The Department of State has published the Visa Bulletin for July 2026 (Volume XI, Number 16). Simultaneously, USCIS has posted its Adjustment of Status (AOS) Filing Chart confirming which priority date cutoffs apply to I-485 applications filed this month. This bulletin brings several significant developments — including the unavailability of EB-2 and EB-5 Unreserved numbers for India, a retrogressed EB-1 cutoff for India, and welcome news for EB-5 Set-Aside investors. Below is a summary of the key points.
Key Employment-Based Highlights
EB-1: Priority Workers
| Chargeability | Final Action Date (AOS) |
| Worldwide / Mexico / Philippines | Current |
| China (mainland born) | June 1, 2023 |
| India | October 15, 2022 ⚠ |
RETROGRESSION ALERT – EB-1 India: The Department of State retrogressed the EB-1 India Final Action Date this month to absorb high demand. DOS is actively monitoring demand and may retrogress further — or make the category unavailable — before September 30, 2026
EB-2: Advanced Degree Professionals / Persons of Exceptional Ability
| Chargeability | Final Action Date (AOS) |
| Worldwide / Mexico / Philippines | Current |
| China (mainland born) | September 1, 2021 ⚠ |
| India | UNAVAILABLE – FY 2026 |
UNAVAILABLE – EB-2 India: India’s pro-rated EB-2 annual limit has been exhausted for FY 2026. No EB-2 visas or AOS approvals will issue for India-born applicants through September 30, 2026. DOS anticipates the Final Action Date will advance in October 2026, but the exact date depends on FY 2027 annual limits and demand.
POTENTIAL RETROGRESSION – EB-2 China: DOS warns that the China EB-2 Final Action Date may retrogress or become unavailable in coming months as demand materializes.
EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals & Other Workers
| Chargeability | Final Action Date (AOS) |
| Worldwide / Mexico | August 1, 2024 |
| China (mainland born) | December 22, 2021 |
| India | January 1, 2014 |
| Philippines | August 1, 2023 ⚠ |
POTENTIAL RETROGRESSION – EB-3 Philippines: Increased demand may require retrogression or unavailability of the EB-3 Philippines date in coming months.
EB-4 – Certain Religious Workers (SR)
The Certain Religious Workers (SR) subcategory is available this month for applicants with a priority date before September 15, 2022 (all chargeability areas). Note: Because USCIS is using Final Action Dates for all employment-based categories in July, the operative SR cutoff for AOS filing is the Final Action Date of 15 SEP 2022 — not the more advanced Dates for Filing cutoff of January 1, 2023.
EB-5: Investor Visa Categories
Set-Aside Categories – Rural / High Unemployment / Infrastructure
All three EB-5 Set-Aside categories are Current for all chargeability areas, including China and India. This is a significant opportunity for EB-5 investors from high-demand countries who have been subject to backlogs in the unreserved pool.
| Set-Aside Category | Worldwide | China | India |
| Rural (NR/RR – 20%) | Current | Current | Current |
| High Unemployment (NH/RH – 10%) | Current | Current | Current |
| Infrastructure (RI – 2%) | Current | Current | Current |
Unreserved EB-5 (C5, T5, I5, R5)
| Chargeability | Final Action Date (AOS) |
| Worldwide / Mexico / Philippines | Current |
| China (mainland born) | December 1, 2016 |
| India | UNAVAILABLE – FY 2026 |
UNAVAILABLE – EB-5 Unreserved India: India’s pro-rated EB-5 unreserved annual limit has been exhausted for FY 2026. DOS anticipates the date will advance in October 2026, but the level depends on FY 2027 annual limits and demand.
Family-Based Category Highlights (Dates for Filing)
Because USCIS has authorized use of the Dates for Filing chart for all family preference categories in July, family-based applicants may be eligible to file earlier than Final Action Date cutoffs would otherwise permit. Key Dates for Filing cutoffs for July 2026:
| Category | Worldwide | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of USCs) | 01 JAN 2019 | 01 JAN 2019 | 01 JAN 2019 | 01 OCT 2008 | 22 APR 2015 |
| F2A (Spouses/Children of LPRs) | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of LPRs) | 08 JUN 2018 | 08 JUN 2018 | 08 JUN 2018 | 15 MAY 2010 | 01 OCT 2013 |
| F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of USCs) | 08 DEC 2012 | 08 DEC 2012 | 08 DEC 2012 | 15 JUL 2001 | 08 AUG 2006 |
| F4 (Brothers/Sisters of Adult USCs) | 01 MAR 2010 | 01 MAR 2010 | 15 DEC 2006 | 30 APR 2001 | 22 MAR 2008 |
Additional DOS Alerts for July 2026
- Reduced Immigrant Visa Issuance: DOS notes that immigrant visa issuance rates for certain nationalities have declined as a result of Presidential Proclamations 10949 and 10998 and related administration actions. Visa categories may become unavailable prior to September 30, 2026 if annual, category, or per-country limits are reached early.
- DV Lottery (Diversity Immigrants): DV-2026 entitlement expires September 30, 2026. Diversity visa applicants should not assume numbers will remain available through the fiscal year’s end.
Questions About Your Case?
The attorneys at Litwin & Smith are available to evaluate how the July 2026 Visa Bulletin affects your adjustment of status timeline, I-140 petition, or visa application. Contact us today.
This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information herein is based on sources believed to be reliable as of the date of publication but may be subject to change. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this article. Readers should consult a qualified immigration attorney regarding their individual circumstances.
