Family-based green card applicants saw broad forward movement in the May 2026 visa bulletin, with most categories showing notable progress.
For applicants inside the United States, the filing date for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders will remain current in May, after being current in April. That means applicants in this category may file for adjustment of status regardless of their priority date.
The filing date for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens advanced from March 1, 2018, in April to Oct. 1, 2018, in May, a seven-month jump.
For unmarried sons and daughters of permanent residents age 21 or older, the filing date moved from Aug. 8, 2017, in April to Jan. 1, 2018, in May.
For married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, the filing date advanced from Nov. 22, 2012, to Dec. 8, 2012. The filing date for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens moved from May 15, 2009, to Sept. 1, 2009.
Final action dates, which determine when visas can actually be issued or green cards approved, also improved in most categories.
For unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, the final action date advanced from May 1, 2017, in April to Sept. 1, 2017, in May.
For unmarried sons and daughters of permanent residents age 21 or older, the final action date remained unchanged at May 22, 2017.
For married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, the date moved from Dec. 22, 2011, to Feb. 15, 2012. For brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, it advanced from June 8, 2008, to Sept. 15, 2008.
The final action date for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of permanent residents also advanced from Feb. 1, 2024, to Aug. 1, 2024.
For applicants born in China mainland, India, Mexico and the Philippines, the priority dates are different from those listed for all other countries, according to the May 2026 visa bulletin.
According to the visa bulletin, these dates were moved forward because of reduced visa issuance for citizens of some countries due to administrative and national security priorities, allowing unused visa numbers to be applied elsewhere.
Since Jan. 21, the State Department has suspended immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Nepal, so even applicants who have completed interviews and other required steps have not been issued visas. Those who received visas before Jan. 21 are still allowed to travel to the United States.
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.
