The U.S. Department of State has published Visa Bulletin No. 15, Volume XI, governing immigrant visa availability for June 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 is retrogressed to December 15, 2022 — a direct cutback from April 1, 2023 in May. The Department of State confirms active retrogression and warns further movement is possible before September 30
- EB-2 for India sits at September 1, 2013 — retrogressed from July 15, 2014 last month. Over 12 years of backlog. Strategic planning is not optional
- EB-2 for China faces an active monitoring warning — sufficient demand 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 Set-Aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) remain current for every country, including India and China — the strongest opportunity in this bulletin
- EB-5 Unreserved for India is flagged for imminent retrogression — the bulletin states action may be necessary as early as next month
- 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 June 2026
- For employment-based filings, use the Final Action Dates chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin for June 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 — JUNE 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 | 01APR23 | 15DEC22 | C | C |
| 2nd | C | 01SEP21 | 01SEP13 | C | C |
| 3rd | 01JUN24 | 01AUG21 | 15DEC13 | 01JUN24 | 01AUG23 |
| Other Workers | 01FEB22 | 01APR19 | 15DEC13 | 01FEB22 | 01NOV21 |
| 4th | 15JUL22 | 15JUL22 | 15JUL22 | 15JUL22 | 15JUL22 |
| Certain Religious Workers | 15JUL22 | 15JUL22 | 15JUL22 | 15JUL22 | 15JUL22 |
| 5th Unreserved (C5, T5, I5, R5, NU, RU) | C | 22SEP16 | 01MAY22 | 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. 15, Volume XI, June 2026
EB-1 (Priority Workers): Current for most of the world. India has retrogressed from April 1, 2023 last month to December 15, 2022 this month. China-born applicants remain at April 1, 2023. The Department of State has explicitly confirmed this retrogression and warned that further retrogression or an unavailability designation is possible before FY 2026 ends on September 30. India-born applicants with EB-1A extraordinary ability or EB-1B outstanding researcher petitions should confirm their exact priority date with counsel now and track this category monthly without exception.
EB-2 (Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability): India has moved backward from July 15, 2014 to September 1, 2013 — now representing more than 12 years of backlog. This retrogression is confirmed and active. The Department of State places India EB-2 under the same warning as EB-1: further retrogression or unavailability before September 30 remains a real possibility. India-born applicants in EB-2 need a long term strategic conversation now. Options worth evaluating include EB-1A extraordinary ability, a strengthened National Interest Waiver petition, or EB-5 set-aside pathways for qualifying investors. These decisions require individualized analysis.
China EB-2 carries its own separate warning this month. The bulletin specifically states that sufficient demand and increased number use may force retrogression or unavailability for China-born EB-2 applicants before the end of FY 2026. China-born professionals tracking this date should not assume stability.
EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals): India remains at December 15, 2013. Philippines carries an active retrogression warning this month, with the bulletin flagging that the final action date could move backward as demand builds. Philippines-born EB-3 applicants should review their timeline with their attorney and prepare for potential movement.
EB-5 Unreserved: The bulletin this month is explicit: India EB-5 unreserved may need to retrogress or become unavailable as early as next month. India-born investors in the unreserved EB-5 category need to evaluate their position immediately. China-born applicants remain at September 22, 2016.
EB-5 Set-Asides — Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure: Current for every country across all three reserved categories, including India and China. This remains the most compelling opportunity in the June 2026 bulletin. For India-born clients facing multi-year EB-2 or EB-3 backlogs who can meet the investment threshold, the rural, high unemployment, and infrastructure set-aside pathways deserve immediate and serious evaluation. These dates will not hold indefinitely.
B. Dates for Filing 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) | 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. 15, Volume XI, June 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 — lets applicants 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 EB-2 and EB-3 applicants facing Final Action Date retrogression, the Dates for Filing chart may represent the only current filing opportunity.
India EB-2 under Dates for Filing: At January 15, 2015, India-born clients with priority dates in early 2015 or earlier may be positioned to file I-485 if USCIS authorizes this chart. Confirm priority dates and chart authorization monthly without exception.
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 are in the strongest position in the entire employment-based queue this month.
FAMILY-SPONSORED PRIORITY DATES — JUNE 2026
A. Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Cases
| Family-Sponsored | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | CHINA-mainland born | INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 08NOV07 | 01MAY13 |
| F2A | 01JAN25 | 01JAN25 | 01JAN25 | 01JAN24 | 01JAN25 |
| F2B | 22SEP17 | 22SEP17 | 22SEP17 | 15FEB09 | 08APR13 |
| F3 | 15FEB12 | 15FEB12 | 15FEB12 | 01MAY01 | 22NOV05 |
| F4 | 08NOV08 | 08NOV08 | 01NOV06 | 08APR01 | 15JUL07 |
Source: U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin No. 15, Volume XI, June 2026
Note: For June, 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 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 sit at September 1, 2017. Mexico remains severely backlogged at November 8, 2007 — approaching 19 years. Philippines is at May 1, 2013. U.S. citizen parents of unmarried adult children should set realistic timeline expectations from the outset of any case.
F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents): The Final Action Date for most countries has advanced to January 1, 2025 — a meaningful movement forward from August 2024 last month. Mexico is slightly behind at January 1, 2024. LPR sponsors whose family members are waiting should confirm priority dates and evaluate whether the current Dates for Filing chart authorization opens an immediate filing window.
