The U.S. Department of State has released the January 2026 Visa Bulletin, continuing the early fiscal year pattern of controlled, incremental movement. As expected for the first quarter of FY-2026, most categories advance cautiously, with notable progress in family-sponsored Filing Dates, select forward movement in employment-based categories, and predictable expansion in the Diversity Visa (DV-2026) program.
January’s bulletin reflects long-standing Department of State allocation strategies: conserve visa numbers early in the fiscal year, monitor demand closely, and gradually advance cut-off dates once usage patterns become clearer. These trends are consistent with prior fiscal years and provide insight into likely movement through spring and summer 2026.
Family-Sponsored Categories – Final Action Dates
F1 – Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
- All Chargeability / China / India: November 8, 2016
- Mexico: September 1, 2006
- Philippines: March 1, 2013
Trend & Projection: F1 continues its historically slow progression. Based on multi-year patterns, movement is likely to remain limited to incremental advances later in FY-2026.
F2A – Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents
- All Chargeability / China / India / Philippines: February 1, 2024
- Mexico: February 1, 2023
Trend & Projection: F2A remains the strongest family-based category. Historically, when Filing Dates run well ahead—as they do now—Final Action Dates often advance later in the fiscal year. Additional forward movement in spring or early summer 2026 is likely.
F2B – Unmarried Adult Children of Permanent Residents
- All Chargeability / China / India: December 1, 2016
- Mexico: November 15, 2008
- Philippines: December 22, 2012
Trend & Projection: F2B continues its long-term pattern of modest, uneven advancement. Expect incremental progress at best during FY-2026.
F3 – Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
- All Chargeability / China / India: September 8, 2011
- Mexico: May 1, 2001
- Philippines: March 1, 2005
Trend & Projection: High demand and limited annual numbers continue to suppress meaningful movement. Only minimal advancement is expected this fiscal year.
F4 – Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens
- All Chargeability / China: January 8, 2008
- India: November 1, 2006
- Mexico: April 8, 2001
- Philippines: July 22, 2006
Trend & Projection: F4 remains one of the slowest-moving categories. Historical data suggests continued stagnation with only minor adjustments possible later in FY-2026.
Family-Sponsored Categories – Dates for Filing
- F1: September 1, 2017 (Mexico: September 1, 2007; Philippines: April 22, 2015)
- F2A: December 22, 2025 (all countries)
- F2B: March 15, 2017 (Mexico: November 15, 2009; Philippines: October 1, 2013)
- F3: July 22, 2012 (Mexico: July 1, 2001; Philippines: February 1, 2006)
- F4: March 1, 2009 (India: December 15, 2006; Mexico: April 30, 2001; Philippines: January 15, 2008)
Trend & Projection: Early fiscal-year Filing Dates are intentionally generous. USCIS has historically allowed use of the Filing Dates chart during this period, particularly to encourage adjustment filings in F2A and employment-based categories.
Employment-Based Categories – Final Action Dates
EB-1 – Priority Workers
- All Chargeability / Mexico / Philippines: Current
- China: February 1, 2023
- India: February 1, 2023
Trend & Projection: EB-1 remains relatively stable. Historically, China and India often see measured advancement in the second half of the fiscal year if demand remains manageable.
EB-2 – Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability
- All Chargeability / Mexico / Philippines: April 1, 2024
- China: September 1, 2021
- India: July 15, 2013
Trend & Projection: EB-2 India remains heavily oversubscribed with minimal movement expected. EB-2 China may see incremental progress later in FY-2026, depending on visa usage.
EB-3 – Skilled Workers and Professionals
- All Chargeability / Mexico / Philippines: April 22, 2023
- China: May 1, 2021
- India: November 15, 2013
Trend & Projection: EB-3 continues to move slightly ahead of EB-2 for India, but overall advancement is expected to remain conservative throughout FY-2026.
EB-3 Other Workers
- All Chargeability / Mexico / Philippines: September 1, 2021
- China: December 8, 2018
- India: November 15, 2013
Trend & Projection: Statutory limits and NACARA reductions continue to constrain this category. Meaningful forward movement is unlikely this fiscal year.
EB-4 – Special Immigrants (Including Certain Religious Workers)
- Worldwide: January 1, 2021
Trend & Projection: EB-4 advances slightly but remains vulnerable to legislative uncertainty. Absent congressional action, the Certain Religious Workers category will sunset after January 29, 2026.
EB-5 – Immigrant Investors
- Unreserved – China: August 15, 2016
- Unreserved – India: May 1, 2022
- All Other Countries: Current
- Set-Asides (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure): Current for all countries
Trend & Projection: EB-5 Set-Asides continue to dominate demand and are expected to remain Current through FY-2026. Unreserved backlogs for China and India are likely to persist.
Diversity Visa (DV-2026)
January brings a significant expansion of DV cut-off numbers, a normal and expected early-year trend.
- Africa: 35,000 (Algeria 20,000; Egypt 16,000)
- Asia: 15,000 (Nepal 6,000)
- Europe: 8,500
- North America (Bahamas): 20
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America / Caribbean: 1,850
Trend & Projection: DV cut-offs historically rise sharply through winter and early spring before slowing mid-year. February 2026 cut-offs already reflect this accelerating pattern.
Bottom Line
The January 2026 Visa Bulletin confirms a predictable start to FY-2026: steady family-based progress led by F2A, cautious employment-based advancement, continued EB-5 strength through Set-Asides, and accelerating Diversity Visa availability.
Based on historical trends, applicants can expect more meaningful movement beginning in late spring or summer 2026, particularly in F2A, EB-1 China and India, and select EB-2 and EB-3 categories.
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