The latest Visa Bulletin has some encouraging news—especially for employment-based applicants.
- The April 2026 Visa Bulletin shows continued advancement across multiple employment-based categories.
- Notably for India: EB-2 & EB-3 “Dates for Filing” have advanced to around January 15, 2015, reflecting meaningful forward movement.
This is a positive trend, indicating improved visa number availability and continued effort to utilize annual quotas
Even more important:
USCIS has confirmed it will honor the “Dates for Filing” chart for April 2026. This means many applicants who were previously not eligible may now be able to file their Adjustment of Status (Form I-485).
USCIS has confirmed that it will accept adjustment of status (AOS) filings based on the “Dates for Filing” chart for April 2026. This is critical because it allows applicants to file I-485 earlier, even if green cards are not yet available. It enables access to:
- EAD (work authorization)
- Advance Parole
- Portability benefits
This follows a broader trend in recent months where USCIS has consistently allowed use of the more favorable filing chart.
Why this matters:
Filing your I-485 now can help you:
- Obtain work authorization (EAD)
- Secure travel permission (Advance Parole)
- Gain flexibility through AC21 portability
Act quickly:
Visa Bulletin movement is not always predictable. Windows like this can close due to retrogression later in the fiscal year. If your priority date is close to the current “Dates for Filing,” now is the time to evaluate your options.
We are currently assisting clients in:
- Determining eligibility
- Preparing adjustment filings
- Strategizing next steps in the green card process
Feel free to reach out if you would like a case-specific assessment or book an appointment here
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If you have any questions or concerns about the information provided above, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Luke Bowman
The Law offices of Luke Bowman