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August 2026 Visa Bulletin

Priority date cutoffs by category and country

USCIS Update (August 2026): USCIS is using Final Action Dates for employment-based applications.

Showing Final Action Dates

USCIS is using Final Action Dates this month. You can file your I-485 only if your priority date is earlier than the cutoff shown. If your date falls between the Final Action and Dates for Filing cutoffs, you'll need to wait.
Category
🇮🇳India
🇨🇳China
🇲🇽Mexico
🇵🇭Phil
🌍ROW
EB-1
Oct 15, 2022
Jul 1, 2023+4w
Current
Current
Current
EB-2
UnavailableU
Sep 1, 2021
Current
Current
Current
EB-3
Jan 1, 2014
Jan 1, 2022+1w
Sep 1, 2024+4w
Aug 1, 2023
Sep 1, 2024+4w
EB-5
UnavailableU
Dec 1, 2016
Current
Current
Current
AdvanceRetrogression
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Tools & Trends

Check your eligibility and explore historical data

Check Your StatusEnter your details to check visa availability

USCIS is using Final Action Dates for August 2026.

Wait Time TrendEB-2: Advanced Degree Professionals

Start

12 Years, 1 Month

Current

12 Years, 8 Months

Change

7 mo slower

Frequently Asked Questions

A priority date is the date that establishes your place in line for a green card. For employment-based categories, it's typically the date your PERM labor certification was filed or, if no labor certification is required, the date your I-140 petition was filed.

The U.S. Department of State releases a new visa bulletin each month, typically around the middle of the month for the following month's dates.

Final Action Date is when your green card can be issued. Dates for Filing allows you to submit your adjustment of status application earlier, but doesn't mean immediate approval. USCIS announces monthly which chart to use.

Retrogression happens when demand for visas in a particular category or country exceeds the available supply. The State Department moves the cutoff date backward to slow down the number of applicants who can file, keeping the queue within annual visa limits set by Congress.

Use the Priority Date Checker on this page. Select your country, visa category (e.g., EB2, EB3), and enter your priority date. The tool will tell you if your date is current, meaning you are eligible to file or receive your green card based on the latest bulletin.