May 2026 Visa Bulletin

The U.S. Department of State released the May 2026 Visa Bulletin for Fiscal Year 2026.  

USCIS Filing Guidance  

USCIS has confirmed that for May 2026:  

• Employment-based applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart from the May 2026 Visa Bulletin.  

This chart determines whether individuals are eligible to submit Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) based on their priority date. 

Final Action Date Employment-Based Applicants 

For the full chart, visit here.

Attorney Insights: May 2026 Visa Bulletin

Attorneys Andres Marino and Anita Koopmans provided the following insights on this month’s limited movement and what employers should consider next:

Employment‑Based Filing Slowdown in the May Visa Bulletin

The strong visa bulletin movement we saw at the beginning of the year has slowed for May. While retrogression did not occur, USCIS is no longer using the Dates for Filing chart for employment‑based applicants this month. As a result, many individuals who were eligible to file their green card applications earlier in the year are no longer able to file in May.

Meanwhile, for May, family‑based applicants must use the Dates for Filing chart, while employment‑based applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart.

Why Visa Bulletin Movement Has Slowed

A sudden slowdown following significant early‑year advancements suggests the Department of State is taking a more cautious approach to avoid exhausting visa numbers before the end of the fiscal year.

Historically, retrogression often occurs in June.

However, the limited movement seen in May suggests that while little to no advancement is expected in June, a freeze is more likely than a full retrogression.

What Employers Should Consider for May and June

Given the limited movement in May — and the expectation of little to no movement in June — employers should consider conservative, long‑term visa strategies for their current employees who are ineligible to file their green card this month.

Employers should closely monitor max‑out dates, evaluate options to change or extend status beyond the max‑out date, confirm that all previously established priority dates are properly recaptured in I‑140 filings and determine strategies to bridge employment gaps for employees currently working on an EAD.

Using the Visa Bulletin as a Strategic Planning Tool

The visa bulletin remains an important tool for understanding immigrant visa availability and determining when to move forward with green card filings.

Although some employees may be unable to file their green card application in May, there are alternative strategies that allow them to maintain lawful status and continue working until their priority date becomes current.

With proper planning, employers and employees can remain well positioned to move forward once immigrant filing dates become available again.

Next Steps for Employers

We recommend coordinating with your Envoy Global primary point of contact to determine the best next steps for your employees based on current visa bulletin developments.

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