May 7, 2026
The May 2026 Visa Bulletin indicates that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will use the “Final Action Dates” chart to determine eligibility for filing I-485 Adjustment of Status applications this month. This is a notable change from recent months when USCIS typically used the “Dates for Filing” chart.
According to the newly released data, the EB3 Other Workers (unskilled labor) category for most countries is currently processing applications with priority dates up to February 1, 2022.
Specifically:
• China: February 1, 2019
• India: November 15, 2013
• Philippines: November 1, 2021
Meanwhile, the EB3 Skilled Workers and Professionals category for most countries is currently at June 1, 2024.
Immigration attorneys note that although the visa bulletin is moving slowly, EB3 cases continue to be processed normally. After a period of relative stagnation, the visa schedule has recently begun to advance incrementally again.
The bulletin also emphasizes that applicants who were eligible in April 2026 but face retrogression in May 2026 must complete their Adjustment of Status filings before April 30, 2026, to avoid waiting several more months for another filing opportunity.
Compared to many family-sponsored categories that take over 10 to 15 years, EB3 is still considered a stable path by many families as it allows the entire family to move to the U.S. to live and work legally.
Immigration experts recommend that applicants remain patient, prepare their finances thoroughly, and strictly follow legal procedures. Transparent, valid, and law-abiding applications still have the chance to be granted visas when priority dates become current according to the Visa Bulletin.
