Overview of the July 2026 Visa Bulletin: What’s New This Month?
The Department of State’s monthly visa bulletin for July 2026 outlines the availability of immigrant visas for that month and shows mixed movement: modest forward progress in several family categories and certain employment categories, but significant retrogression for India employment preferences—particularly EB-1 and EB-2—which may be marked “Unavailable” for some chargeability areas. USCIS continues to publish monthly guidance telling applicants whether to use the Dates for Filing (Chart B) or Final Action Dates (Chart A) for adjustment-of-status submissions. For applicants and sponsors, July increases the urgency to check which chart USCIS is using and to finalize documentation if their priority date is moving into current range.
USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing Charts for July 2026
USCIS issues a separate monthly notice indicating whether it will accept adjustment-of-status filings using Chart B (Dates for Filing) or Chart A (Final Action Dates). Each month, USCIS determines which of the two charts controls status applications and the timing for filing applications, so check that notice before you adjust status or submit a green card application. Follow USCIS guidance first—filing under Chart B when permitted can allow earlier I-485 submissions and access to EAD/AP, and eligible applicants may use concurrent filing for Form I-140 and Form I-485.
Family-Sponsored Filings: Dates for Filing Chart (Chart B)
USCIS determines each month which of the two charts applicants use for filing applications and other status applications, and Chart B determines when beneficiaries may submit immigrant visa applications or adjustment packages to USCIS or the National Visa Center. Using Chart B allows applicants to begin collecting and submitting civil documents, medical exams, and fees sooner, though visa issuance remains tied to Chart A (Final Action Dates); for eligible applicants, concurrent filing of the I-140 petition and I-485 green card application may be allowed when the category is current, enabling earlier adjustment of status.
Employment-Based Filings: Final Action Dates Chart (Chart A)
Chart A governs whether an immigrant visa can be issued by the National Visa Center or an I-485 approved. Even if you can file under Chart B, adjudication and visa issuance for employment based adjustment still require the priority date for employment based preference visas to be earlier than Chart A’s cutoff, which is set by the underlying petition and, where required, labor certification rather than just a job offer.
Family-Sponsored Visa Cutoff Dates (July 2026)
Breakdown of Family-Based Preference Categories
- F1: Unmarried adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
- F2A: Spouses and children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents.
- F2B: Unmarried adult sons and daughters of LPRs.
- F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
- F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens.
Each category advances based on worldwide usage, country caps, and demand.
Final Action Dates (Chart A) vs. Dates for Filing (Chart B) for Families
- Final Action Dates (Chart A): Use to determine whether a visa can be issued or an adjustment approved this month.
- Dates for Filing (Chart B): Use to know when you may submit your application package.
- Practical tip: Confirm USCIS’s monthly instruction. If USCIS directs use of Chart B, eligible applicants and individuals seeking to file with USCIS in the U.S. or through the National Visa Center abroad should prepare and file to preserve benefits like EAD/AP and to lock in documentary steps while waiting for Chart A movement.
Key Family Movements: F1 Advancements and the F2A Outlook
- F1: July shows modest advancement for several countries; however, high-demand countries may see slower gains. Monitor country-specific cutoffs.
- F2A: Generally remains relatively current or shows small forward movement for most countries, continuing to be one of the more favorable family categories for timely action.
Employment-Based Visa Cutoff Dates (July 2026)
Final Action Dates (Chart A) for EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Categories
- EB-1: Variable movement by preference category—some nationalities saw small forward dates, while India retrogressed by two months in July 2026 to an October 15, 2022 cutoff date.
- EB-2: Continued constrained movement for high-demand countries, with China and India most affected.
- EB-3: Gradual progress for several countries, with All Chargeability Areas advancing to August 1, 2024 and China at December 22, 2021; backlog nations like the Philippines still experience delays.
Major EB Retrogression: India EB-1 Backslide and EB-2/EB-5 “Unavailable” Status
- India EB-1: July shows a material backslide (retrogression) for EB-1 India priority dates, driven by an unexpected surge in filings and limited per-country visa allocations. The backslide can pause approvals for applicants whose I-485 had been pending or expected to be adjudicated, though EB-1A now has a shorter backlog than EB-2 for India.
