US Visa Bulletin May 2026: No Major Relief for India as EB-2 and EB-3 Backlogs Stay Long
The May 2026 US Visa Bulletin brings minimal progress for Indian applicants. EB-2 and EB-3 backlogs remain long, while EB-5 categories continue to stay current.
For employment-based green card applicants, particularly those from India, the most recent US Visa Bulletin for May 2026 offers relatively little change. The majority of priority dates are still locked, indicating that lengthy wait times are probably here to stay.
USCIS will accept applications for Adjustment of Status based on Final Action Dates in May 2026, according to confirmation from the U.S. Department of State. This implies that candidates can only proceed if their priority date falls before the specified deadline.
This is a brief summary of the changes and their implications.
EB-1: China and India Have No Movement
Executives, researchers, and people with exceptional talent continue to use the EB-1 Visa category.
India: 1 April 2023
China: 1 April 2023
Every other nation: Present
While most nations allow applicants to continue without delay, waiting periods are still in place in China and India.
EB-2: Indian Applicants Still Face a Prolonged Waiting Period
Professionals with advanced degrees frequently apply for the EB-2 visa, which is still very backlogged for India.
July 15, 2014, India
September 1, 2021, in China
Every other nation: Present
This implies that it may still take years for Indian applicants to receive a green card.
EB-3: Skilled Workers' Limited Progress
Professionals and skilled workers fall under the EB-3 category. Priority dates don't really change.
Experts and Competent Employees
November 15, 2013, India
China: 15 June 2021
August 1, 2023, Philippines
Every other nation: June 1, 2024
Other Employees
November 15, 2013, India
February 1, 2019, in China\
November 1, 2021, Philippines
Every other nation: February 1, 2022
One of the longest backlogs in this category still affects Indian applicants.
EB-4: The deadline is still the same
Additionally untouched is the EB-4 category, which is utilized by exceptional immigrants like religious workers.
Every nation: July 15, 2022
China's EB-5 Investor Visa: Minor Development
China has made little progress with the EB-5 immigrant investor visa, while India has not.
EB-5 unreserved category
September 22, 2016, in China
India: 1 May 2022
Every other nation: Present
EB-5 Set-Aside classifications
Projects in rural areas: Present
Areas with high unemployment: Current
Infrastructure initiatives: Present
These set-aside categories are still relevant today and provide investors with quicker possibilities.
USCIS Verifies May 2026 Use Final Action Dates
The usage of the Final Action Dates chart in May has been confirmed by USCIS. Only applicants whose priority date is earlier than the specified cutoff may submit an application for status adjustment.
Put simply, you will have to wait longer to proceed with the green card application procedure if your priority date is not currently current.
The Reasons for the Slow Movement of Priority Dates
The State Department stated that policy changes impacting multiple nations and decreased immigrant visa processing levels had an impact on recent visa flows.
Additionally, officials cautioned that if demand rises later in the fiscal year, dates may be pushed back. Retrogression is the term for this phenomenon, which frequently occurs when visa restrictions are almost reached.
Additionally, if applications continue to increase, the EB-5 category for India may be retrogressed.
What Applicants Should Know About This
The May 2026 Visa Bulletin indicates that progress is still sluggish for the majority of applicants, particularly those from India. Important lessons learned:
India's EB-2 and EB-3 backlogs are still quite lengthy.
EB-1 is unchanged.
The EB-5 set-aside categories are still in effect.
For May filings, USCIS will adhere to the Final Action Dates.
Later in FY 2026, retrogression is still feasible.
Travelers who intend to relocate to the US permanently for work should keep a careful eye on the monthly Visa Bulletins because even minor changes can affect application deadlines.
