August 2026 Visa Bulletin

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released the August 2026 Visa Bulletin. As fiscal year (FY) 2026 enters its final two months, the bulletin reflects limited movement across most employment- and family-based immigrant visa categories. While several categories advanced modestly, others remained unchanged or unavailable due to continued demand for immigrant visa numbers. DOS also cautioned that additional retrogression or temporary unavailability may become necessary before the end of the fiscal year if demand exceeds the remaining visa numbers. All cutoff dates listed below refer to the final action chart (i.e., Chart A), unless otherwise specified.

Visa Bulletin Summary

Employment-Based, First Preference (EB1) Category

The EB1 category remained current for all countries except China and India. China advanced to 01.Jul.2023, while India remained at 15.Oct.2022.

Employment-Based, Second Preference (EB2) Category

The EB2 category remained unchanged from July. The EB2 category for India remains unavailable because all available visa numbers for FY2026 have been allocated. China remained at 01.Sep.2021, while the category remained current for all other countries.

Employment-Based, Third Preference (EB3) Category

The EB3 category advanced by one month to 01.Sep.2024, for all chargeability areas except those specifically listed. The category for Mexico likewise advanced one month to 01.Sep.2024. China advanced from 22.Dec.2021, to January 1, 2022. India and the Philippines remained unchanged at 01.Jan.2014, and 01.Aug.2023, respectively.

Employment-Based, Fourth Preference (EB4) Category

The EB4 and Certain Religious Worker categories advanced by one month to 15.Oct.2022, for all countries.

Employment-Based, Fifth Preference (EB5) Category

The EB5 Unreserved category remained current for most countries. However, the category continues to be unavailable for India and remains at 01.Dec.2016, for China. The EB5 set-aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure) remained current for all countries.

Family-Sponsored Preference Categories

In the FB2A category, the final action date advanced to 22.Jul.2026, for all countries except Mexico, which advanced to 22.Jul.2025. In the FB2B category, the final action date advanced to 01.Jan.2018, for all countries except Mexico and the Philippines. Mexico remained unchanged at 15.Feb.2009, while the Philippines advanced to 01.Jun.2013.

Adjustment of Status Filing Charts

For August 2026, USCIS announced that employment-based adjustment of status applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart when determining eligibility to file Form I-485. Family-sponsored adjustment applicants may use the Dates for Filing chart. Applicants should review the USCIS filing chart guidance each month, as the agency’s filing instructions may change.

Conclusion

The August 2026 Visa Bulletin reflects the Department of State’s continued management of immigrant visa number usage as FY2026 approaches its conclusion. Visa availability may continue to fluctuate during the remaining months of the fiscal year. We will continue to monitor and report on future movement and predictions.

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