The U.S. Department of State has published Visa Bulletin No. 16, Volume XI, governing immigrant visa availability for July 2026. At Ahluwalia Law Offices, PC, we review every bulletin at release so our clients understand exactly where they stand and what steps they can take right now.
HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE
- EB-1 for India retrogresses further to October 15, 2022 — pulled back from December 15, 2022 in June. The Department of State has confirmed active monitoring and warns additional retrogression or an unavailability designation remains possible before the fiscal year ends September 30
- EB-2 for India is now UNAVAILABLE for the remainder of FY 2026 — India’s pro-rated EB-2 limit has been reached. The bulletin notes that in October the final action date will likely advance to at least the date announced in the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, subject to FY 2027 annual limits
- EB-2 for China carries an active retrogression warning — sufficient demand and increased number use may force retrogression or unavailability before the end of FY 2026
- EB-3 for Philippines is flagged — retrogression or unavailability possible in coming months
- EB-5 Unreserved for India is UNAVAILABLE for the remainder of FY 2026 — India’s pro-rated limit was reached. The bulletin anticipates the final action date will advance in October to at least the June 2026 Visa Bulletin date
- EB-5 Set-Aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) remain current for every country, including India and China — the strongest and most stable opportunity in this bulletin
- F2A is current in the Dates for Filing chart — spouses and children of permanent residents may file regardless of priority date if USCIS authorizes that chart
- For family-sponsored filings, use the Dates for Filing chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin for July 2026
- For employment-based filings, use the Final Action Dates chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin for July 2026
What Is the Visa Bulletin and Why Does It Matter?
The Visa Bulletin is published monthly by the U.S. Department of State. It governs when immigrant visa applicants can move forward in their cases — either by filing at a U.S. consulate abroad or by filing for Adjustment of Status with USCIS. Two sets of dates control this process:
Final Action Dates determine when a visa number can actually be issued or an Adjustment of Status approved.
Dates for Filing determine when applicants may submit documentation in advance of visa availability.
USCIS must confirm each month whether the Dates for Filing chart may be used for Adjustment of Status filings. Always verify at www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo before filing.
EMPLOYMENT-BASED PRIORITY DATES — JULY 2026
A. Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Cases
Numbers are authorized only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the date listed. “C” means current. “U” means unauthorized.
| Employment-Based | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | CHINA-mainland born | INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | C | 01JUN23 | 15OCT22 | C | C |
| 2nd | C | 01SEP21 | U | C | C |
| 3rd | 01AUG24 | 22DEC21 | 01JAN14 | 01AUG24 | 01AUG23 |
| Other Workers | 01MAR22 | 01APR19 | 01JAN14 | 01MAR22 | 01DEC21 |
| 4th | 15SEP22 | 15SEP22 | 15SEP22 | 15SEP22 | 15SEP22 |
| Certain Religious Workers | 15SEP22 | 15SEP22 | 15SEP22 | 15SEP22 | 15SEP22 |
| 5th Unreserved (C5, T5, I5, R5, NU, RU) | C | 01DEC16 | U | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: Rural (20%, NR, RR) | C | C | C | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: High Unemployment (10%, NH, RH) | C | C | C | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: Infrastructure (2%, RI) | C | C | C | C | C |
Source: U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin No. 16, Volume XI, July 2026
EB-1 (Priority Workers): Current for most of the world. India has retrogressed again, moving back from December 15, 2022 in June to October 15, 2022 in July. China-born applicants advance slightly from April 1, 2023 to June 1, 2023. The Department of State continues to flag India EB-1 with an active warning: further retrogression or an unavailability designation may be necessary before September 30, 2026 if India’s pro-rated limit in the EB-1 category is reached. India-born applicants with EB-1A extraordinary ability or EB-1B outstanding researcher petitions must confirm their exact priority date with counsel now and track this category without interruption through the close of the fiscal year.
EB-2 (Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability): India EB-2 is now unavailable for the remainder of FY 2026. This is a significant development from last month’s already retrogressed date. India’s pro-rated EB-2 limit has been fully consumed. The Department of State advises that in October — the start of FY 2027 — the final action date will likely advance to at least the date that appeared in the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, though that movement is dependent on the demand for EB-2 numbers by Indian applicants and the FY 2027 annual limit on employment-based preference visas. India-born professionals who were tracking EB-2 dates must now evaluate parallel strategies. Options that warrant serious discussion include an EB-1A extraordinary ability petition, a strengthened National Interest Waiver argument under the Dhanasar framework, or an EB-5 set-aside investment pathway. These decisions are individualized and require experienced counsel.
