The U.S. Department of State has released the August 2026 Visa Bulletin, outlining visa availability for family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant categories. While many applicants will welcome forward movement in several preference categories, the Department of State also cautions that increased demand may require retrogression or even temporary unavailability of certain employment-based visas before the end of Fiscal Year 2026.
Whether you are pursuing an employment-based green card, sponsoring a family member, or preparing to file an adjustment of status application, understanding this month’s bulletin is essential.
USCIS Filing Chart Reminder
For August 2026, applicants seeking to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, should first verify which chart USCIS has designated for adjustment filings. Unless USCIS announces otherwise, applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart to determine eligibility to file adjustment applications.
Employment-Based Final Action Dates
EB-1 (Priority Workers)
- All Chargeability Areas: Current
- China: July 1, 2023
- India: October 15, 2022
- Mexico: Current
- Philippines: Current
Applicants chargeable to India should note that the Department of State specifically warns that EB-1 India could become unavailable before the end of the fiscal year if visa demand continues at its current pace.
EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals)
- All Chargeability Areas: Current
- China: September 1, 2021
- India: Unavailable
- Mexico: Current
- Philippines: Current
India remains unavailable in the EB-2 category. Additionally, the Department of State cautions that increasing worldwide demand could require retrogression or temporary unavailability for EB-2 in the coming months.
EB-3 (Professionals and Skilled Workers)
Final Action Dates are:
- All Chargeability Areas: September 1, 2024
- China: January 1, 2022
- India: January 1, 2014
- Mexico: September 1, 2024
- Philippines: August 1, 2023
EB-3 Other Workers
- All Chargeability Areas: April 1, 2022
- China: May 1, 2019
- India: January 1, 2014
- Mexico: April 1, 2022
- Philippines: December 1, 2021
EB-5 Investor Program
The bulletin continues to distinguish between unreserved and set-aside categories.
Unreserved EB-5
- All Chargeability Areas: Current
- China: December 1, 2016
- India: Unavailable
- Mexico: Current
- Philippines: Current
Set-Aside Categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure)
All remain Current for every country of chargeability.
Family-Based Final Action Dates
Among the notable family-sponsored categories:
F1 – Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
- All Chargeability Areas: December 15, 2018
- Mexico: December 1, 2007
- Philippines: May 1, 2013
F2A – Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents
- Most countries: July 22, 2026
- Mexico: July 22, 2025
The F2A category continues to remain one of the most favorable family-based preference categories.
F2B – Unmarried Adult Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents
- All Chargeability Areas: January 1, 2018
- Mexico: February 15, 2009
- Philippines: June 1, 2013
F3 – Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
- All Chargeability Areas: May 15, 2012
- Mexico: July 1, 2001
- Philippines: February 22, 2006
F4 – Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens
- All Chargeability Areas: September 1, 2009
- India: November 1, 2006
- Mexico: April 8, 2001
- Philippines: August 1, 2007
Important Department of State Warnings
The August Visa Bulletin contains several important advisories for applicants nearing visa availability.
Possible Retrogression Before the End of FY 2026
The Department of State explains that immigrant visa issuance rates have shifted during Fiscal Year 2026. As additional demand materializes, several visa categories could retrogress or become unavailable before September 30, 2026, to remain within annual numerical limits.
EB-1 India May Become Unavailable
Due to significant demand, the Department warns that EB-1 India could become unavailable during the final weeks of the fiscal year if India’s annual allocation is exhausted.
EB-2 Could Also Retrogress
The Department also warns that growing demand in the EB-2 category may require additional retrogression or temporary unavailability in upcoming months.
What Applicants Should Do
If your priority date is current – or is expected to become current soon – it is important to act promptly.
Applicants should:
- Review both the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing charts.
- Confirm which chart USCIS has authorized for adjustment filings.
- Gather supporting documentation in advance.
- Coordinate with an experienced immigration attorney if your priority date is approaching current status.
Because the Department of State has specifically warned that visa availability could change before the end of the fiscal year, delaying action could result in additional waiting time.
Final Thoughts
The August 2026 Visa Bulletin provides positive movement in several employment- and family-based categories while signaling caution for the months ahead. Applicants in EB-1 India, EB-2, and other heavily subscribed categories should closely monitor future bulletins, as visa availability may change quickly before the close of Fiscal Year 2026.
If your priority date is current or nearing current, this may be an appropriate time to review your immigration strategy and prepare any eligible filings before additional retrogression occurs.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
Citation
DOS Visa Bulletin: August 2026
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