The U.S. Department of State’s March 2026 Visa Bulletin reveals significant progress across all employment-based (EB) green card categories, with advancements in filing dates and final action dates for immigrant visas. This allows more applicants to file Adjustment of Status (I-485) forms inside the U.S. or schedule consular interviews abroad.
EB-1: Remains Current
EB-1 for priority workers remains current for both Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates, unchanged from prior months. Individuals in the U.S. can file I-140 and I-485 concurrently, while those abroad face no wait for visas.
EB-2: Becomes Current After Long Wait
The EB-2 Dates for Filing becomes current for the first time in years for most countries (except India and China), enabling U.S.-based applicants to file I-485 with I-140. For applicants abroad, the immigrant visa date advances 6.5 months to October 15, 2024, allowing those with priority dates before that date to schedule interviews.
EB-3: Strong 4-Month Advance
The EB-3 Final Action Date for consular processing advances to October 1, 2023 (four months ahead of February), allowing those with earlier priority dates to attend embassy interviews. U.S.-based applicants with priority dates before January 15, 2024, can file I-485—a 3.5-month gain—and labor certifications approved before these dates qualify.
For unskilled workers (Other Workers), the filing date advances nearly seven months to June 22, 2022; for applicants abroad, it moves to November 1, 2021 (a two-month gain).
EB-4: Significant Progress
EB-4 special immigrants see Dates for Filing advance to January 1, 2023 (21 months forward) for U.S. filers. Consular Final Action Dates move to July 15, 2021 (7.5 months ahead), and religious workers regain availability after February’s unavailability. EB-5 remains current.
Nepal Impact from Visa Suspension
A U.S. State Department suspension of immigrant visa issuance for Nepal and 74 other countries, effective January 21, 2026, halts visa delivery despite completed interviews or processes. Visas issued before January 21 remain valid for U.S. entry, but new approvals are paused indefinitely due to public charge reviews.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
