February 2026 Visa Bulletin: Significant EB-3 Advances and USCIS Filing Updates

Index

• USCIS to Use "Dates for Filing" (Table B)
• February 2026 Visa Bulletin: Key Highlights
• Tablo A: Family-Sponsored (Final Action Dates)
• Tablo B: Family-Sponsored (Dates for Filing)
• Tablo A: Employment-Based (Final Action Dates)
• Tablo B: Employment-Based (Dates for Filing)

The U.S. Department of State has officially released the February 2026 Visa Bulletin. This month brings excellent news for Employment-Based applicants, particularly in the EB-3 category, alongside a critical announcement from USCIS regarding adjustment of status filings.

USCIS to Use "Dates for Filing" (Table B)

For February 2026, USCIS has confirmed that applicants seeking to file I-485 Adjustment of Status applications must use the Dates for Filing chart. If your priority date is earlier than the date listed in Table B, you can file your Green Card application now.  Filing early allows you to apply for Employment Authorization (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP), granting you the freedom to work and travel while your Green Card is pending.

February 2026 Visa Bulletin: Key Highlights

1. Employment-Based Categories: EB-3 Leads the Way

The most significant movement this month is in the EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals) category. 

• EB-3 (All Other Countries): The "Dates for Filing" (Table B) jumped a full 3 months to October 1, 2023.  The "Final Action Date" (Table A) also progressed by 1 month and 10 days to June 1, 2023.
• EB-1: Remains "Current" for most countries. China and India remain at August 1, 2023 for filing.
• EB-2: No movement this month. The filing date for "All Other Countries" remains at October 15, 2024.
• EB-5 (Investor): Unreserved and Set-Aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) remain "Current" for all countries (except for certain backlogged dates for China/India).
• EB-4 (Certain Religious Workers): This category is listed as "Unavailable" (U) for all countries because the program is scheduled to expire on January 30, 2026, unless reauthorized by Congress.

2. Family-Based Categories: Steady Progress for F2A

Family-sponsored categories saw limited movement, with the exception of the F2A category. 

• F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents): The filing date progressed by 1 month to January 22, 2026 for all chargeability areas.
• Other Categories (F1, F2B, F3, F4): No movement; dates remain the same as the January 2026 bulletin.

Tablo A: Family-Sponsored (Final Action Dates)

F1

F2A

F2B

F3

F4

Tablo B: Family-Sponsored (Dates for Filing)

F1

F2A

F2B

F3

F4

Tablo A: Employment-Based (Final Action Dates)

EB-1

EB-2

EB-3

EB-3 Other Workers

EB-4

EB-4 Certain Religious Workers

EB-5 (Unreserved)

EB-5 Set Aside (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure)

Tablo B: Employment-Based (Dates for Filing)

EB-1

EB-2

EB-3

EB-3 Other Workers

EB-4

EB-4 Certain Religious Workers

EB-5 (Unreserved)

EB-5 Set Aside (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure)

February 2026 Visa Bulletin FAQ

1. What is the EB-1 visa, and who qualifies?

The EB-1 category is for "Priority Workers". This includes individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, or business (EB-1A), outstanding professors and researchers (EB-1B), and multinational managers or executives (EB-1C). For February 2026, it remains "Current" for most, meaning no backlog exists except for China and India.

2. Can I file my I-485 if I am in the EB-2 category?

Yes, provided your priority date is before October 15, 2024. Since USCIS is using Table B (Dates for Filing) this month, you can submit your Green Card (I-485/Adjustment of Status) application even if your date isn't yet current for final Green Card issuance.

3. Why is the EB-4 Religious Workers category "Unavailable"?

The legislative authority for the Certain Religious Workers (SR) program ends on January 30, 2026. Consequently, no visas can be issued or final actions taken in February unless Congress extends the program.

4. Is there any progress for Indian and Chinese employment applicants?

For February 2026, movement for India and China is very limited. Most employment dates for these countries remained the same compared to January, reflecting continued high demand in these regions.

5. What does "Current (C)" mean in the tables?

A "C" listing means the category is not oversubscribed. Visas are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants in that category, regardless of their priority date.

Official Source: February 2026 U.S. Visa Bulletin PDF.