July 2026 Visa Bulletin Released: Employment-Based Categories Face Growing Demand as Fiscal Year Nears End

July 2026 — The U.S. Department of State has released the July 2026 Visa Bulletin, bringing important updates for both family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant visa applicants. While most family-based categories saw limited movement, employment-based categories continue to face increasing demand as fiscal year 2026 enters its final months. Among the most significant developments are the unavailability of EB-2 India and EB-5 Unreserved India visa numbers, the retrogression of EB-1 India, and warnings that additional retrogression may be necessary in several employment-based categories before the end of the fiscal year. 

Most Notable Changes in the July 2026 Visa Bulletin

EB-2 India Becomes Unavailable

The Department of State announced that EB-2 India has reached its annual visa allocation and is now listed as Unavailable for the remainder of fiscal year 2026. No additional immigrant visas may be issued and no adjustment of status applications may be approved under this category until new visa numbers become available in FY 2027. 

EB-1 India Retrogresses

The EB-1 India Final Action Date retrogressed to October 15, 2022, reflecting sustained demand and visa usage. The State Department also cautioned that further retrogression—or even temporary unavailability—may become necessary before the end of the fiscal year if demand continues at current levels. 

EB-5 Unreserved India Reaches Annual Limit

The July bulletin confirms that EB-5 Unreserved visa numbers for India have been exhausted, rendering the category unavailable for the remainder of FY 2026. Visa availability is expected to resume at the start of FY 2027, subject to annual visa allocations and demand levels. 

Potential Retrogression Ahead for China and the Philippines

The State Department warned that rising demand could require future retrogression or temporary unavailability in:

• EB-2 China
• EB-3 Philippines

Applicants in these categories should closely monitor future Visa Bulletins as the government works to remain within annual numerical limits.

Family-Based Categories Remain Relatively Stable

Compared to employment-based categories, family-sponsored preference categories saw relatively limited movement in July. However, several family categories advanced, including F1, F2B, F3, and F4, providing some relief to applicants waiting in lengthy backlogs. 

Family-Sponsored Preference Cases – Final Action Dates

Key Takeaways

• F1 experienced one of the largest advances in the bulletin, moving forward several months for most countries.
• F2A remained stable and continues to be one of the more favorable family-based categories.
• Mexico and the Philippines continue to face some of the longest waiting periods across family-sponsored categories.
• Several family categories saw forward movement despite ongoing demand pressures. 

Family-Sponsored Preference Cases – Dates for Filing

Key Takeaways

• F2A remains Current for all countries, allowing eligible applicants to file immediately.
• Filing dates generally remain ahead of Final Action Dates, allowing applicants to prepare documentation earlier.
• Applicants should verify which chart USCIS will use for adjustment of status filings during July. 

Employment-Based Preference Cases – Final Action Dates

Key Takeaways

• EB-2 India and EB-5 Unreserved India are now unavailable for the remainder of FY 2026.
• EB-1 India retrogressed due to high demand.
• EB-1 China advanced to June 1, 2023.
• EB-3 China and EB-3 All Chargeability Areas saw notable forward movement.
• The State Department warned of potential future retrogression for EB-2 China and EB-3 Philippines.

Employment-Based Preference Cases – Dates for Filing

Key Takeaways

• Most filing dates remained unchanged from the previous month.
• Many employment-based applicants may still be eligible to file even if their category faces future retrogression.
• China and India continue to experience the most significant employment-based backlogs.
• USCIS is using the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based adjustment of status filings in July 2026. 

Looking Ahead

The July 2026 Visa Bulletin highlights the growing demand for immigrant visas as fiscal year 2026 enters its final quarter. While family-sponsored categories continue to show modest progress, employment-based categories face increasing pressure from high demand and annual visa limits.

Applicants should continue monitoring upcoming Visa Bulletins, particularly those in heavily subscribed employment-based categories, as the State Department has indicated that additional retrogression may become necessary before the end of the fiscal year.