The April 2026 Visa Bulletin has shown positive movements for various categories, including the F2A category
The April 2026 Visa Bulletin brings significant positive movement, with the F2A category (spouses/children of green card holders) becoming current for most, allowing faster filing. USCIS has confirmed that for April 2026, applicants must use the “Dates for Filing” chart for both family and employment-based categories to determine eligibility.
April 2026 Visa Bulletin Key Updates
- Family-Sponsored Categories (F2A & Others): The F2A category for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. green card holders is current for all countries (except Mexico, which is often exempt). This allows many to file for Adjustment of Status (I-485) if they have not already.
- F1, F2B, F3, F4 Movement: These categories saw notable forward movement, notably with F-1 (unmarried children of U.S. citizens) advancing by approximately six months.
- Employment-Based Categories:
- EB-1: Remained steady with no significant changes.
- EB-2 & EB-3: EB-3 saw movement for India and became current for most other countries, while EB-2 India saw slight advancement.
- Impact on SIJS Recipients: The general forward momentum in family categories may allow many Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) recipients, who often fall under the EB-4 category or derivative family categories, to move closer to submitting their Green Card applications.
- Filing Procedures: USCIS has verified that the “Dates for Filing” chart should be used for both family-sponsored and employment-based categories in April 2026.
- Retrogression Risk: The State Department has cautioned that potential shifts in demand or policy may lead to retrogression (moving back of dates) later in the 2026 fiscal year.
