Most family-based green card and visa priority dates remain unchanged in the March 2026 Visa Bulletin, offering little relief to applicants from Nepal and similar countries. While those inside the U.S. saw a one-month advancement for spouses and minor children of green card holders, visa interviews for applicants abroad stay frozen, extending wait times amid a broader U.S. policy halt.
Key Family-Based Priority Dates Unchanged
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs kept priority dates steady for nearly all family-sponsored categories in March. For U.S. citizens’ unmarried sons/daughters over 21, interviews remain available only for I-130 petitions filed before November 8, 2016. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders face the same February 1, 2024 cutoff, with no movement for adult children (pre-December 1, 2016 petitions).
U.S. citizens’ married sons/daughters hold at September 8, 2011, and siblings at January 8, 2008—meaning only pre-filing dates qualify for March interviews. This stability prolongs backlogs for those outside the U.S., as demand outpaces available visas.
Slight Advancement for U.S. Residents
Applicants already in the U.S. benefit marginally in one category: spouses and minor children of green card holders can now file green card applications (Form I-485) if their I-130 was filed before February 22, 2026—a one-month gain. Other in-country dates, like adult children of green card holders (March 15, 2017), U.S. citizens’ adult unmarried children (September 1, 2017), married children (July 22, 2012), and siblings (March 1, 2009), show no change.
Visa Suspension Hits Nepal and 75 Nations
Since January 21, 2026, the U.S. State Department has suspended immigrant visa issuance for Nepal and 74 other countries, even after interviews. This indefinite hold—tied to public charge reviews—blocks entry despite completed processes, though pre-January 21 visas remain valid.
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.
