- Home
- Insights & Immigration News Alerts
- News Alerts
- January 2026 Visa Bulletin
Immigration News Alert
January 2026 Visa Bulletin
The U.S. Department of State released the January 2026 Visa Bulletin for Fiscal Year 2026.
USCIS Filing Guidance
USCIS has not yet clarified whether applicants should use the Final Action Dates chart or the Dates for Filing chart from the January 2026 Visa Bulletin. Guidance is expected soon.
Until USCIS provides confirmation, applicants should review both charts to determine potential eligibility to submit Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) based on their priority date.
Employment-Based Final Action Dates
| Category | All Others | China | India | Notes |
| EB-1 | Current | Feb 1, 2023 | Feb 1, 2023 | China and India remain retrogressed |
| EB-2 | Apr 1, 2024 | Sep 1, 2021 | Jul 15, 2013 | Dates advance for All Others |
| EB-3 Prof/Skilled Workers | Apr 22, 2023 | May 1, 2021 | Nov 15, 2013 | Dates advance for All Others |
| EB-3 Other Workers | Sep 1, 2021 | Dec 8, 2018 | Nov 15, 2013 | China advances; India unchanged |
| EB-5 Unreserved (Regional & Non-Regional Center) | Current | Aug 15, 2016 | May 1, 2022 | Dates advance for China and India |
| EB-5 Set-Asides (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) | Current | Current | Current | All categories remain current |
Employment-Based Dates for Filing
| Category | All Others | China | India | Notes |
| EB-1 | Current | Aug 15, 2023 | Aug 15, 2023 | Dates advance for China and India |
| EB-2 | Oct 15, 2024 | Jan 1, 2022 | Dec 1, 2013 | Dates advance for All Others |
| EB-3 Prof/Skilled Workers | Jul 1, 2023 | Jan 1, 2022 | Aug 15, 2014 | Dates advance for All Others |
| EB-3 Other Workers | Dec 1, 2021 | Oct 1, 2019 | Aug 15, 2014 | China advances; India unchanged |
| EB-5 Unreserved (Regional & Non-Regional Center) | Current | Aug 22, 2016 | May 1, 2024 | Dates advance for China and India |
| EB-5 Set-Asides (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) | Current | Current | Current | All categories remain current |
For the full charts, click here.
Don’t Miss an Update
At Envoy Global, we combine smart, friendly legal teams with smart, friendly technology to facilitate immigration for companies and the global talent they depend on. Our holistic, proactive immigration services are built for accuracy and efficiency, always putting people first.
Reach out today to learn how we can support your company’s immigration needs.
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Envoy Global is not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. If you would like guidance on how this information may impact your particular situation and you are a client of the U.S. Law Firm, consult your attorney. If you are not a client of the U.S. Law Firm working with Envoy, consult another qualified professional. This website does not create an attorney-client relationship with the U.S. Law Firm.