{"id":1351,"date":"2026-04-18T14:59:24","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T14:59:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/?p=1351"},"modified":"2026-04-18T14:59:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T14:59:24","slug":"visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/","title":{"rendered":"Visa Bulletin and Priority Dates 2026: How to Read It and When You Can File"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Browse Content<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle tabel met inhoud\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#Visa_Bulletin_and_Priority_Dates_2026_How_to_Read_It_and_When_You_Can_File\" >Visa Bulletin and Priority Dates 2026: How to Read It and When You Can File<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#What_Is_the_Visa_Bulletin_and_Why_Does_It_Matter\" >What Is the Visa Bulletin and Why Does It Matter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#The_Two_Charts_Final_Action_Dates_vs_Dates_for_Filing\" >The Two Charts: Final Action Dates vs. Dates for Filing<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#Chart_A_Final_Action_Dates\" >Chart A: Final Action Dates<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#Chart_B_Dates_for_Filing\" >Chart B: Dates for Filing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#How_Priority_Dates_Are_Established\" >How Priority Dates Are Established<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#Family-Based_Priority_Dates\" >Family-Based Priority Dates<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#Employment-Based_Priority_Dates\" >Employment-Based Priority Dates<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#Reading_the_Visa_Bulletin_A_Practical_Example\" >Reading the Visa Bulletin: A Practical Example<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#Current_Priority_Date_Situation_by_Category_April_2026\" >Current Priority Date Situation by Category (April 2026)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#Retrogression_When_Priority_Dates_Move_Backward\" >Retrogression: When Priority Dates Move Backward<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#EB-2_India_and_China_The_Long_Road\" >EB-2 India and China: The Long Road<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#How_to_Check_Your_Priority_Date_Status_Monthly\" >How to Check Your Priority Date Status Monthly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_Visa_Bulletin_and_Priority_Dates_2026\" >Frequently Asked Questions: Visa Bulletin and Priority Dates 2026<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#What_is_the_difference_between_Final_Action_Dates_and_Dates_for_Filing\" >What is the difference between Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#What_does_%E2%80%9CC%E2%80%9D_mean_in_the_Visa_Bulletin\" >What does &#8220;C&#8221; mean in the Visa Bulletin?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#What_is_my_priority_date_for_an_employment-based_green_card\" >What is my priority date for an employment-based green card?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#What_is_retrogression_and_how_does_it_affect_my_case\" >What is retrogression and how does it affect my case?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/visa-bulletin-priority-dates-2026-how-to-read-filing-chart\/#Where_do_I_find_my_country_of_chargeability_for_the_Visa_Bulletin\" >Where do I find my country of chargeability for the Visa Bulletin?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<article itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Article\">\n<meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2026-04-18\" \/><br \/>\n<meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2026-04-18\" \/><br \/>\n<meta itemprop=\"author\" content=\"Atlas Legal Immigration\" \/><\/p>\n<h1 itemprop=\"headline\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visa_Bulletin_and_Priority_Dates_2026_How_to_Read_It_and_When_You_Can_File\"><\/span>Visa Bulletin and Priority Dates 2026: How to Read It and When You Can File<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<div class=\"key-takeaways\" style=\"background:#f0f4ff;border-left:4px solid #1a56db;padding:18px 22px;margin:24px 0;border-radius:4px;\">\n<strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin:10px 0 0 0;padding-left:20px;\">\n<li>The Visa Bulletin has <strong>two charts<\/strong>: Final Action Dates (when USCIS approves) and Dates for Filing (when you can submit I-485)<\/li>\n<li>USCIS announces each month whether the Dates for Filing chart is available for adjustment of status<\/li>\n<li>Your <strong>priority date<\/strong> is set when USCIS receives your I-130 or I-140, or when DOL receives your PERM application<\/li>\n<li><strong>EB-2 and EB-3 India<\/strong> remain heavily retrogressed \u2014 current Final Action Dates are in the 2010s<\/li>\n<li><strong>&#8220;C&#8221; (Current)<\/strong> means no waiting \u2014 you can file immediately<\/li>\n<li><strong>Retrogression<\/strong> can push your date backwards unexpectedly \u2014 check the bulletin every month<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<figure style=\"margin:28px 0;\">\n<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/590016\/pexels-photo-590016.jpeg?auto=compress&#038;cs=tinysrgb&#038;w=1200&#038;h=630&#038;fit=crop\" alt=\"Immigration attorney reviewing monthly Visa Bulletin priority date charts for green card applicants\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" loading=\"eager\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:6px;\" itemprop=\"image\" \/><figcaption style=\"font-size:13px;color:#555;margin-top:6px;text-align:center;\">The monthly Visa Bulletin from the State Department determines when green card applicants can take the next step in their case.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Every month, the US Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin \u2014 a document that controls when hundreds of thousands of family-based and employment-based green card applicants can move forward with their cases. For applicants in oversubscribed categories (particularly from India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines), understanding the Visa Bulletin is essential to planning years of immigration strategy. For those in current categories, it confirms they can file right away.<\/p>\n<p>According to the State Department, approximately 1.4 million family-based visa numbers and 140,000 employment-based visa numbers are available annually. The demand for green cards \u2014 particularly from high-immigration countries \u2014 far exceeds supply in many categories, creating backlogs measured in years or decades. This guide explains exactly how the Visa Bulletin works, how to read the two charts, how priority dates are established, and what current dates mean for your category in 2026.