August 2026 Visa Bulletin: Priority Dates, Filing Charts & Green Card Updates
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The U.S. Department of State has released the August 2026 Visa Bulletin, which provides the latest green card availability updates for family-sponsored and employment-based immigration categories.
If you are waiting for a green card, the Visa Bulletin helps answer an important question: Can you move forward with your application now? By comparing your priority date with the latest cutoff dates, you can determine whether you may be eligible to file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), continue through the green card process, or wait for your priority date to become current.
Each month, visa availability depends on several factors, including your immigration category, country of chargeability, and the number of available immigrant visas. USCIS also determines which Visa Bulletin chart applicants should use when filing adjustment of status applications.
For August 2026:
- Family-sponsored applicants should use the Dates for Filing chart to determine whether they may submit their green card application.
- Employment-based applicants should use the Final Action Dates chart to determine adjustment of status filing eligibility.
Review the August 2026 Visa Bulletin below to check your priority date, understand the latest movement in green card categories, and learn what steps you may be able to take next.
Key Updates in the August 2026 Visa Bulletin
The August 2026 Visa Bulletin shows continued movement across several family-sponsored and employment-based categories. While some applicants may see improved visa availability, others continue to experience longer waits due to annual visa limits and high demand.
Family-Sponsored Categories
- Several family-sponsored categories moved forward compared with July 2026.
- F2A remains Current (C), allowing eligible applicants to proceed without a cutoff date.
- Some categories, including F1, F2B, F3, and F4, experienced movement depending on country of chargeability.
- Applicants from Mexico and the Philippines continue to experience longer wait times in certain categories.
Employment-Based Categories
- Employment-based categories showed modest movement in August 2026.
- EB-1 remains Current for most countries, with limited movement in some countries.
- EB-2 and EB-3 continue to experience significant backlogs for India.
- EB-4 and certain employment-based categories showed forward movement.
- High-demand countries should review the latest cutoff dates carefully.
Compare the July and August cutoff dates in the tables below to see how your category has changed and whether your priority date may be closer to becoming current.
How to Read the August 2026 Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin can help you understand when you may be able to move forward with your green card process. To check your eligibility, compare your priority date with the cutoff date listed for your immigration category and country of chargeability.
The Visa Bulletin includes two important dates:
Dates for Filing
The Dates for Filing chart shows when applicants may be able to submit their green card application. If your priority date is earlier than the listed cutoff date, you may be eligible to file your application based on USCIS guidance.
Final Action Dates
The Final Action Dates chart shows when a green card may be approved. Your priority date generally must be earlier than the listed cutoff date for a visa to become available.
Family-Sponsored Visa Bulletin Updates (August 2026)
Family-sponsored green cards are divided into preference categories based on your relationship to the petitioner and your immigration eligibility.
Family-Sponsored Preference Categories
Family-sponsored immigration allows eligible U.S. citizens and green card holders to sponsor certain relatives for permanent residency in the United States.
Before checking the cutoff dates below, identify your family preference category:
- F1 – Unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 or older) of U.S. citizens
- F2A – Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of green card holders
- F2B – Unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 or older) of green card holders
- F3 – Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- F4 – Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens
Each category has separate cutoff dates that vary based on country of chargeability and annual visa availability.
Review the August 2026 family-sponsored filing dates below to compare your priority date and understand whether you may be able to move forward.
August 2026 Family-Sponsored Dates for Filing Chart
The table below shows the family-sponsored Dates for Filing cutoff dates for August 2026. Compare your priority date with the date listed for your category and country of chargeability to understand whether you may be eligible to file.
