The U.S. Department of State has released the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, continuing the pattern of measured advancement across family-based categories and stability in employment-based visa availability. Diversity Visa (DV-2026) cutoffs have expanded further as the fiscal year progresses.
May reflects a mid-year balancing approach – advancing priority dates where demand is lower while maintaining control in oversubscribed categories such as India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines.
Family-Sponsored Categories – Final Action Dates
F1 – Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
All Chargeability / China / India: September 1, 2017
Mexico: August 15, 2007
Philippines: May 1, 2013
Trend & Projection:
F1 continues gradual forward movement, particularly for Mexico, though demand remains high overall.
F2A – Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents
All Chargeability / China / India / Philippines: August 1, 2024
Mexico: August 1, 2023
Important Note:
A large portion of F2A visas remain exempt from per-country limits, allowing broader availability across most countries.
Trend & Projection:
F2A remains the strongest family-based category, continuing to move forward steadily.
F2B – Unmarried Adult Children of Permanent Residents
All Chargeability / China / India: May 22, 2017
Mexico: February 15, 2009
Philippines: April 8, 2013
Trend & Projection:
F2B remains slow-moving with incremental progress.
F3 – Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
All Chargeability / China / India: February 15, 2012
Mexico: May 1, 2001
Philippines: November 22, 2005
Trend & Projection:
F3 shows slight advancement but remains constrained by high demand.
F4 – Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens
All Chargeability / China: September 15, 2008
India: November 1, 2006
Mexico: April 8, 2001
Philippines: July 15, 2007
Trend & Projection:
F4 continues to be one of the most backlogged categories globally.
Family-Sponsored Categories – Dates for Filing
- F1: October 1, 2018 (Mexico: October 1, 2008; Philippines: April 22, 2015)
- F2A: Current (All Countries)
- F2B: January 1, 2018 (Mexico: May 15, 2010; Philippines: October 1, 2013)
- F3: December 8, 2012 (Mexico: July 15, 2001; Philippines: August 8, 2006)
- F4: September 1, 2009 (India: December 15, 2006; Mexico: April 30, 2001; Philippines: March 22, 2008)
Trend & Projection:
F2A remaining “Current” for filing continues to be a major advantage for applicants adjusting status.
Employment-Based Categories – Final Action Dates
EB-1 – Priority Workers
All Chargeability: Current
China: April 1, 2023
India: April 1, 2023
Trend & Projection:
EB-1 remains stable with continued availability for most countries.
EB-2 – Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability
All Chargeability: Current
China: September 1, 2021
India: July 15, 2014
Trend & Projection:
EB-2 remains strong for most countries, though India continues to face significant backlog.
EB-3 – Skilled Workers and Professionals
All Chargeability: June 1, 2024
China: June 15, 2021
India: November 15, 2013
Philippines: August 1, 2023
Trend & Projection:
EB-3 continues steady movement and remains a favorable option compared to EB-2 for some applicants.
EB-3 Other Workers
All Chargeability: February 1, 2022
China: February 1, 2019
India: November 15, 2013
Trend & Projection:
Limited movement continues due to statutory caps and NACARA-related reductions.
EB-4 – Special Immigrants
Final Action Date: July 15, 2022
Trend & Projection:
EB-4 remains steady with limited advancement.
EB-5 – Immigrant Investors
Unreserved:
- China: September 22, 2016
- India: May 1, 2022
- All Other Countries: Current
Set-Asides (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure):
All remain Current
Trend & Projection:
EB-5 Set-Asides continue to offer the most favorable availability for investors.
Diversity Visa (DV-2026)
DV cutoffs continue to expand in May:
- Africa: 55,000 (Algeria 37,000; Egypt 30,000)
- Asia: 35,000 (Nepal 10,000)
- Europe: 20,000
- North America (Bahamas): 50
- Oceania: 1,500
- South America / Caribbean: 3,000
DV numbers are progressing as expected mid-year, but availability is limited to FY-2026 (ending September 30, 2026).
Additional Notes
- Visa demand patterns continue to vary due to policy and security measures, influencing forward movement in certain categories.
- Retrogression remains possible later in FY-2026 if demand increases.
- EB-5 India may face potential retrogression due to increased demand and usage.
Bottom Line
The May 2026 Visa Bulletin reflects continued stability in employment-based categories and steady progress in family-based preferences, particularly F2A. Diversity Visa numbers continue expanding as expected mid-year. As we move into late spring and summer 2026, further advancement is possible – but applicants should remain cautious of potential retrogression if demand rises.
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