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Visa_Bulletin_and_Why_Does_It_Matter\"><\/span>What Is the Visa Bulletin and Why Does It Matter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Visa Bulletin is the State Department&#8217;s monthly publication showing which immigrant visa applicants \u2014 based on their preference category and country of chargeability \u2014 can have their case adjudicated in that month. It matters because Congress limits the number of immigrant visas (green cards) issued per year: 675,000 family-based and 140,000 employment-based visas per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30), with per-country limits of 7% of the total allocation.<\/p>\n<p>When demand for a category from a particular country exceeds supply, a waiting list forms. Your place in that line is your priority date. The Visa Bulletin tells you when your priority date has become &#8220;current&#8221; \u2014 meaning a visa number is available for you. Only then can USCIS complete your case. According to Congressional Research Service data, the total family-based backlog exceeded 10 million cases in 2024, making Visa Bulletin tracking critical for anyone in a family preference category from an oversubscribed country.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Two_Charts_Final_Action_Dates_vs_Dates_for_Filing\"><\/span>The Two Charts: Final Action Dates vs. Dates for Filing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This is the most misunderstood aspect of the Visa Bulletin. The bulletin contains two separate charts, and using them incorrectly can mean missing a filing window \u2014 or thinking you can file when you cannot.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chart_A_Final_Action_Dates\"><\/span>Chart A: Final Action Dates<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This is the primary chart. It shows the priority date that must be reached before USCIS can approve a green card (final action). If your priority date is before (earlier than) the date shown in Chart A for your category and country, USCIS can approve your case and issue your green card. This chart always applies for consular processing cases processed through a US Embassy abroad.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chart_B_Dates_for_Filing\"><\/span>Chart B: Dates for Filing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This secondary chart shows the priority date that must be reached before you can submit your Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) application to USCIS. In some months, Chart B dates are further advanced than Chart A dates, allowing applicants to file their I-485 earlier than they could receive final approval \u2014 giving them access to work and travel authorization (EAD and Advance Parole) sooner.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Critical rule:<\/strong> USCIS must specifically announce each month whether the Dates for Filing chart may be used for I-485 filing. If USCIS does not announce Dates for Filing availability, you must use the Final Action Dates chart. Check the USCIS website at uscis.gov\/visabulletininfo each month when the new Visa Bulletin is published (usually in the 2nd week of the preceding month).<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Priority_Dates_Are_Established\"><\/span>How Priority Dates Are Established<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Your priority date is the date that marks your place in the immigrant visa queue. It is set differently depending on whether you are in a family-based or employment-based category:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Family-Based_Priority_Dates\"><\/span>Family-Based Priority Dates<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For family preference petitions (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4), your priority date is the date USCIS receives your Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). For immediate relatives of US citizens (spouse, unmarried child under 21, parent), there is no annual cap and no priority date \u2014 these cases are always &#8220;current.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Employment-Based_Priority_Dates\"><\/span>Employment-Based Priority Dates<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For employment-based petitions, the priority date depends on the path:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>EB-1 (no PERM required):<\/strong> Date USCIS receives the Form I-140<\/li>\n<li><strong>EB-2 with PERM:<\/strong> Date the Department of Labor receives the PERM application (ETA-9089)<\/li>\n<li><strong>EB-2 NIW (no PERM):<\/strong> Date USCIS receives the I-140<\/li>\n<li><strong>EB-3 (PERM required):<\/strong> Date DOL receives the PERM application<\/li>\n<li><strong>EB-5 investor:<\/strong> Date USCIS receives the I-526E petition<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For EB-2 and EB-3 categories requiring PERM, the PERM filing date (not the PERM approval date) is your priority date. This is why employers often rush to file PERM as early as possible. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/perm-labor-certification-2026-dol-employment-green-card-guide\/\">PERM Labor Certification guide<\/a> for details on the PERM process and timeline.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reading_the_Visa_Bulletin_A_Practical_Example\"><\/span>Reading the Visa Bulletin: A Practical Example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When you open the Visa Bulletin, you will see a table with columns for different countries and rows for each preference category. Here is how to read it:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>&#8220;C&#8221;<\/strong> = Current \u2014 no waiting. You can file immediately.<\/li>\n<li>A specific date (e.g., &#8220;01JAN17&#8221;) = Your priority date must be before January 1, 2017 for you to move forward.<\/li>\n<li><strong>&#8220;U&#8221;<\/strong> = Unavailable \u2014 no visas available in this category for this country this month; no new filings or approvals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Example: If the Final Action Date for EB-2 India shows &#8220;22APR12&#8221; (April 22, 2012) and your PERM was filed on May 1, 2018, your priority date is NOT before the cut-off date. You cannot receive final approval this month. You must wait until the Final Action Date advances past your May 2018 priority date.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"margin:28px 0;\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/3184339\/pexels-photo-3184339.jpeg?auto=compress&#038;cs=tinysrgb&#038;w=1200&#038;h=630&#038;fit=crop\" alt=\"Professionals reviewing visa bulletin priority date movement charts for employment-based green card planning\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:6px;\" \/><figcaption style=\"font-size:13px;color:#555;margin-top:6px;text-align:center;\">Priority date movement varies significantly by category and country \u2014 EB-2\/EB-3 India dates move especially slowly.