F-1: Unmarried Children (Age 21+) of U.S. Citizens
| Region | July ’26 | August ’26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Chargeability Areas | 1-Jan-19 | 15-Jun-19 | Advance by 5.5 months |
| China | 1-Jan-19 | 15-Jun-19 | Advance by 5.5 months |
| India | 1-Jan-19 | 15-Jun-19 | Advance by 5.5 months |
| Mexico | 1-Oct-08 | 1-Dec-08 | Advance by 2 months |
| Philippines | 22-Apr-15 | 22-Apr-15 | No change |
F-2A: Spouses and Unmarried Children (Under 21) of U.S. Green Card Holders
| Region | July ’26 | August ’26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Countries | Current | Current | No change |
| China | Current | Current | No change |
| India | Current | Current | No change |
| Mexico | Current | Current | No change |
| Philippines | Current | Current | No change |
F-2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (Age 21 or older) of U.S. Green Card Holders
| Region | July ’26 | August ’26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Chargeability Areas | 8-Jun-18 | 1-Jan-19 | Advanced by 7 months |
| China | 8-Jun-18 | 1-Jan-19 | Advanced by 7 months |
| India | 8-Jun-18 | 1-Jan-19 | Advanced by 7 months |
| Mexico | 15-May-10 | 15-May-10 | No change |
| Philippines | 1-Oct-13 | 1-Oct-13 | No change |
F-3: Married Children of U.S. Citizens
| Region | July ’26 | August ’26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Chargeability Areas | 8-Dec-12 | 1-Mar-13 | Advanced by 3 months |
| China | 8-Dec-12 | 1-Mar-13 | Advanced by 3 months |
| India | 8-Dec-12 | 1-Mar-13 | Advanced by 3 months |
| Mexico | 15-Jul-01 | 15-Jul-01 | No change |
| Philippines | 8-Aug-06 | 8-Aug-06 | No change |
F-4: Siblings of U.S. Citizens
| Region | July ’26 | August ’26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Chargeability Areas | 1-Mar-10 | 22-Jun-10 | Advanced by 3.5 months |
| China | 1-Mar-10 | 22-Jun-10 | Advanced by 3.5 months |
| India | 15-Dec-06 | 15-Dec-06 | No change |
| Mexico | 30-Apr-01 | 30-Apr-01 | No change |
| Philippines | 22-Mar-08 | 22-Mar-08 | No change |
Employment-Sponsored Visa Bulletin Updates (August 2026)
Employment-based green cards are divided into preference categories based on your employment qualifications, professional background, and the type of immigrant visa you are eligible for.
Employment-Based Preference Categories
Employment-based green cards are organized into preference categories based on the applicant’s qualifications and employment sponsorship.
Before checking the Visa Bulletin, identify your employment category and compare your priority date with the applicable cutoff date.
Employment-based categories include:
- EB-1 – Priority workers, including individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and certain executives
- EB-2 – Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability
- EB-3 – Skilled workers, professionals, and certain other workers
- EB-4 – Special immigrants, including certain religious workers
- EB-5 – Immigrant investors creating qualifying U.S. jobs
Visa availability and waiting times vary by category, country of chargeability, and annual visa limits. Employment categories with higher demand may experience longer waiting periods.
Review the August 2026 employment-based cutoff dates below to see whether your case may move forward this month.
August 2026 Employment-Based Final Action Dates Chart
The table below shows the employment-sponsored Final Action cutoff dates for August 2026. Compare your priority date with the date listed for your category and country of chargeability to understand whether you may be eligible to file.
EB-1: Extraordinary People, Outstanding Researchers and Professors, and Multinational Executives and Managers
| Region | July ’26 | August ’26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Chargeability Areas | Current | Current | No change |
| China | 1-Jun-23 | 1-Jul-23 | Advance by 1 month |
| India | 15-Oct-22 | 15-Oct-22 | No change |
| Mexico | Current | Current | No change |
| Philippines | Current | Current | No change |
EB-2: Exceptional People and Advanced Degree Holders
| Region | July ’26 | August ’26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Chargeability Areas | Current | Current | No change |
| China | 1-Sep-21 | 1-Sep-21 | No change |
| India | Unavailable | Unavailable | No change |
| Mexico | Current | Current | No change |
| Philippines | Current | Current | No change |
EB-3: Skilled Worker or Professional
| Region | July ’26 | August ’26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Chargeability Areas | 1-Aug-24 | 1-Sep-24 | Advanced by 1 month |
| China | 22-Dec-21 | 1-Jan-22 | Advanced by 10 days |
| India | 1-Jan-14 | 1-Jan-14 | No change |
| Mexico | 1-Aug-24 | 1-Sep-24 | Advanced by 1 month |
| Philippines | 1-Aug-23 | 1-Aug-23 | No change |
EB-3: Other Worker
| Region | July ’26 | August ’26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Chargeability Areas | 1-Mar-22 | 1-Apr-22 | Advanced by 1 month |
| China | 1-Apr-19 | 1-May-19 | Advanced by 1 month |
| India | 1-Jan-14 | 1-Jan-14 | No change |
| Mexico | 1-Mar-22 | 1-Apr-22 | Advanced by 1 month |
