, 2016 | May 1, 2017 | ~174 days |
| F2B | Final Action | All / China / India | Dec 1, 2016 | May 22, 2017 | ~172 days |
| EB-3 / OW | Filing | India | Aug 15, 2014 | Jan 15, 2015 | +153 days |
| F4 | Final Action | All Other / China | Jan 8, 2008 | Jun 8, 2008 | ~152 days |
| F3 | Final Action | All / China / India | Sep 8, 2011 | Dec 22, 2011 | ~105 days |
| EB-2 | Filing | India | Nov 1, 2014 | Jan 15, 2015 | +75 days |
| EB-3 | Filing | ROW / Mexico | Jan 15, 2024 | Current | → Current |
Critical Action Items
1. If you are newly current — file immediately. The bulletin explicitly warns retrogression may occur later in FY-2026.
2. EB-2 India applicants with priority dates Sep 15, 2013 – Jul 15, 2014: you are now eligible under Final Action. Do not wait.
3. EB-2/EB-3 ROW applicants: EB-2 is Current for Final Action and Filing. EB-3 ROW Filing is Current. File your I-485 or DS-260 as soon as possible.
4. India applicants who downgraded to EB-3: EB-2 India is now 8 months ahead of EB-3. Consult your attorney about reverting.
5. Check USCIS guidance at uscis.gov/visabulletininfo to confirm whether Filing or Final Action dates apply this month.
📚 Official Sources
- Source Document: Visa Bulletin Number 13, Volume XI — April 2026 (CA/VO: March 4, 2026)
- U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin (Official)
- USCIS Visa Availability and Priority Dates
- Presidential Proclamation 10949 & Presidential Proclamation 10998 — Administration actions reducing visa issuance
- H.R. 7148 — Extension of SR (Certain Religious Workers) category through September 30, 2026
- Oversubscribed chargeability areas: CHINA-mainland born, INDIA, MEXICO, PHILIPPINES
- FY-2026 limits: Employment-based ≥140,000 | Family-sponsored 226,000 | Per-country 7% (25,620) | Dependent area 2% (7,320)
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on the official April 2026 Visa Bulletin (Number 13, Volume XI) published by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA/VO: March 4, 2026). Movement calculations compare against the March 2026 Visa Bulletin data. This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify dates on the official State Department website.