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Current_Priority_Date_Situation_by_Category_April_2026\"><\/span>Current Priority Date Situation by Category (April 2026)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The following reflects general conditions as of early 2026. Always verify the current month&#8217;s Visa Bulletin at travel.state.gov for exact dates:<\/p>\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:16px 0;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background:#1a56db;color:#fff;\">\n<th style=\"padding:10px 14px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Category<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:10px 14px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #ddd;\">All Countries<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:10px 14px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #ddd;\">India<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:10px 14px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #ddd;\">China<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:10px 14px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Mexico<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:10px 14px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Philippines<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>F1<\/strong> (USC child\/sibling)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">~2018<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">~2015<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">~2018<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">~2003<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">~2015<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>F2A<\/strong> (LPR spouse\/child)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Current (C)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Current (C)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Current (C)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Current (C)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Current (C)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>EB-1<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Current (C)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Retrogressed<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Retrogressed<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Current (C)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Current (C)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>EB-2<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Current (C)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">~Apr 2012<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">~Jun 2020<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Current (C)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Current (C)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>EB-3<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Current (C)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">~Jan 2012<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">~Jun 2020<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Current (C)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 14px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Current (C)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><em>Note: These dates are approximate illustrations. Always check the current Visa Bulletin at <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/legal\/visa-law0\/visa-bulletin.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">travel.state.gov<\/a> for exact figures.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Retrogression_When_Priority_Dates_Move_Backward\"><\/span>Retrogression: When Priority Dates Move Backward<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Retrogression occurs when the State Department moves priority dates backward \u2014 meaning dates that were previously current become unavailable again. This happens when demand in a category surges (due to a rush of I-485 filings) and the available visa numbers for the fiscal year are nearly exhausted.<\/p>\n<p>Retrogression is devastating for applicants who have submitted I-485 applications and are waiting for final approval \u2014 their cases are essentially frozen until the date advances again. According to State Department data, EB-2 India experienced significant retrogression multiple times in the last decade, leaving many applicants waiting 10+ years.<\/p>\n<p>To protect yourself from retrogression impact, work with an immigration attorney to monitor the bulletin monthly and plan timing of I-485 filings strategically.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"EB-2_India_and_China_The_Long_Road\"><\/span>EB-2 India and China: The Long Road<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For professionals born in India or China seeking employment-based green cards through EB-2 or EB-3, the Visa Bulletin presents a sobering picture. Due to the 7% per-country cap on annual employment-based visa issuances, demand from these high-population countries far exceeds supply. The EB-2 India Final Action Date as of early 2026 is in the early 2010s \u2014 meaning applicants who filed PERM in 2012-2015 are only now receiving their green cards.<\/p>\n<p>For Indian-born EB-2 applicants, the estimated waiting time can exceed 50-100 years under current conditions. This makes alternative strategies like the <a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/eb2-national-interest-waiver-niw-2026-self-petition-guide\/\">EB-2 National Interest Waiver<\/a> (which competes in the same EB-2 category but without PERM delays), the <a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/eb1-green-card-extraordinary-ability-2026\/\">EB-1 category<\/a> (often has better priority dates for India\/China), or the <a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/o1-visa-extraordinary-ability-2026-requirements-guide\/\">O-1 visa<\/a> (as a long-term nonimmigrant alternative) worth serious consideration.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Check_Your_Priority_Date_Status_Monthly\"><\/span>How to Check Your Priority Date Status Monthly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Follow these steps each month to track your case:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Go to <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/legal\/visa-law0\/visa-bulletin.