The April 2026 Visa Bulletin from the U.S. Department of State brings updates that could significantly affect your green card timeline. Whether you are waiting in the employment-based or family-based preference categories, understanding the bulletin is essential to planning your next immigration steps.
What Is the Visa Bulletin?
Each month, the U.S. Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin, which sets the priority dates for immigrant visa availability. If your priority date is earlier than the cutoff date listed in the bulletin, USCIS may allow you to file for adjustment of status (Form I-485) or your consular processing appointment may be scheduled.
Employment-Based Categories to Watch
Demand for employment-based green cards remains extremely high, particularly in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories for nationals of India and China. Backlogs in these categories can stretch decades, making strategic planning — including EB-1A and EB-2 NIW petitions — more important than ever.
EB-1: Priority Workers
The EB-1 category — covering persons of extraordinary ability (EB-1A), outstanding professors and researchers (EB-1B), and multinational managers (EB-1C) — generally has shorter wait times than EB-2 or EB-3. For highly qualified individuals, an EB-1A self-petition can be a powerful tool: no employer sponsorship required, no PERM labor certification, and a faster path to permanent residency.
EB-2 NIW: National Interest Waiver
The EB-2 National Interest Waiver allows individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in their field to self-petition for a green card — without employer sponsorship — if their work is in the national interest of the United States. This category has become increasingly popular for entrepreneurs, researchers, and professionals in STEM fields.
Staying Ahead of Visa Bulletin Changes
Priority dates can advance, retrogress, or become “unavailable” from month to month. Missing a filing window because you weren’t monitoring the bulletin can cost you months — or years — of waiting. Working with an experienced immigration attorney ensures you’re ready to file the moment your priority date becomes current.
How Finberg Firm Can Help
Attorney Seth Finberg is a federal immigration attorney with experience in employment-based visas (H-1B, EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, O-1), investor visas (EB-5, E-2), family-based immigration, and removal defense. Finberg Firm serves clients nationwide from its South Florida office.
Whether you’re monitoring your priority date, considering a change of strategy, or facing an unexpected USCIS issue, our team is ready to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Have Immigration Questions?
Our federal immigration attorney Seth Finberg handles H-1B, EB-1, EB-2 NIW, O-1, EB-5, E-2, and removal defense cases nationwide.