April 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-2 Now Current Across Both Filing and Final Action Dates 

The April 2026 Visa Bulletin delivers a strategically important update: EB-2 is now current on the Final Action Dates chart.  

In addition, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed it will use the Dates for Filing chart for the sixth consecutive month. 

The Dates for Filing chart determines when applicants already in the United States can submit an I-485 Adjustment of Status application. USCIS’s continued use of this chart since October 2025 reflects its assessment that sufficient visa numbers are available to accept additional filings. 

For professionals pursuing an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW), this creates a rare opportunity to file an I-485 now and secure benefits such as employment authorization and advance parole while your case progresses.  

Check your priority date against the tables below to see if you are eligible to file under this current window. 

Employment-Based Final Action Dates: What Changed for EB-2 

Final Action Dates represent when a green card can be issued. While the Dates for Filing chart controls when you can submit your application, the Final Action Dates chart determines when your case can be completed. 

If your priority date is current under Final Action Dates, your case is eligible for final adjudication and potential green card approval. 

EB-2 (Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability): Final Action Dates 

Country	April 2026	March 2026	Movement
All Other Countries	Current (C)	October 15, 2024	Became current
China (mainland)	September 1, 2021	September 1, 2021	No movement
India	July 15, 2014	September 15, 2013	over10 months
Mexico	Current (C)	October 15, 2024	Became current
Philippines	Current (C)	October 15, 2024	Became current

What it means: EB-2 is now current for all countries except India and China. This is a significant shift, as applicants from most countries with an approved I-140 may now complete the green card process or apply for an immigrant visa if processing abroad. India saw a substantial forward movement, while China remains unchanged. 

What to watch: The Visa Bulletin warns that retrogression may occur later in the fiscal year if demand increases or visa limits are reached. 

What to do: 

• Rest of the world, Mexico, Philippines: If you have an approved I-140, you may now move forward with final processing or consular processing. 

• India: If your priority date is before July 15, 2014, your case may now be completed. If it is later but still within the Dates for Filing range, you should consider filing your I-485 now. 

China: No change this month; continue monitoring for movement.  

Dates for Filing: USCIS is Authorizing Early Filing in April 2026 

For April 2026, USCIS has authorized the Dates for Filing chart for all employment-based adjustment of status applications.  

This means eligible applicants do not need to wait for their Final Action Date to become current before submitting their I-485. If your priority date is earlier than the cutoff shown for your category and country below, you can file today. 

EB-2 (Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability): Dates for Filing 

Country	April 2026	March 2026	Movement
All Other Countries	Current (C)	Current (C)	No change
China (mainland)	January 1, 2022	January 1, 2022	No change
India	January 15, 2015	November 1, 2014	Over 2.5 months
Mexico	Current (C)	Current (C)	No change
Philippines	Current (C)	Current (C)	No change

Filing under the Dates for Filing chart locks in your place in line, activates eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole, and protects you from future retrogression in many circumstances. This is the most actionable item in the April bulletin. 

Once your I-485 is filed, your case remains pending even if priority dates retrogress later in the fiscal year. This allows you to maintain employment authorization and travel flexibility through renewals while waiting for your case to become current again. 

What This Month’s Movement Means 

The April 2026 Visa Bulletin builds on last month’s update, with EB-2 now current on the Final Action Dates chart. 

Applicants with approved I-140 petitions who are otherwise eligible may now complete the green card process if their category is current under Final Action Dates. At the same time, USCIS’ continued use of the Dates for Filing chart allows many applicants to begin the process earlier by filing an I-485.  

Filing an I-485 provides access to employment authorization independent of an employer, advance parole for travel, and greater professional flexibility while the case is pending. For many professionals, these are immediate, practical benefits. 

At the same time, the Visa Bulletin includes an important caution: retrogression may become necessary if annual visa limits are approached. This is not theoretical. Categories that advance and remain current often see a surge in filings, which can accelerate visa number usage.  

If demand increases, EB-2 may not remain current for the remainder of the fiscal year. 

What to watch: Monitor upcoming bulletins for early signs of retrogression, particularly in the notes section. 

What to do: If you are eligible to file now, treat this as a time-sensitive filing opportunity, not a signal to wait. 

Your Next Step 

If your priority date falls within the filing windows above, you may be eligible to file now. Confirm that your I-485 package is complete, including supporting documents, medical exams, and any required petition approvals.  

Schedule a consultation or take our eligibility assessment now to take advantage of this filing window while it is open. 

Review last month’s cutoffs in our  March 2026 Visa Bulletin analysis. 

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