July 2026 Visa Bulletin Preview: What to Expect for Immigration

The July 2026 Visa Bulletin is anticipated to bring significant shifts for many individuals seeking U.S. immigration. While the official document from the U.S. Department of State is not yet released, current trends and official announcements provide a clear forecast. Key employment-based categories, particularly those for Indian nationals, are expected to see unavailability or substantial retrogression. Family-sponsored categories, however, are likely to continue their steady, albeit slower, forward movement. This analysis breaks down the predicted changes, offering insights into what applicants can expect and what actions they should consider.

Employment-Based July 2026 Forecast: Final Action Dates

The Final Action Dates chart is critical as it dictates when visa numbers are available for issuance and, in some cases, when adjustment of status applications can be approved. For July 2026, several employment-based categories, especially those with high demand from India, are predicted to experience significant changes.

EB-2 India: Confirmed Unavailability

The most definitive prediction for the July 2026 Visa Bulletin is that EB-2 India will be listed as “U” for Unavailable. This status was confirmed by the State Department on May 22, 2026, when it announced that India had reached its per-country limit for the EB-2 category for Fiscal Year 2026. This unavailability will persist through September 30, 2026, and the category will reset on October 1, 2026, at the start of FY-2027. The September 1, 2013 Final Action date from the June bulletin serves as a reference for what FY-2027 might begin with. For those with pending I-485 applications, this unavailability does not mean denial; cases will remain pending until a visa number becomes available.

EB-1 India: Continued Retrogression

Following a pull-back of 107 days in the June bulletin, EB-1 India is expected to face further retrogression in July. Analysts forecast the Final Action Date to move back into the August-October 2022 range, representing an additional 2 to 5 month decrease. There is also a possibility that EB-1 India could be listed as unavailable before the end of the fiscal year if it approaches its own pro-rated limit. This trend highlights the increasing demand and tightening of visa numbers for this category.

EB-5 Unreserved India: Highest Retrogression Risk

Section H of the June bulletin used the strongest warning language, indicating action “in the next month” for EB-5 Unreserved India. This suggests a high probability of a significant retrogression or an outright “Unavailable” status for this category in July. The Final Action Date, currently May 1, 2022, could move back substantially, potentially into late 2020 or early 2021, or it may be listed as “U” until the end of the fiscal year. The EB-5 set-aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) are not affected by this warning and are expected to remain current.

EB-2 China and EB-3 Philippines: Active Watch

Both EB-2 China and EB-3 Philippines are under active retrogression warnings from the June bulletin. Section F warned that EB-2 China might need to retrogress due to sufficient demand. Similarly, Section G indicated potential retrogression for EB-3 Philippines. While these categories might hold steady, a retrogression in July or August is a distinct possibility. Applicants in these categories with priority dates close to the current cut-offs should prepare for potential movement.

Other Employment-Based Categories

Most other employment-based categories, including EB-1, EB-2 (ROW, MX, PH), EB-3 (ROW, MX), and Other Workers (ROW, MX, PH), are expected to hold steady or see minor advances. EB-3 China and EB-3 India are predicted to advance by approximately 30 days, moving to September 1, 2021, and January 15, 2014, respectively. Other Workers China is forecasted to move forward by about 45 days to May 15, 2019. EB-4 and its subcategories are expected to hold or advance slightly.

Employment-Based July 2026 Forecast: Dates for Filing

The Dates for Filing chart determines when applicants can file their adjustment of status (I-485) applications. USCIS has used the Final Action Dates chart more frequently for employment-based filings in FY-2026. However, the Dates for Filing chart remains relevant for consular processing and as a potential fallback for I-485 filings.

For July 2026, the Dates for Filing chart is expected to remain largely unchanged, with the exception of EB-2 India, which will also be listed as “U” (Unavailable). Most other employment-based categories are predicted to hold their current dates. For instance, EB-1 China/India and EB-2 China are expected to remain at December 1, 2023, and January 1, 2022, respectively. Similarly, EB-3 China and India are anticipated to hold at January 1, 2022, and January 15, 2015.

