The USCIS released the August 2026 Visa Bulletin, marking modest advancement across most employment-based and family-sponsored immigrant visa categories. Several categories remained unchanged or unavailable due to continued demand for visa numbers.
For August, the Final Action Date for EB-1 China advances one month. EB-3 China advances just over one week. Worldwide EB-3 advances one month. But movement is constrained. Demand for immigrant visas remains high relative to available numbers.
Critical News for EB-1 India
EB-1 India’s Final Action Date may become unavailable in coming weeks. The category faces retrogression—that is, available visa numbers are running out faster than expected. Applicants with priority dates in 2023 or later should prepare for lengthy delays.
EB-2 India is already unavailable for Final Action Dates. No numbers are being issued this month. For Indian professionals with employment-based green card applications pending, August 2026 is a tightening window.
Employment-Based vs. Family-Based
Employment-based applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart to determine eligibility. That’s stricter than the Dates for Filing chart. Family-sponsored applicants can use the more lenient Dates for Filing.
The difference matters. Final Action Dates mean you can actually file your application and receive a decision. Dates for Filing are earlier but don’t guarantee action on your case.
September and Beyond
The State Department warned that as demand increases, retrogression may occur in several categories before the fiscal year ends September 30, 2026. If you’re waiting on visa numbers in any employment category, monitor the September bulletin closely.
August 2026 brings modest advances for most categories but severe constraints for India EB-1 and EB-2. If you’re EB-1 India, prioritize filing before the category retrogresses.