China EB-2 carries its own active warning this month. The bulletin confirms that sufficient demand and increased number use by China-born applicants may force retrogression or unavailability before the end of FY 2026. China-born professionals in EB-2 should not assume the current September 1, 2021 date holds through September.
EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals): India remains at January 1, 2014 — over 12 years of backlog. The worldwide date advances meaningfully from June 1, 2024 to August 1, 2024. Philippines carries a separate retrogression warning this month, with the bulletin flagging that increased number use may require the final action date to move back or become unavailable before fiscal year end. Philippines-born EB-3 applicants should review their position and prepare for potential movement.
EB-5 Unreserved: India EB-5 unreserved is now unavailable for the remainder of FY 2026 alongside EB-2. The bulletin anticipates that in October the final action date will advance to at least the date announced in the June 2026 Visa Bulletin, subject to FY 2027 demand and annual limits. China-born applicants in the unreserved EB-5 category remain at December 1, 2016.
EB-5 Set-Asides — Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure: Current for every country across all three reserved categories, including India and China. This is the most consequential data point in the July 2026 bulletin. With EB-2 and EB-5 unreserved now fully unavailable for India-born applicants through the end of this fiscal year, the rural, high unemployment, and infrastructure set-aside pathways represent the only current employment-based route available to this population without a multi-year wait. Applicants who can meet the investment threshold should initiate a substantive evaluation of these pathways now. These dates will not remain current indefinitely.
B. Dates for Filing of Employment-Based Visa Applications
Applicants with a priority date earlier than the date shown may assemble and submit required documents. Confirm at www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo whether USCIS has authorized this chart for Adjustment of Status filings this month.
| Employment-Based | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | CHINA-mainland born | INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | C | 01DEC23 | 01DEC23 | C | C |
| 2nd | C | 01JAN22 | 15JAN15 | C | C |
| 3rd | C | 01JAN22 | 15JAN15 | C | 01JAN24 |
| Other Workers | 01AUG22 | 01OCT19 | 15JAN15 | 01AUG22 | 01AUG22 |
| 4th | 01JAN23 | 01JAN23 | 01JAN23 | 01JAN23 | 01JAN23 |
| Certain Religious Workers | 01JAN23 | 01JAN23 | 01JAN23 | 01JAN23 | 01JAN23 |
| 5th Unreserved (C5, T5, I5, R5, NU, RU) | C | 01MAR17 | 01MAY24 | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: Rural (20%, NR, RR) | C | C | C | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: High Unemployment (10%, NH, RH) | C | C | C | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: Infrastructure (2%, RI) | C | C | C | C | C |
Source: U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin No. 16, Volume XI, July 2026
Dates for Filing vs. Final Action Dates: The Dates for Filing chart is consistently ahead of Final Action Dates. Filing under this chart — when USCIS authorizes it — allows applicants to submit Form I-485 and related applications, establish a USCIS receipt date, and trigger eligibility for Employment Authorization Documents and Advance Parole. For India-born applicants whose Final Action Date in EB-2 is now unavailable, the Dates for Filing chart at January 15, 2015 may represent the only current filing window available for those with priority dates that fall within that range.
India EB-2 under Dates for Filing: At January 15, 2015, India-born clients with qualifying priority dates may still be positioned to file I-485 if USCIS authorizes this chart for July. Priority date confirmation and chart authorization verification must happen before any filing decision is made.
EB-5 Set-Asides under Dates for Filing: All three reserved categories remain current for all countries. Investors who have filed or are ready to file Form I-526E for rural, high unemployment, or infrastructure projects remain in the strongest position in the entire employment-based queue.
FAMILY-SPONSORED PRIORITY DATES — JULY 2026
A. Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Cases
| Family-Sponsored | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | CHINA-mainland born | INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 01FEB18 | 01FEB18 | 01FEB18 | 08NOV07 | 01MAY13 |
| F2A | 01JAN25 | 01JAN25 | 01JAN25 | 01JAN24 | 01JAN25 |
| F2B | 22NOV17 | 22NOV17 | 22NOV17 | 15FEB09 | 15MAY13 |
| F3 | 15APR12 | 15APR12 | 15APR12 | 01JUN01 | 22FEB06 |
| F4 | 01JAN09 | 01JAN09 | 01NOV06 | 08APR01 | 01AUG07 |
Source: U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin No. 16, Volume XI, July 2026
Note: For July, F2A numbers exempt from the per-country limit are authorized for issuance to applicants from all countries with priority dates earlier than January 1, 2024. F2A numbers subject to the per-country limit are authorized for issuance to applicants from all countries except Mexico, with priority dates beginning January 1, 2024 and earlier than January 1, 2025. All F2A numbers provided for Mexico are exempt from the per-country limit.