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">travel.state.gov\/visa-bulletin<\/a> around the 8th-12th of each month when the new bulletin is published<\/li>\n<li>Find your preference category (F1, F2A, EB-2, etc.) and your country of chargeability (usually country of birth, not citizenship)<\/li>\n<li>Compare the date shown to your priority date \u2014 if your priority date is earlier than the date shown, your date is current<\/li>\n<li>Check uscis.gov\/visabulletininfo to see if USCIS has authorized use of the Dates for Filing chart<\/li>\n<li>Set a monthly calendar reminder \u2014 retrogression can happen without warning<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<section itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_Visa_Bulletin_and_Priority_Dates_2026\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions: Visa Bulletin and Priority Dates 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h3 itemprop=\"name\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_Final_Action_Dates_and_Dates_for_Filing\"><\/span>What is the difference between Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">Final Action Dates (Chart A) show when USCIS can approve your green card \u2014 this chart always applies. Dates for Filing (Chart B) show when you can submit your I-485 application, which can be earlier than when you receive final approval. USCIS must announce each month whether Chart B is available for I-485 filing. Using Chart B when USCIS has not authorized it will result in your I-485 being rejected.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h3 itemprop=\"name\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_%E2%80%9CC%E2%80%9D_mean_in_the_Visa_Bulletin\"><\/span>What does &#8220;C&#8221; mean in the Visa Bulletin?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">&#8220;C&#8221; stands for Current. When your preference category and country shows &#8220;C&#8221; in the Visa Bulletin, there is no waiting \u2014 a visa number is immediately available. For Final Action Dates, &#8220;C&#8221; means USCIS can approve your green card right away. For Dates for Filing, &#8220;C&#8221; means you can submit your I-485 immediately without waiting for a priority date.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h3 itemprop=\"name\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_my_priority_date_for_an_employment-based_green_card\"><\/span>What is my priority date for an employment-based green card?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">For employment-based categories requiring PERM (EB-2 with job offer, EB-3), your priority date is the date the Department of Labor received your employer&#8217;s PERM application. For categories not requiring PERM (EB-1, EB-2 NIW, EB-5), your priority date is the date USCIS received your Form I-140 petition. Your priority date is shown on your I-797 approval notice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h3 itemprop=\"name\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_retrogression_and_how_does_it_affect_my_case\"><\/span>What is retrogression and how does it affect my case?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">Retrogression is when the State Department moves priority dates backward in the Visa Bulletin, making previously current dates unavailable again. It occurs when visa demand surges and the annual cap is nearly exhausted. Retrogression can freeze pending I-485 applications, preventing final approval until dates advance again. It affects EB-2 and EB-3 categories from India and China most severely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h3 itemprop=\"name\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_do_I_find_my_country_of_chargeability_for_the_Visa_Bulletin\"><\/span>Where do I find my country of chargeability for the Visa Bulletin?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">Your country of chargeability is your country of birth, not citizenship. If you were born in India but are a citizen of Canada, you are charged to India in the Visa Bulletin. However, spouses can use each other&#8217;s country of birth if it results in a better priority date \u2014 this is called cross-chargeability and requires both spouses to be on the same I-485 application.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Article\",\n      \"headline\": \"Visa Bulletin and Priority Dates 2026: How to Read It and When You Can File\",\n      \"description\": \"The monthly Visa Bulletin controls when you can file for or receive a green card. Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing are different charts. EB-2 India remains retrogressed. Complete 2026 guide.\",\n      \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Atlas Legal Immigration\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\"},\n      \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Atlas Legal Immigration\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\"},\n      \"datePublished\": \"2026-04-18\",\n      \"dateModified\": \"2026-04-18\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is the difference between Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Final Action Dates show when USCIS can approve your green card \u2014 this chart always applies. Dates for Filing show when you can submit your I-485, which can be earlier than final approval. USCIS must announce each month whether the Dates for Filing chart is available.\"}},\n        {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What does 'C' mean in the Visa Bulletin?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"'C' stands for Current \u2014 a visa number is immediately available, meaning no waiting is required in that category and country.\"}},\n        {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is retrogression?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Retrogression is when the State Department moves priority dates backward, making previously current dates unavailable. It occurs when visa demand surges and the annual cap is nearly exhausted, most commonly affecting EB-2 and EB-3 India and China.\"}}\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The monthly Visa Bulletin controls when you can file for or receive a green card. Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing are different charts \u2014 using the wrong one can delay your case by months. EB-2 India remains retrogressed. F2A is current. Complete 2026 guide to reading the Visa Bulletin.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1350,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[160],"tags":[350,351,352,349,347,346,348],"class_list":["post-1351","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-green-card","tag-eb-2-india-priority-date-2026","tag-f2a-priority-date-2026","tag-final-action-dates-vs-dates-for-filing","tag-how-to-read-visa-bulletin","tag-priority-dates-2026","tag-visa-bulletin-2026","tag-visa-bulletin-april-2026"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1351","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1351"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1351\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1352,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1351\/revisions\/1352"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1350"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1351"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1351"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1351"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}