| Philippines | 1-Dec-21 | 1-Dec-21 | No change |
EB-4: Special Immigrants Category
| Country | July ’26 | August ’26 | Change |
| All Chargeability Areas | 15-Sep-22 | 15-Oct-22 | Advanced by 1 month |
| China | 15-Sep-22 | 15-Oct-22 | Advanced by 1 month |
| India | 15-Sep-22 | 15-Oct-22 | Advanced by 1 month |
| Mexico | 15-Sep-22 | 15-Oct-22 | Advanced by 1 month |
| Philippines | 15-Sep-22 | 15-Oct-22 | Advanced by 1 month |
EB-5: Investors Category
| Country | July ’26 | August ’26 | Movement |
| All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | Current | Current | No change |
| China | 1-Dec-16 | 1-Dec-16 | No change |
| India | Unavailable | Unavailable | No change |
| Mexico | Current | Current | No change |
| Philippines | Current | Current | No change |
How to Check If Your Priority Date Is Current
After identifying your priority date, category, and country of chargeability, compare your date with the applicable August 2026 Visa Bulletin cutoff date.
Your priority date may be current if:
- Your priority date is earlier than the listed cutoff date for your category and country.
- Your category is marked Current (C), meaning visas are available without a cutoff date.
If your priority date is not current, you may need to wait until a future Visa Bulletin update moves your category forward.
A current priority date does not guarantee green card approval. You must still meet all eligibility requirements and complete the required USCIS application process.
What Happens After Your Priority Date Becomes Current?
When your priority date becomes current, it means a visa may be available for your category based on the latest Visa Bulletin. This may allow you to move forward with the next stage of your green card process.
The next steps depend on your immigration situation:
- If you are inside the United States: You may be able to file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) if you meet all eligibility requirements.
- If you are outside the United States: You may be able to continue with consular processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate.
After moving forward, you may need to:
- Prepare and submit your required forms and supporting documents
- Attend a biometrics appointment, if required
- Respond to any USCIS requests for additional evidence
- Complete an interview, if required
- Wait for USCIS or the Department of State to complete processing
A current priority date does not automatically guarantee green card approval. Your application must still meet all immigration requirements and receive final approval.
If your priority date is current, preparing your application early can help you move forward when a visa becomes available.
August 2026 Visa Bulletin FAQs
When was the August 2026 Visa Bulletin released?
The U.S. Department of State releases the Visa Bulletin each month to provide updated immigrant visa availability and cutoff dates for family-sponsored and employment-based green card categories.
How do I know if my priority date is current in August 2026?
To check whether your priority date is current, compare your priority date with the August 2026 Visa Bulletin cutoff date for your preference category and country of chargeability. If your date is earlier than the listed cutoff date or your category is marked Current (C), you may be able to move forward.
What is the difference between Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates?
The Dates for Filing chart shows when eligible applicants may be able to submit their green card application, while the Final Action Dates chart shows when a green card may be approved based on visa availability.
Can I file Form I-485 when my priority date becomes current?
You may be able to file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) when your priority date is current, depending on your category, eligibility, and the chart USCIS allows applicants to use for that month.
Why did my priority date not move in the August 2026 Visa Bulletin?
Priority dates may remain unchanged when demand is high or when annual visa limits have been reached. Categories with heavy backlogs may experience slower movement or retrogression.
How often does the Visa Bulletin change?
The Visa Bulletin is updated every month. Cutoff dates may move forward, remain the same, or move backward depending on visa demand and availability.
Conclusion: Check Your Green Card Progress With the August 2026 Visa Bulletin
The August 2026 Visa Bulletin provides important updates for applicants waiting for family-sponsored and employment-based green cards. By checking your priority date, category, and country of chargeability, you can better understand where you are in the immigration process and what steps you may be able to take next.
If your priority date is current, you may be able to begin preparing your green card application. Having the right forms, supporting documents, and filing information ready can help you move forward when you become eligible.
Ready to start your green card application? FileRight helps you prepare your immigration forms with step-by-step guidance and support throughout the process.