F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens): Most countries advance to February 1, 2018 — a meaningful forward movement of five months from September 2017 last month. Mexico remains severely backlogged at November 8, 2007, approaching 19 years of wait. Philippines holds at May 1, 2013. U.S. citizen parents of unmarried adult children should set realistic timeline expectations from the outset of the representation.
F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents): The Final Action Date for most countries holds steady at January 1, 2025. Mexico remains at January 1, 2024. LPR sponsors whose immediate family members are abroad or waiting in nonimmigrant status should confirm priority dates and evaluate whether the Dates for Filing chart authorization opens an immediate filing opportunity.
F2B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters 21 and Older of Permanent Residents): Most countries advance from September 22, 2017 to November 22, 2017. Mexico holds at February 15, 2009 and Philippines at May 15, 2013. Unmarried adult children of LPRs from severely backlogged countries continue to face extended waits.
F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens): Most countries advance from February 15, 2012 to April 15, 2012. Mexico holds at June 1, 2001, reflecting over two decades of wait. Philippines at February 22, 2006. These families require realistic timeline counseling alongside an evaluation of any parallel strategies, including naturalization acceleration for eligible sponsors.
F4 (Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens): Most countries advance slightly from November 8, 2008 to January 1, 2009. India at November 1, 2006. Philippines at August 1, 2007. This category remains one of the most congested in the immigration system with no near-term relief anticipated.
B. Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applicatio
| Family-Sponsored | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | CHINA-mainland born | INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 01JAN19 | 01JAN19 | 01JAN19 | 01OCT08 | 22APR15 |
| F2A | C | C | C | C | C |
| F2B | 08JUN18 | 08JUN18 | 08JUN18 | 15MAY10 | 01OCT13 |
| F3 | 08DEC12 | 08DEC12 | 08DEC12 | 15JUL01 | 08AUG06 |
| F4 | 01MAR10 | 01MAR10 | 15DEC06 | 30APR01 | 22MAR08 |
Source: U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin No. 16, Volume XI, July 2026
F2A under Dates for Filing: F2A remains current across all countries in the Dates for Filing chart. If USCIS authorizes use of this chart for July, every F2A applicant regardless of priority date may be eligible to file Form I-485. This also triggers immediate eligibility for Employment Authorization and Advance Parole upon filing — a material benefit for eligible family members of LPRs currently maintaining nonimmigrant status.
Important distinction: Filing under the Dates for Filing chart establishes a receipt date and enables work and travel authorization, but the green card itself cannot be approved until the Final Action Date is also reached. Applicants must understand this clearly before filing.
DIVERSITY IMMIGRANT (DV) CATEGORY — JULY 2026
The DV-2026 annual limit is approximately 52,000 after reductions required by NACARA and Section 5104 of the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2024. Entitlement to DV-2026 immigrant status ends September 30, 2026. Numbers could be exhausted before that date. DV-2026 applicants must act without delay.
July 2026 DV Cutoffs:
| Region | Allocation Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| Africa | 55,000 (Except: Algeria 40,000; Egypt 31,000) |
| Asia | 35,000 (Except: Nepal 13,000) |
| Europe | 23,000 |
| North America (Bahamas) | 50 |
| Oceania | 1,700 |
| South America and the Caribbean | 3,300 |
August 2026 DV Cutoffs (advance notice):
| Region | Allocation Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| Africa | 60,000 (Except: Algeria 51,250; Egypt 36,000) |
| Asia | 40,000 (Except: Nepal 13,500) |
| Europe | 29,000 |
| North America (Bahamas) | Current |
| Oceania | 2,050 |
| South America and the Caribbean | 4,000 |
Cut-off numbers increase substantially across every region from July to August, with Africa moving from 55,000 to 60,000, Asia from 35,000 to 40,000, and Europe from 23,000 to 29,000. DV-2026 applicants with higher rank numbers should track these advances closely. North America (Bahamas) reaches current status in August. Numbers remain finite and fiscal year entitlement ends September 30 without exception.
