After Years of Waiting, India’s Green Card Backlog Sees Major Movement in US Visa Bulletin

For Indian professionals and families navigating the long and complex journey toward permanent residency in the United States, the March 2026 Visa Bulletin — issued by the US Department of State — brings meaningful progress in key employment‑based categories. Latest monthly updates show substantial forward movement for Indian priority dates, especially for the EB‑2 (Professionals with Advanced Degrees) category, which has improved by nearly 11 months in the Dates for Filing chart. This news offers renewed optimism to many long‑waiting applicants and underscores shifting visa availability patterns in the US immigration system.

The Visa Bulletin is the authoritative reference used by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and consulates worldwide to determine when prospective immigrants can file adjustment‑of‑status applications or receive immigrant visas. It provides two key sets of dates: Dates for Filing — indicating when applications can be submitted, and Final Action Dates — indicating when visas can actually be issued.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin and Its Categories

To fully grasp the impact of the March bulletin, it helps to understand the structure of employment‑based (EB) immigrant visa categories:

EB‑1: Priority workers including individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, and certain multinational managers.
EB‑2: Professionals holding advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability in arts, sciences or business.
EB‑3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers (including unskilled labor with a separate annual cap).
EB‑4: Certain special immigrants (e.g., some religious workers and foreign service employees).
EB‑5: Investment‑based visas, with portions set aside for rural, high‑unemployment, and infrastructure projects.

The Visa Bulletin tables list cut‑off dates for each category and country of birth. Applicants whose priority dates are earlier than the listed cut‑off are considered “current” and can proceed when USCIS announces which chart it is using for that month.

Major Shifts in March 2026

Dates for Filing Chart – Key Movements

The Dates for Filing chart determines when applicants can submit adjustment‑of‑status applications or take next steps in consular processing. In March 2026:

EB‑2 (India): Cut‑off date advanced by nearly 11 months, moving from 2013 to November 1, 2014, allowing many more Indians to file their applications sooner.
EB‑1 (India and China): Priority dates advanced by about 4 months to December 1, 2023, enabling new filings in that elite category.
Other Countries: For most other countries, EB‑2 is now fully current — meaning no backlog remains for filing in that category.
EB‑3 (Professionals & Skilled Workers): Worldwide dates have advanced significantly for all countries except for a few such as China and India, which remain earlier.
EB‑5 Unreserved: China saw a notable five‑week advancement, while India remains at a May 1, 2024 cut‑off.

These movements indicate a shifting landscape in visa demand and availability, especially favoring Indian EB‑2 applicants after prolonged stagnation.

Final Action Dates – When Green Cards May Be Approved

The Final Action Dates chart shows when immigrant visas can actually be issued:

EB‑1: India, China, and most other countries are approaching earlier cut‑offs, moving into 2023, improving opportunities for priority workers.
EB‑2: India’s cut‑off is now September 15, 2013, meaning those with priority dates before this can hope for actual visa issuance soon.
EB‑3: Key improvements are visible worldwide, though India and China remain backlogged due to high demand.
EB‑4 and EB‑5: Final Action Dates vary by country, with some segments still current for many countries.

Final action dates primarily reflect visa availability and demand trends, with forward movement generally signaling increasing opportunities for immigrant petitioners.

What This Means for Applicants

For Indian Professionals and Families

Earlier Filing Window: Many Indian EB‑2 applicants can now submit their adjustment of status paperwork, potentially reducing wait times.
Increased Momentum: The nearly year‑long advancement in EB‑2 suggests easing backlogs compared with previous months where movement was minimal or stagnant.

These changes are particularly impactful for those in STEM fields, business leadership, and advanced‑degree roles who have faced lengthy waits due to per‑country visa limits.

For Business Travellers and Long‑Term Visitors

While the Visa Bulletin does not directly affect short‑term travel, long‑term professionals considering relocation or extended stays should be aware that:

Priority dates determine eligibility: Only when a cut‑off date becomes current can an individual apply for adjustment of status or interview scheduling.
Planning is key: Applicants approaching current cut‑off dates may benefit from timely document preparation or consultation with immigration counsel.

Business travellers eyeing green cards should consider how backing up applications sooner could align with future employment plans or investment strategies in the US.

Step‑by‑Step for Green Card Applicants

Check Your Priority Date: Confirm your priority date on your I‑140 approval notice; this determines where you stand in the queue.
Review Visa Bulletin Charts: Study both Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates for your category and country.
Prepare Your Documentation: Ensure all supporting evidence is current — medical exams, affidavits, and financial records are ready.
Monitor USCIS Updates: USCIS often announces which chart (Filing or Final Action) should be used; this impacts when you can actually submit.
Consider Travel Plans: Long visits or business trips may be easier if paperwork aligns with expected filing dates.
Consult Experts: Immigration attorneys or advisors can offer tailored guidance, especially if your priority date is near the cut‑off.

Quick Tips for Traveling Applicants

Stay Informed Monthly: Visa Bulletin releases typically occur mid‑month and can change timelines rapidly.
Use Official Resources: Always refer to travel.state.gov and uscis.gov for the most accurate and updated charts.
Plan Work and Travel Flexibly: If you’re eligible to file soon, schedule interviews and submissions with room for delays.
Verify National Visa Center Procedures: For consular processing, ensure your documentation is received promptly.
Keep Priority Dates Updated: Priority dates seldom shift drastically, but when they do, being proactive is beneficial.

Key Points in Bullets

March 2026 Visa Bulletin shows significant forward movement for Indian EB‑2 and EB‑1 cut‑off dates.
EB‑2 India’s Dates for Filing moved forward by nearly 11 months, offering new filing opportunities.
EB‑1 for India and China progressed by four months to December 1, 2023.
Final Action Dates also shift, enabling more green card visa issuances in certain categories.
Applicants should monitor USCIS and Department of State charts monthly for changes.

As green card queues gradually shift and more dates become current, Indian applicants and professionals worldwide are advised to stay updated and prepared — because each monthly Visa Bulletin has the potential to bring them one step closer to realising their American dream.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated

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