The U.S. Department of State has released the March 2026 Visa Bulletin, continuing the controlled yet strategic movement pattern seen earlier in FY-2026. While most family-based categories remain stable, select employment-based categories show measured advancement. Diversity Visa (DV-2026) cut-off numbers continue expanding, and notable legislative updates impact certain religious workers and government employee SIV applicants.
Family-Sponsored Categories
F1 – Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
All Chargeability / China / India: November 8, 2016
Mexico: December 22, 2006
Philippines: March 1, 2013
Trend & Projection:
F1 remains heavily oversubscribed. Movement remains limited and incremental.
F2A – Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents
All Chargeability / China / India / Philippines: February 1, 2024
Mexico: February 1, 2023
Important Note:
For March, F2A numbers exempt from the per-country limit are authorized for applicants with priority dates earlier than February 1, 2023. Certain numbers remain subject to per-country limits.
Trend & Projection:
F2A remains the strongest family-based category and continues to outperform others.
F2B – Unmarried Adult Children of Permanent Residents
All Chargeability / China / India: December 1, 2016
Mexico: February 15, 2009
Philippines: December 22, 2012
Trend & Projection:
Modest and uneven movement continues. No major acceleration expected.
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 continues to limit forward progress.
F4 – Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens
All Chargeability / China: January 8, 2008
India: November 1, 2006
Mexico: April 8, 2001
Philippines: September 1, 2006
Trend & Projection:
F4 remains one of the most backlogged categories globally.
Family-Sponsored Categories – Dates for Filing
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F1: September 1, 2017 (Mexico: December 1, 2007; Philippines: April 22, 2015)
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F2A: February 22, 2026 (all countries)
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F2B: March 15, 2017 (Mexico: February 15, 2010; Philippines: October 1, 2013)
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F3: July 22, 2012 (Mexico: July 1, 2001; Philippines: June 1, 2006)
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F4: March 1, 2009 (India: December 15, 2006; Mexico: April 30, 2001; Philippines: January 15, 2008)
USCIS applicants must check whether the Final Action Dates chart or the Dates for Filing chart applies for adjustment of status this month.
Employment-Based Categories – Final Action Dates
EB-1 – Priority Workers
All Chargeability: Current
China: March 1, 2023
India: March 1, 2023
Trend & Projection:
EB-1 China and India advanced slightly, signaling controlled forward movement.
EB-2 – Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability
All Chargeability: October 15, 2024
China: September 1, 2021
India: September 15, 2013
Trend & Projection:
EB-2 India shows incremental advancement. Oversubscription remains significant.
EB-3 – Skilled Workers and Professionals
All Chargeability: October 1, 2023
China: May 1, 2021
India: November 15, 2013
Philippines: August 1, 2023
Trend & Projection:
EB-3 remains slightly more favorable than EB-2 for India but continues conservative movement overall.
EB-3 – Other Workers
All Chargeability: November 1, 2021
China: December 8, 2018
India: November 15, 2013
NACARA reductions continue to impact this category.
EB-4 – Special Immigrants
Final Action Date: July 15, 2021
Update:
H.R. 7148, signed February 3, 2026, extends the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category through September 30, 2026.
EB-5 – Immigrant Investors
Unreserved:
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China: August 15, 2016
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India: May 1, 2022
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All Other Countries: Current
Set-Asides (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure):
All countries remain Current.
EB-5 Set-Asides continue to offer the strongest availability.
Diversity Visa (DV-2026)
For March 2026, DV cut-off numbers increased again:
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Africa: 45,000 (Algeria 37,000; Egypt 22,250)
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Asia: 30,000 (Nepal 6,500)
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Europe: 11,000
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North America (Bahamas): 30
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Oceania: 1,200
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South America / Caribbean: 2,100
The bulletin also provides April preview cut-offs, which show further significant advancement across most regions.
Important:
DV-2026 eligibility ends September 30, 2026. Numbers may be exhausted before that date.
Bottom Line
The March 2026 Visa Bulletin reflects measured forward movement in select employment-based categories, continued strength in EB-5 Set-Asides, steady family-based priority dates, and expanding Diversity Visa availability. While advancement remains cautious, incremental progress in EB-1 and EB-2 (India and China) suggests potential continued movement into late spring 2026 – subject to demand levels and visa usage trends.
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