A CRITICAL NOTE ON RETROGRESSION AND CURRENT CONDITIONS
The July 2026 bulletin carries a direct administrative acknowledgment: reduced immigrant visa issuance rates tied to national security and public safety actions — including Presidential Proclamation 10949 and Presidential Proclamation 10998 — created excess visa numbers in prior months, prompting date advances across multiple categories. As additional immigrant visa demand materializes, or administration actions are amended, retrogression may be necessary in the coming months to hold issuances within annual limits. Categories may also become unavailable before September 30.
This is not a warning to file away. India EB-1 has now retrogressed in consecutive months and EB-2 for India is fully unavailable through the end of this fiscal year. The window created by prior advances is continuing to close. Filing decisions must be made while open windows exist, not after they close.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR CASE
The July 2026 bulletin delivers two significant developments: EB-2 for India is now unavailable for the remainder of FY 2026, and EB-1 for India continues to retrogress. For India-born employment-based applicants, the EB-5 set-aside categories — rural, high unemployment, and infrastructure — remain current across all countries and represent the most actionable path available right now. For family-sponsored filers, the F2A Dates for Filing window is current globally and deserves immediate attention if USCIS authorizes that chart this month.
Our attorneys at Ahluwalia Law Offices, PC analyze every bulletin not just for what the dates say, but for what they signal about the right strategic move for each client. If your priority date, your visa category, or your country of chargeability appears anywhere in this bulletin, the time to review your strategy is now.
Schedule a consultation at ahluwalialaw.com/consultations or call our Dallas office at 972-361-0606 or our Houston office at 713-600-4338.
FAQ: JULY 2026 VISA BULLETIN
What is the July 2026 Visa Bulletin?
The July 2026 Visa Bulletin is the monthly publication from the U.S. Department of State governing when immigrant visa numbers are available for family-sponsored and employment-based green card applicants. It sets the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing that determine when applicants may proceed with their cases. July 2026 is covered by Visa Bulletin No. 16, Volume XI.
Which chart should I use for filing in July 2026?
For all family-sponsored preference categories, use the Dates for Filing chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin for July 2026. For all employment-based preference categories, use the Final Action Dates chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin for July 2026. Always confirm the current USCIS determination at www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo before submitting any application.
Why is EB-2 for India unavailable in July 2026?
India’s pro-rated EB-2 limit within the FY 2026 annual cap has been fully used. The Department of State has confirmed the category is unavailable for the remainder of FY 2026 and anticipates the final action date will advance in October, at the start of FY 2027, to at least the date published in the May 2026 Visa Bulletin. That advancement depends on demand levels and the FY 2027 annual limit.
What options exist for India-born applicants now that EB-2 is unavailable?
India-born professionals facing EB-2 unavailability should evaluate EB-1A extraordinary ability petitions, a strengthened National Interest Waiver under the Dhanasar framework, and the EB-5 set-aside categories for rural areas, high unemployment areas, and infrastructure projects — all of which are currently current for all countries including India. Each situation requires individualized legal analysis. Contact Ahluwalia Law Offices for a case-specific consultation.
Is F2A current in July 2026?
Under the Dates for Filing chart, F2A is current for all countries. If USCIS authorizes this chart for July, eligible applicants may file Form I-485 regardless of priority date and immediately become eligible for Employment Authorization and Advance Parole. Final approval of the green card still requires the Final Action Date to be reached.
When does DV-2026 entitlement expire?
Entitlement to DV-2026 immigrant status expires September 30, 2026. Diversity visa numbers may be exhausted before that date. DV-2026 selectees should not delay visa interview scheduling or document preparation.
What is the EB-5 set-aside and why does it matter in July 2026?
The EB-5 set-aside program reserves a portion of the annual EB-5 visa allocation for investments in rural areas (20%), high unemployment areas (10%), and infrastructure projects (2%). These set-aside categories are currently current for all countries, including India and China, whose unreserved EB-5 numbers are either severely backlogged or unavailable. For applicants who qualify based on the investment threshold, this pathway offers the most favorable timeline in the employment-based system today.
This blog is intended solely for general informational and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and Ahluwalia Law Offices, PC. The legal information provided herein may not apply to your individual circumstances and is subject to change based on evolving immigration laws and policies. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult directly with a qualified immigration attorney for guidance tailored to their specific situation. Our front desk staff is not authorized to interpret legal information or provide legal advice beyond what is explicitly stated in this blog. They are also not permitted to assess eligibility, review case details, or respond to case-specific inquiries. Due to the high volume of inquiries and the sensitive nature of immigration matters, we cannot respond to questions or requests for legal analysis via phone or email unless a formal consultation has been scheduled. Please book an appointment with one of our attorneys if you require personalized legal assistance. This is attorney advertising.