F2B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters 21 and Older of Permanent Residents): Most countries remain at September 22, 2017. Mexico sits at February 15, 2009 and Philippines at April 8, 2013. Unmarried adult children of LPRs from these countries continue to face extended waits with no near-term relief in sight.
F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens): Most countries at February 15, 2012. Mexico at May 1, 2001 reflects a 25-year wait. Philippines at November 22, 2005. These families need realistic multi-decade timeline counseling and an evaluation of any available parallel strategies, including naturalization acceleration for qualifying sponsors.
F4 (Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens): Most countries at November 8, 2008. India at November 1, 2006 and Philippines at July 15, 2007. This remains one of the most congested preference categories in the immigration system.
B. Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications
| Family-Sponsored | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | CHINA-mainland born | INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 01OCT18 | 01OCT18 | 01OCT18 | 01OCT08 | 22APR15 |
| F2A | C | C | C | C | C |
| F2B | 22MAR18 | 22MAR18 | 22MAR18 | 15MAY10 | 01OCT13 |
| F3 | 08DEC12 | 08DEC12 | 08DEC12 | 15JUL01 | 08AUG06 |
| F4 | 22DEC09 | 22DEC09 | 15DEC06 | 30APR01 | 22MAR08 |
Source: U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin No. 15, Volume XI, June 2026
F2A under Dates for Filing: F2A is current across all countries. If USCIS authorizes use of the Dates for Filing chart this month, every F2A applicant regardless of priority date may be eligible to file Form I-485. This also means immediate eligibility for Employment Authorization and Advance Parole upon filing — a significant practical benefit for eligible family members of LPRs who are currently on nonimmigrant status.
Important distinction: Filing under the Dates for Filing chart establishes a receipt date and triggers EAD and Advance Parole eligibility, 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 — JUNE 2026
The DV-2026 annual limit is approximately 52,000 after reductions required by NACARA and Section 5104 of the NDAA for FY 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.
June 2026 DV Cutoffs:
| Region | Allocation Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| Africa | 55,000 (Except: Algeria 37,000; Egypt 30,000) |
| Asia | 35,000 (Except: Nepal 11,000) |
| Europe | 20,000 |
| North America (Bahamas) | 50 |
| Oceania | 1,500 |
| South America and the Caribbean | 3,000 |
July 2026 DV Cutoffs (advance notice):
| 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 |
Nepal moves from 11,000 to 13,000 into July. Europe advances from 20,000 to 23,000. DV-2026 applicants with higher rank numbers should track availability closely through the remainder of the fiscal year and move quickly when their number becomes current.
A CRITICAL NOTE ON RETROGRESSION RISK AND CURRENT CONDITIONS
The June 2026 bulletin carries an unusual administrative note acknowledging directly that 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. The bulletin states plainly that as additional immigrant visa demand materializes, or administration actions are amended, retrogression may be necessary in the upcoming months to keep issuances within annual limits. Categories may also become unavailable before the end of the fiscal year.
This is not a hypothetical warning. EB-1 and EB-2 India are actively retrogressed this month as a direct result of these conditions. The window created by prior date advances is narrowing. The time to act on open filing windows is while they remain open.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR CASE
Every movement in the Visa Bulletin — forward or backward — has a direct consequence for the timing of every step in your green card process. If you are India-born in an EB-1 or EB-2 category, active retrogression is in effect right now and your strategy needs to account for further movement. If you are pursuing an EB-5 set-aside pathway, current dates in all three reserved categories represent a genuine and time-sensitive opportunity. If you are a spouse or child of a permanent resident, confirm whether the Dates for Filing chart is authorized this month before any filing decision is made.
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.
FAQ JUNE 2026 VISA BULLETIN
What is the June 2026 Visa Bulletin?
The June 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.
Which chart do I use for filing in June 2026?
For all family-sponsored preference categories, you must use the Dates for Filing chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin for June 2026. For all employment-based preference categories, you must use the Final Action Dates chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin for June 2026. Always confirm the current USCIS determination at www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo before submitting any application.
Why did EB-1 and EB-2 India retrogress in June 2026?
The Department of State confirmed that high demand and accelerated number use by India-born applicants in both categories made retrogression necessary to keep issuances within the FY 2026 annual limit. Further retrogression or an unavailability designation remains possible before September 30, 2026.
Is F2A current in June 2026?
Under the Dates for Filing chart, F2A is current for all countries including Mexico. If USCIS authorizes use of that chart this month, eligible applicants may file regardless of priority date. Filing under the Dates for Filing chart establishes a receipt date and enables work authorization and Advance Parole, but final approval requires the Final Action Date to also be reached.
What is the best employment-based option for India-born applicants right now?
For India-born applicants facing retrogression in EB-1 and over 12 years of backlog in EB-2 and EB-3, the EB-5 set-aside categories for rural areas, high unemployment areas, and infrastructure projects are currently current for all countries including India. For applicants who qualify, these represent the most favorable position available in the employment-based system today. Each situation requires individualized analysis. Contact Ahluwalia Law Offices to evaluate your specific case.
When does DV-2026 entitlement expire?
Entitlement to DV-2026 immigrant status ends September 30, 2026. Diversity visa numbers could be exhausted before that date. DV-2026 applicants should not delay.
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.
