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 May: Employment-Based Categories (EB-1A and EB-2 NIW)
1/ Important Note For May 2026, USCIS has confirmed that applicants in employment-based categories must use the Final Action Dates chart for Adjustment of Status filings, a change from April 2026, when the Dates for Filing chart was in effect.
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: from 01 Dec 2023 to 01 Apr 2023 (retrogression)
- India: from 01 Dec 2023 to 01 Apr 2023 (retrogression)
- Mexico: Current → Current (no change)
- Philippines: Current → Current (no change)
3/ Second Preference: EB-2 (including NIW) Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Aliens of Exceptional Ability
- All Chargeability: Current → Current (no change)
- China: from 01 Jan 2022 to 01 Sep 2021 (retrogression)
- India: from 15 Jan 2015 to 15 Jul 2014 (retrogression)
- Mexico: Current → Current (no change)
- Philippines: Current → Current (no change)
What This Means for You
May 2026 brings significant retrogression for applicants from China and India in both EB-1 and EB-2 categories.
If you are from India or China and your priority date is current under the April 2026 Dates for Filing chart, act immediately – retrogression takes effect on May 1. Filing your Adjustment of Status in April may be your last opportunity before the window closes.
If you have a pending or upcoming I-140 approval, check your priority date against the updated chart immediately. We recommend speaking with your attorney before making any decisions based on this month’s bulletin.
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.
