July 2026 Visa Bulletin Brings Mixed News for Green Card Applicants

The July 2026 Visa Bulletin includes both filing opportunities and new delays. For July, USCIS confirmed that family-based adjustment of status applicants may use the Dates for Filing chart, while employment-based adjustment applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart. This distinction matters because it controls whether a person may file Form I-485 during the month.

Family-based preference categories generally saw forward movement, although F2A remained largely unchanged. Some family-sponsored applicants may therefore have a new opportunity to file if their priority date is now earlier than the applicable filing cutoff. Applicants should confirm the correct category, country of chargeability, and priority date before taking action.

The employment-based updates are more difficult for some applicants, especially those chargeables to India. EB-1 India moved backward, and EB-2 India and EB-5 unreserved India became unavailable for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026. Some other employment-based categories, including parts of EB-3 and EB-4, moved forward. Applicants with current or nearly current priority dates should speak with counsel promptly, because Visa Bulletin movement can change quickly near the end of the fiscal year.

Source: Department of State July 2026 Visa Bulletin; USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing Charts

Disclaimer: This update is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules and agency guidance can change quickly. Please contact our office about your specific situation.