The U.S. Department of State released the Visa Bulletin for March 2026, a key monthly publication for those awaiting permanent residence, as it allows applicants to estimate waiting times based on their immigration category and country of chargeability.
As part of the regular procedure, USCIS determines each month which chart applicants who are already inside the country must use to file their adjustment of status application: the “Final Action Dates” chart or the “Dates for Filing” chart. For the month of March, it was established that both family-based and employment-based categories must follow the “Dates for Filing” chart.
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Regarding the most relevant changes, the employment-based categories showed significant progress. The EB-4 classification reflected an advancement of nearly two years across all countries, while EB-2 for India advanced by almost one year. Likewise, the EB-2 category became current (“Current”) for most countries, with the exception of China and India.
On the other hand, family-based categories experienced more limited movement. A slight advancement was observed in the F-2A category worldwide, as well as a four-month progression in the F-3 category for applicants from the Philippines.
The priority date — which generally corresponds to the date the initial immigrant petition was filed — is the fundamental reference point for determining when a case may move forward. However, processing times may vary considerably depending on country-specific demand.
It is advisable to monitor monthly trends and clearly understand which chart applies at each stage of the process, as this directly influences immigration planning.
What does this mean for applicants?
The Visa Bulletin is a key tool for determining when a case may move to the final stage of adjudication. Movement in priority dates can significantly accelerate or delay immigration planning for families and professionals.
For those working in the immigration field or with pending cases, it is essential to review the applicable dates each month and distinguish between Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing, as both can impact when an application is filed or approved.
If you wish to understand how to properly interpret the Visa Bulletin and how these movements may affect employment- or family-based immigration strategies, Paralegal Institute of the Americas offers educational programs designed to strengthen technical analysis and accurate reading of official sources.
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice.
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