The critical question for USCIS in July is whether they will continue to require Final Action Dates for employment-based I-485 filings. Given the unavailability of EB-2 India and the potential for further retrogression in other categories, it is likely that USCIS will maintain the use of Final Action Dates for a third consecutive month.

Family-Sponsored July 2026 Forecast: Final Action Dates

Family-sponsored categories have generally shown more consistent progress throughout FY-2026 compared to employment-based ones. While advances are expected to slow down, most family categories are predicted to continue moving forward.

F2A: Pace Slows but Continues

The F2A category (spouses and minor children of Lawful Permanent Residents) has seen substantial advances in recent months. In June, it moved to January 1, 2025. For July, a further advance is expected, but at a decelerated pace. Forecasts suggest a move to approximately March 15, 2025, for ROW, China, India, and the Philippines. This slower pace is typical as categories approach current status to manage demand. The F2A category for Mexico is expected to advance by about one month.

Other Family Categories

Other family-sponsored categories are also predicted to advance, though at a more modest rate. F1 ROW, China, and India are expected to move forward by about five weeks to October 8, 2017. F2B ROW, China, and India are forecasted to advance by roughly 30 days to October 22, 2017. F4 ROW and China are predicted to move forward by about 30 days to December 8, 2008. Categories with extremely long backlogs, such as F4 India and F3 Mexico, are most likely to hold their current dates or see minimal movement.

DV-2026 July Cut-Offs

The Diversity Visa (DV-2026) cut-off dates for July were officially announced in the June bulletin. These dates are not forecasts but confirmed figures used for scheduling consular interviews.

• Africa: 55,000 (Algeria 40,000, Egypt 31,000)
• Asia: 35,000 (Nepal 13,000)
• Europe: 23,000
• North America (Bahamas): 50
• Oceania: 1,700
• South America & Caribbean: 3,300

These cut-offs represent an advance from the June bulletin for most regions. DV-2026 selectees whose rank numbers fall at or below these July cut-offs are strongly advised to schedule their consular interviews promptly, as the DV-2026 entitlement period ends on September 30, 2026, and numbers may exhaust before then.

Action Plan by Category

Given the predicted changes, specific actions are recommended for different applicant groups:

• EB-5 Unreserved India Applicants: If your priority date is before May 1, 2022 (Final Action) or May 1, 2024 (Filing), ensure your case is documentarily complete and ready for submission immediately. The “next month” warning suggests swift action is needed.
• EB-2 India Applicants: Pending I-485 applications will remain pending until October 1, 2026. Continue to maintain your EAD, advance parole, and other protections. Prepare for the category to reopen at approximately September 1, 2013 levels for FY-2027.
• EB-1 India Applicants: If your priority date falls between December 15, 2022, and April 1, 2023, your case may no longer be current. Protect your filings and consult with legal counsel regarding potential re-filing or I-485 transfers.
• EB-2 China and EB-3 Philippines Applicants: If your priority date is before the current cut-off, file your I-485 application as soon as possible to avoid potential retrogression.
• F2A Applicants: If your priority date is before January 1, 2025, ensure all necessary documents are ready for filing your I-485, as the category is expected to continue advancing.
• DV-2026 Selectees: If your rank number is at or below the July cut-off for your region, schedule your consular interview and complete all required steps without delay to avoid missing your opportunity.

Key Changes to Watch in the Official July Bulletin

When the official July 2026 Visa Bulletin is released, pay close attention to these critical points:

1. EB-5 Unreserved India Status: Observe whether this category retrogresses significantly, becomes unavailable, or holds steady. The “next month” warning makes action highly probable.
2. EB-2 India Presentation: Confirm that EB-2 India is listed as “U” on both charts and note any additional State Department commentary regarding FY-2027 reactivation.
3. EB-2 China and EB-3 Philippines Actions: Determine if these categories experience retrogression as warned in the June bulletin, or if the warnings are carried forward.
4. USCIS Chart Determination: Monitor the USCIS announcement to see if they continue to use Final Action Dates for employment-based I-485 filings or revert to the Dates for Filing chart.

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