The US Department of State has released the February 2026 Visa Bulletin, providing important updates on immigrant visa availability and adjustment of status filing eligibility. For many employment-based applicants, this bulletin brings modest but meaningful movement, particularly in the EB-3 category.

Below is an overview of how the Visa Bulletin works, what USCIS has announced for February 2026, and how these changes may affect applicants and employers.

HOW THE VISA BULLETIN WORKS

Each month, the Visa Bulletin includes two charts:

1. Dates for Filing Visa Applications
These dates determine when an applicant may file an adjustment of status application with USCIS or an immigrant visa application through a US consulate.

2. Final Action Dates
These dates control when USCIS or the Department of State may approve an application and grant lawful permanent residence.

USCIS announces monthly which chart it will use for employment-based adjustment of status filings.

USCIS FILING CHART FOR FEBRUARY 2026

For February 2026, USCIS will use the Dates for Filing chart for employment-based adjustment of status applications. Applicants may file Form I-485 if their priority date is earlier than the applicable cutoff date, even if their case cannot yet be approved.

DATES FOR FILING: EMPLOYMENT-BASED CATEGORIES

EMPLOYMENT-BASED FIRST PREFERENCE (EB-1)

All Chargeability Areas, Mexico, Philippines: Current 
China: August 1, 2023 
India: August 1, 2023 

EMPLOYMENT-BASED SECOND PREFERENCE (EB-2)

All Chargeability Areas, Mexico, Philippines: October 15, 2024 
China: January 1, 2022 
India: December 1, 2013 

EMPLOYMENT-BASED THIRD PREFERENCE (EB-3)

All Chargeability Areas, Mexico, Philippines: October 1, 2023 
China: January 1, 2022 
India: August 15, 2014 

OTHER WORKERS

All Chargeability Areas, Mexico, Philippines: December 1, 2021 
China: October 1, 2019 
India: August 15, 2014 

SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS

USCIS will continue to rely on the Dates for Filing chart in February 2026. EB-3 categories for most countries advanced by three months. Final Action Dates also moved forward approximately five weeks for EB-3 categories outside China and India.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR APPLICANTS

Applicants whose priority dates are current under the Dates for Filing chart may be eligible to file Form I-485 in February 2026. Filing may also allow applicants to seek employment authorization and advance parole while their cases remain pending.

Employers should also be aware of how Visa Bulletin movement may affect workforce planning and retention.

HOW SALUJA LAW CAN HELP

Saluja Law provides strategic guidance on employment-based immigration matters, including priority date analysis, adjustment of status filings, and long-term planning in light of Visa Bulletin movement.

This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.