The U.S. Department of State released the July 2026 Visa Bulletin on June 16, 2026, setting the priority date cutoffs for the coming month. This bulletin governs who can file for adjustment of status (green card) inside the United States or schedule an immigrant visa interview abroad at a U.S. consulate during July 2026.
For employment-based preference categories, USCIS has confirmed it will honor the Final Action Dates chart — not the Dates for Filing chart — making the Final Action Dates the operative cutoffs for AOS filing eligibility. This is the third straight month USCIS has imposed this restriction, which limits the number of people who can file concurrent I-485 applications.
Employment-Based Priority Date Cutoffs — July 2026
The most significant employment-based movements in the July 2026 Visa Bulletin are the retrogression of EB-1 India and the continued unavailability of EB-2 India and EB-5 India for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026, which ends September 30, 2026.
| Category | All Chargeability | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Current ✅ | 06/01/2023 ▲ | 10/15/2022 ▼ | Current ✅ | Current ✅ |
| EB-2 | Current ✅ | 09/01/2021 | Unavailable ❌ | Current ✅ | Current ✅ |
| EB-3 (Skilled/Prof) | Current ✅ | 12/22/2021 ▲ | 01/01/2014 ▲ | 01/15/2019 | Current ✅ |
| EB-4 | Current ✅ | Current ✅ | Current ✅ | 03/01/2022 | 08/22/2023 |
| EB-5 (Set-aside/Non-set-aside) | Current ✅ | 01/01/2017 | Unavailable ❌ | Current ✅ | Current ✅ |
▲ = movement forward; ▼ = retrogression; ❌ = Unavailable (no visas available this month). Source: U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin July 2026.
EB-1 India: Two-Month Retrogression Explained
EB-1 India has retrogressed from December 15, 2022 (the June 2026 cutoff) to October 15, 2022 in the July bulletin — a two-month setback. This retrogression reflects higher-than-expected demand in the EB-1 India category as the fiscal year winds down. The State Department has warned that further retrogression or even temporary unavailability may be necessary before September 30, 2026 if demand continues at the current pace.
For applicants with EB-1 India priority dates between October 15, 2022 and December 14, 2022, this means they cannot file or complete their green card process in July 2026 — their date is no longer current. They will need to wait for future bulletins to advance back past their priority date.
EB-3 China: Strong Forward Movement of Over Four Months
EB-3 China advances significantly in July, moving from August 1, 2021 to December 22, 2021 — a gain of nearly five months. This is one of the more notable forward movements in the bulletin and may open up filing opportunities for Chinese-born EB-3 applicants who have been waiting.
Family-Based Priority Date Cutoffs — July 2026
Family-sponsored preference categories see across-the-board positive movement in the July 2026 Visa Bulletin. USCIS will allow use of the Dates for Filing chart for family-based categories, which provides earlier cutoff dates and allows more applicants to submit concurrent I-485 filings even before a visa is immediately available.
| Category | All / China / India | Mexico | Philippines | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 — Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens | 02/01/2018 | 11/01/2003 | 09/01/2016 | +5 months ▲ |
| F2A — Spouses/children of LPRs | 01/01/2025 | 01/01/2025 | 01/01/2025 | No movement |
| F2B — Unmarried adult children of LPRs | 11/22/2017 | 03/08/2006 | 05/15/2013 | +2 months ▲ |
| F3 — Married children of U.S. citizens | 04/15/2012 | 06/01/2001 | 02/22/2006 | +2 months ▲ |
| F4 — Siblings of U.S. citizens | 01/01/2009 | 09/22/2000 | 08/01/2007 | +2 months ▲ |
LPR = Lawful Permanent Resident. Source: U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin July 2026.
USCIS Filing Instructions: Final Action Dates Apply for EB Categories
USCIS has confirmed for July 2026 that employment-based applicants must have a priority date earlier than the Final Action Date shown in the July 2026 Visa Bulletin — not the Dates for Filing. This is the third consecutive month that USCIS has imposed this restriction, signaling that the agency has little flexibility in the number of AOS applications it can accept ahead of visa availability.
For family-based applicants, USCIS is using the Dates for Filing chart, which provides more generous cutoffs and allows applicants to submit I-485 packages before a visa number becomes immediately available. This is favorable for family-based filers and means more people can get their biometrics, medical exams, and Employment Authorization Documents in the pipeline earlier.
| Filing Type | Chart to Use (July 2026) | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| Employment-Based I-485 | Final Action Dates | Must have PD earlier than Final Action Date to file AOS |
| Family-Based I-485 | Dates for Filing | Can file I-485 even if visa not immediately available |
What These Changes Mean for You
If you have an EB-1 India priority date between October 15, 2022 and December 14, 2022: Your date has retrogressed out of current status. You cannot file or complete an AOS in July 2026. Monitor future bulletins — given increased demand, additional retrogression is possible through September 30, 2026.
If you have an EB-2 India or EB-5 India case: No immigrant visas are available in July for these categories. The State Department exhausted FY2026 visa numbers for these categories; availability will reset on October 1, 2026 (FY2027). If you are in AOS status, your I-485 remains pending — you do not need to take any action, but approval cannot occur until a visa number is available.
If you have an EB-3 China case with a priority date between August 1, 2021 and December 22, 2021: Your date has moved into current status in July 2026. Coordinate with your employer and immigration attorney immediately to file your I-485 or move forward with consular processing if applicable.
If you are in a family-based preference category (F1–F4): Modest positive movement continues. Check whether your priority date falls within the updated Dates for Filing chart — if so, you can now file a concurrent I-485, I-765 (EAD), and I-131 (advance parole) to get into the processing queue.
Frequently Asked Questions — July 2026 Visa Bulletin
When was the July 2026 Visa Bulletin released?
The State Department released it on June 16, 2026. It governs filing and interview eligibility for all of July 2026.
Why did EB-1 India retrogress?
Higher-than-expected demand as FY2026 ends is exhausting visa numbers in the EB-1 India category. The retrogression from 12/15/2022 to 10/15/2022 — a two-month setback — reflects that the State Department is pacing usage to stay within the annual cap. Further movement is possible before September 30.
Can I file my I-485 if EB-2 India is unavailable?
If your I-485 is already pending, it stays on file and you can keep renewing your EAD and Advance Parole. New I-485 filings in the EB-2 India category are not permitted while the category is unavailable. Visa numbers should reset October 1, 2026 with FY2027 allocations.
Which chart applies for EB filings in July?
USCIS confirmed the Final Action Dates chart applies for employment-based I-485 filings in July 2026. Your priority date must precede the Final Action Date shown above to be eligible to file.
EB-3 China moved forward significantly — what should I do?
If your priority date falls between 08/01/2021 and 12/22/2021, contact your immigration attorney immediately. Filing windows can be short, and preparing the I-485 package (medical exam, financial documents, police clearances) takes time.
Related Articles
For more context on green card timelines, priority dates, and related immigration policy:
- July 2026 Visa Bulletin Predictions: EB-2 India Retrogression Analysis
- EB-2 India Visas Exhausted for FY2026: Green Card Approvals Paused Until October 2026
- H-1B Visa 2026: Complete Guide — Lottery, Fees, Processing Times & Cap-Gap
- Adjustment of Status 2026: I-485 Filing Guide, Timelines & Requirements
