Every month, the U.S. Department of State releases the Visa Bulletin, a key update for anyone navigating the Green Card process. It outlines which priority dates are eligible to move forward and when applicants can file for Adjustment of Status.
We strongly recommend monitoring the Visa Bulletin and Adjustment of Status charts regularly, as even small monthly changes can significantly affect your immigration timeline and overall strategy.
Key Updates for January: Employment-Based Categories (EB-1A and EB-2 NIW)
1/ Important Note
USCIS has confirmed that for January 2026, applicants in employment-based categories must use the Dates for Filing chart for Adjustment of Status filings.
What does it mean for you?
If your priority date is earlier than the applicable Dates for Filing listed for January, you may be eligible to submit your Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) this month.
Filing under the Dates for Filing chart allows eligible applicants to move forward with the adjustment process even before their Final Action Date becomes current.
2/ First Preference – EB-1
Aliens of Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors and Researchers, Certain Multinational Managers or Executives
- All Chargeability: Current → Current (no change)
- China: 15 May 2023 → 15 Aug 2023 (+3 months advance ✅)
- India: 15 Apr 2023 → 15 Aug 2023 (+4 months advance ✅)
- Mexico: Current → Current (no change)
- Philippines: Current → Current (no change)
3/ Second Preference – EB-2 NIW
Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Aliens of Exceptional Ability
- All Chargeability: 15 Jul 2024 → 15 Oct 2024 (+3 months advance ✅)
- China: 01 Dec 2021 → 01 Jan 2022 (+1 month advance ✅)
- India: 01 Dec 2013 → 01 Dec 2013 (no change)
- Mexico: 15 Jul 2024 → 15 Oct 2024 (+3 months advance ✅)
- Philippines: 15 Jul 2024 → 15 Oct 2024 (+3 months advance ✅)
For January 2026, we’re seeing forward movement in both EB-1 and EB-2 categories after several months of limited change. China and India EB-1 applicants saw 3-4 months of advancement, while EB-2 moved forward for most countries except India, where the backlog remains substantial at December 2013. This is encouraging progress, though wait times for certain countries continue to be lengthy.
What You Should Do Now
Staying updated with the Visa Bulletin helps you plan ahead and make informed decisions about your next immigration steps.
If your priority date is approaching or you’re unsure how these charts affect your eligibility, it’s a good time to seek a professional evaluation.
Not sure how this affects you? Schedule a free call with our team, we’ll review your priority date and connect you with an attorney if needed.
*The information contained in this post is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. Please consult an immigration attorney for your personal situation.
