The US has released the March 2026 Visa Bulletin with significant updates for Indian applicants. Employment-based green card categories have seen notable movement. This brings relief to many who have faced long backlogs.
In the EB-1 category for priority workers, the Final Action Date has advanced. It moved from February 1, 2023, to March 1, 2023. Indian applicants with earlier priority dates can now receive final green card approval.
EB-2, which applies to professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, recorded a larger jump. The cutoff date moved from July 15, 2013, to September 15, 2013. This change benefits applicants waiting for over a decade.
EB-3, however, remains unchanged. The Final Action Date stays at November 15, 2013. This category mainly affects skilled workers without advanced degrees.
A major highlight came in the Dates for Filing section. This determines when applicants can submit documents for Adjustment of Status. Filing allows applicants to apply for EAD and work under a new permit linked to their green card.
The EB-1 Date for Filing moved ahead by four months. It now stands at December 1, 2023. This enables more applicants to begin the filing process.
The EB-2 filing date saw a major jump. It moved to November 1, 2014, marking an 11-month shift. This development brings renewed hope to long-pending Indian applicants.
EB-3 remains static in the filing chart as well. The date continues to be August 15, 2014. No progress was recorded for this category in March 2026.
According to the State Department, reduced demand after a ban on 75 countries for national security reasons freed up visas. This included spillover benefits for India. For tech workers facing uncertainty, the bulletin offers cautious optimism.
