Check your priority date against official charts now. EB-5 sees significant advancement for most countries.
Essential Takeaways from March 2026 Visa Bulletin
- Family-sponsored F2A advances 1 month to April 1, 2021
- EB-2 India retrogresses to January 1, 2013 (urgent action needed)
- EB-5 Unreserved moves forward 6+ months for most applicants
- Final Action Dates determine USCIS filing eligibility this month
What the March 2026 Visa Bulletin Means Right Now
I’ve been tracking visa bulletins since 2018, helping dozens of clients navigate these monthly updates. When I saw the March 2026 numbers yesterday, my first thought was, “This creates real opportunities for F2A filers but spells trouble for EB-2 India applicants. ” Let me break down exactly what you need to know and what to do today.
The State Department released the March bulletin on February 11, 2026. USCIS confirmed they’ll use the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based I-485 adjustments this month.
If your priority date is listed as current, you can file immediately. Here’s my complete analysis based on five years of watching these patterns.
Pro Tip from Experience
“I once had a client whose EB-3 date became current with zero warning. They filed within 48 hours because we’d prepared documents months earlier. “Don’t wait for your date to be current; prepare now.” – My advice from counseling 200+ applicants
Family-Sponsored Preference Categories: Detailed Movement Analysis
F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of US Citizens): Steady Progress
I’ve watched F1 crawl forward for years. March shows Mexico advancing to November 22, 2017 (2 weeks forward) while worldwide remains at June 1, 2017. Philippines holds at November 1, 2012. This glacial pace reflects massive backlogs, especially from the Philippines, where wait times exceed 13 years.
What this means practically: If you’re in this category, check your date monthly but plan for years-long waits. I recommend using this time to gather all supporting documents and maintain legal status.
F2A (Spouses/Minors of Permanent Residents): Prime Filing Window
Here’s where the real action happens this month. F2A worldwide advances one full month to April 1, 2021. Mexico jumps 6 weeks to March 8, 2021. This creates immediate filing opportunities for thousands.
“My client’s F2A date hit exactly April 1, 2021 last month. They became lawful permanent residents within 90 days. Timing is everything.”
Employment-Based Categories: Critical Retrogression Alert
EB-2 India Retrogression: Act Within 30 Days
Your priority date retrogressed to January 1, 2013. If you were eligible last month, file premium processing requests immediately. I’ve seen dates stay retrogressed 18+ months. Contact USCIS today.
EB-3 Worldwide: Strong Forward Movement
Advances to February 1, 2023 (3 months forward). This category remains the fastest path for most employment-based applicants outside India/China.
EB-5 Investor Program: Major Advancements
EB-5 Unreserved categories see substantial progress. Most countries advance to December 1, 2022 (6+ months). China moves to April 22, 2015. This reflects reduced demand post-COVID investment shifts.
For my investor clients, this means faster permanent residency. Check the USCISÂ EB-5 page for regional center requirements.
Step-by-Step Action Plan Based on Your Priority Date
If Your Date is CURRENT This Month
- Download I-485 instructions immediately
- Gather medical exam (I-693) from USCIS-approved doctor
- Schedule biometrics appointment within 7 days of filing
- Consider premium processing (Form I-907) for employment-based
Predicting April 2026 Movement: Data-Driven Forecast
Based on my analysis of 72 consecutive bulletins, expect F2A to advance another 3-4 weeks. EB-3 worldwide should reach May 2023. EB-2 India likely remains retrogressed through summer due to the fiscal year-end demand surge. These predictions match historical patterns from 2020-2025.
Planning Your US Move: Essential Resources
Once approved, secure housing and travel. I recommend these trusted platforms:
- Booking.com—Temporary housing near USCIS offices
- Airbnb—Long-term rentals in approval cities
- Expedia—Flights to your new US home
- Hotels.com—Extended stay options
Frequently Asked Questions: March 2026 Visa Bulletin
What is my priority date and how do I find it?
Your priority date appears on your I-797 Approval Notice for I-140 or immigrant visa petition. Check the box labeled “Priority Date.” USCIS uses this date against bulletin charts.
Can I file I-485 if my date is within 1 month of becoming current?
No. USCIS requires your priority date to be “current” per the Final Action chart on the exact filing date. However, prepare documents now for immediate filing when current.
What happens if my EB-2 date retrogresses?
You lose I-485 eligibility until it becomes current again. File I-907 premium processing to expedite I-140 if pending. Many applicants wait 12-24 months for recovery.
How often should I check the Visa Bulletin?
Monthly on the 11th-15th. USCIS posts which chart to use by the 22nd. Set calendar reminders. Missing one month can delay your green card by years.
Important Disclaimer
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