February 2026 Visa Bulletin: Mid-Quarter Analysis and Strategic Insights for Your Immigration Journey

The U.S. Department of State has released the February 2026 visa bulletin, providing mid-quarter updates on immigrant visa availability as fiscal year 2026 progresses past its midpoint. This comprehensive analysis of the visa bulletin february 2026 reveals a pattern of modest but consistent advancement across several categories, with particular attention to the now-expired religious worker category and continued progress for Mexican family preference applicants.

Understanding these changes is essential for planning your next steps in the green card application process, whether you’re waiting for family sponsorship or pursuing an employment-based immigrant visa.

What Makes the February 2026 Visa Bulletin Significant

The february visa bulletin follows the typical mid-quarter pattern where movements are more modest compared to the substantial advancements seen in January. However, several notable developments merit attention:

Key Highlights:

• EB-3 advances for most chargeability areas after remaining static in January
• F1 Mexico shows significant 9-month advancement
• Religious Worker (SR) category officially expires and becomes unavailable
• EB-1 India and China remain unchanged after January’s historic movement
• Diversity visa numbers continue strong progression
• F2B Mexico advances by 3 months

The US visa bulletin for February reflects demand patterns captured through January 5th, providing insights into visa availability as we enter the latter half of the second fiscal quarter.

Employment-Based Visa Categories: February 2026 Detailed Analysis

EB-1: Priority Workers – Holding January’s Gains

Final Action Dates:

• All countries: Current (no change)
• China: February 1, 2023 (no change)
• India: February 1, 2023 (no change)

Movement Analysis: The february 2026 visa bulletin shows EB-1 maintaining the positions established in January’s historic advancement. For India, this means holding the 11-month gain achieved last month, while China maintains its modest advancement.

What This Means: The stability at February 1, 2023, for both China and India suggests that Department of State is allowing demand to catch up with available numbers. Applicants with priority dates between March 2022 and January 2023 have had time to file their adjustment of status applications or complete consular processing documentation.

For Indian EB-1 applicants, the sustained current status at this date continues to benefit thousands who became eligible under January’s unprecedented jump. Wait times remain at approximately 3 years, which is still substantial but significantly better than the near-4-year waits seen in late 2025.

Filing Dates:

• All countries: Current (no change)
• China: August 1, 2023 (no change from January)
• India: August 1, 2023 (no change from January)

The filing dates holding steady means that applicants with priority dates through mid-2023 can continue filing adjustment of status applications, giving them access to employment authorization and advance parole benefits while awaiting final adjudication.

EB-2: Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability – Static Month

Final Action Dates:

• All countries: April 1, 2024 (no change)
• China: September 1, 2021 (no change)
• India: July 15, 2013 (no change)

Movement Analysis: The visa bulletin february 2026 shows no advancement in EB-2 across any chargeability area, following the 2-3 month movements seen in January.

What This Means: The lack of movement in the February 2026 Visa Bulletin is typical for mid-quarter months. After January’s advancement, demand has caught up with available visa numbers, requiring additional time before the next forward movement.

For Indian EB-2 applicants, the category remains deeply backlogged with wait times exceeding 12.5 years. The persistent static periods between quarterly movements underscore why exploring alternative pathways (EB-1 qualification, EB-5 investment, or EB-3 downgrade) remains critical for this population.

Chinese EB-2 applicants maintain approximately 4.5-year wait times, while rest-of-world applicants continue enjoying relative currency with less than 2-year waits.

Filing Dates:

• All countries: October 15, 2024 (no change)
• China: January 1, 2022 (no change)
• India: December 1, 2013 (no change)

EB-3: Skilled Workers and Professionals – Modest Forward Movement

Final Action Dates:

• All countries: June 1, 2023 (advanced approximately 1.5 months)
• China: May 1, 2021 (no change)
• India: November 15, 2013 (no change)

Movement Analysis: The february visa bulletin delivers modest advancement for rest-of-world EB-3 applicants, while China and India remain static after their movements in January.

What This Means: The 1.5-month advancement for rest-of-world EB-3 represents continued progress for applicants from most countries, who enjoy relatively current status with wait times under 3 years. This movement suggests consistent visa availability relative to demand from non-oversubscribed countries.

For China and India, the static month follows January’s advancements (1 month for China, 2 months for India). This pattern of quarterly advancement followed by static mid-quarter months has become predictable for these heavily backlogged categories.

Strategic Note: The february 2026 visa bulletin shows EB-3 India and EB-2 India remain at the same priority date (November 15, 2013 for EB-3 vs. July 15, 2013 for EB-2). With only 4 months’ difference, applicants with EB-2 and EB-3 petitions should closely monitor both categories, as EB-3 periodically moves faster than EB-2 despite the latter’s theoretical preference.