- EB-2/EB-5 India: India EB-2 is unavailable for the rest of FY2026 because the annual limit has been reached, no immigrant numbers are available until October 2026, and spillover from other categories is not enough to reopen it; by contrast, the rest of the world is generally not facing the same cutoff. “Unavailable” means no immigrant visas will be issued for that category and country until cutoffs reopen.
Practical consequences:
- I-485 adjudications may be delayed or held in abeyance, and an EB-2 NIW filing will not produce a green card before October 2026.
- Travel and consular processing decisions become riskier—consult counsel before international travel if you have a pending I-485.
China EB-1 and EB-3 See Welcomed Advancements
- China shows forward movement in EB-1 and EB-3 this month, offering relief to qualified applicants. If your priority date is earlier than July’s Chart A cutoff for China, you may be able to complete adjustment or consular processing steps sooner.
EB-5 Investor Visa Regional Set-Asides Remain “Current”
- EB-5 categories tied to approved regional center set-asides or qualifying direct investments remain current for many chargeability areas, keeping investor pathways viable. Still, prospective investors should verify project compliance and source-of-funds documentation before filing.
DV-2026 Diversity Visa Lottery: July Cutoff Numbers and August Predictions
July updates lower or raise regional rank cut-offs based on visa consumption in June. If your rank is below July’s cut-off, consular interview scheduling and document collection should be completed promptly. Looking ahead to August, expect progressively tighter cut-offs as the fiscal year end (September 30) approaches; prepare medicals and civil documents early to avoid last-minute disqualifications.
Why Do Green Card Dates Retrogress or Become “Unavailable”?
Retrogression and unavailability result from several factors, including the annual limit, per-country caps, and sufficient demand within a visa category and country. Causes also include spikes in filings, backlogs from prior months, and the 7% per-country numerical limit. “Unavailable” reflects a temporary halt: no visas will be issued for that country/category until supply returns. Fiscal-year timing (September year-end) often increases volatility as agencies allocate remaining numbers, and in the upcoming months they may limit further requests once remaining visa numbers are exhausted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Unavailable” (U) mean on the Visa Bulletin?
“Unavailable” means no immigrant visa numbers are available for that category and chargeability area in the current month. Applicants cannot receive immigrant visas or have I-485 approvals for that category until it becomes available again.
Can I file Form I-485 if my priority date is current on Chart B but not Chart A?
If USCIS has announced that applicants should use Chart B for filing that month, you may file I-485 when your priority date is earlier than Chart B. U.S. citizenship and immigration services posts the monthly chart-selection update on its page. However, adjudication and final approval still require the priority date to be earlier than Chart A. Filing on Chart B can preserve filing dates and grant EAD/AP while waiting for Chart A movement, and approved advance parole can help preserve travel flexibility while the I-485 remains pending—always confirm USCIS’s monthly guidance before filing.
What should I do if my priority date retrogressed after I already filed my I-485?
Your I-485 will typically remain pending but may not be adjudicated until the priority date becomes current under Chart A again. You can retain your filing date; you may keep EAD/AP benefits if they were granted. Avoid unnecessary travel that could jeopardize return or pending status and consult immigration counsel for options such as consular processing or motions if a denial occurs.
Next Steps: What to Do If Your Priority Date Is Current in July 2026
If your priority date is current, first confirm whether USCIS is using Chart A or Chart B for July; that determines whether you should file now or only prepare documents. If filing is authorized under Chart B, submit a complete I-485 packet through USCIS immigration services to preserve your filing date, request EAD/AP only if eligible, and make sure your medical exam and certified civil documents are ready. If your category shows recent retrogression—especially India EB-1/EB-2—avoid nonessential international travel and consult an attorney before making changes to employment or residency plans, since timing can also affect long-term citizenship planning. EPTX Lawyers can quickly review your priority date, explain which chart applies, and help assemble the filing or consular package so you file at the right time and reduce risk; an employer-sponsored case may require an approved petition before filing, and some individuals seeking employment-based adjustment should also review any further requests from USCIS after submission.