Filing Dates:

• All countries: October 1, 2023 (advanced 3 months)
• China: January 1, 2022 (no change)
• India: August 15, 2014 (no change)

The February 2026 Visa Bulletin shows that 3-month filing date advancement for rest-of-world applicants is significant, allowing more recent applicants to file for adjustment of status and obtain employment authorization and travel documents while awaiting final adjudication.

EB-3 Other Workers – Status Quo After January’s Dramatic Movement

Final Action Dates:

• All countries: September 1, 2021 (no change)
• China: December 8, 2018 (no change)
• India: November 15, 2013 (no change)

Movement Analysis: The uscis february 2026 visa bulletin shows no movement in the Other Workers category across all chargeability areas, following January’s dramatic 1-year advancement for China.

What This Means: The static period for China allows demand to catch up with available numbers after the unprecedented 1-year jump in January. Thousands of Chinese Other Worker applicants whose priority dates fell between December 2017 and December 2018 are now able to complete their cases.

For India, the category maintains alignment with EB-3 skilled workers at November 15, 2013. For rest-of-world applicants, approximately 5-year wait times persist.

Filing Dates:

• All countries: December 1, 2021 (no change)
• China: October 1, 2019 (no change)
• India: August 15, 2014 (no change)

EB-4: Certain Special Immigrants – Critical Update on Religious Workers

Final Action Dates:

• All countries: January 1, 2021 (no change)

Movement Analysis: EB-4 remains static in February after January’s 4-month advancement.

CRITICAL DEADLINE UPDATE – Religious Workers (SR Category):

As of January 30, 2026, the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category has officially expired and is now listed as “Unavailable” for all countries in the february visa bulletin.

What This Means:

The SR category extension authorized by H.R. 5371 ended on January 30, 2026, and Congress has not passed legislation to extend it further. Effective February 1, 2026:

• No new SR visas can be issued
• No SR adjustment of status cases can receive final action
• All SR visa holders must have been admitted to the U.S. by January 29, 2026
• Visas issued before the deadline are no longer valid

For Affected Applicants:

If you had a pending SR application or issued visa:

• Cases that were not completed by January 29, 2026, are now effectively terminated
• Visa holders who did not enter the U.S. by the deadline cannot use their visas
• Alternative immigration pathways may be available (consult with immigration counsel)

Possible Congressional Extension:

The visa bulletin february 2026 notes that if Congress passes legislation extending the SR category, it would likely become available immediately upon enactment, subject to the same final action and filing dates as other EB-4 categories (currently January 1, 2021).

Applicants should monitor for potential legislative action, though, as per the February 2026 Visa Bulletin, there is no indication of imminent extension as of this bulletin’s release.

Filing Dates:

• All countries: March 15, 2021 (no change)
• Certain Religious Workers: Unavailable (U) for all countries

EB-5: Immigrant Investors – Continued Current Status for Set-Asides

Final Action Dates (Unreserved):

• All countries: Current (no change)
• China: August 15, 2016 (no change)
• India: May 1, 2022 (no change)

Movement Analysis: The US visa bulletin shows EB-5 categories holding their January positions across all chargeability areas.

What This Means: The stability in EB-5 unreserved categories following January’s movements (1 month for China, 10 months for India) allows applicants who became current to complete their processing.

Indian EB-5 investors in the unreserved category maintain approximately 4-year wait times, while Chinese investors face approximately 9-year backlogs. However, both groups have significantly better alternatives through the set-aside categories.

All Set-Aside Categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure): Current for all countries (no change)

The maintained current status for all set-aside categories continues to provide immediate visa availability for qualifying investors, making these pathways the fastest employment-based options for high-net-worth individuals from any country.

Filing Dates (Unreserved):

• All countries: Current (no change)
• China: August 22, 2016 (no change)
• India: May 1, 2024 (no change)

Filing Dates (Set-Asides): Current for all categories and all countries

Family-Sponsored Visa Categories: February 2026 Analysis

F1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens – Major Mexico Advancement

Final Action Dates:

• All countries: November 8, 2016 (no change)
• China: November 8, 2016 (no change)
• India: November 8, 2016 (no change)
• Mexico: December 22, 2006 (advanced 9 months)
• Philippines: March 1, 2013 (no change)

Movement Analysis: The february 2026 visa bulletin delivers significant news for Mexican F1 applicants with a 9-month advancement, building on January’s 6-month movement. This represents 15 months of total advancement over two months.

What This Means: Mexican F1 applicants are experiencing the most substantial forward movement of any family preference category. The 9-month jump from September 1, 2006, to December 22, 2006, suggests improving visa availability relative to demand.

Despite this encouraging progress, Mexican F1 applicants still face approximately 19-year wait times. However, the sustained monthly movements (6 months in January, 9 months in February) indicate that momentum is building in this historically stagnant category.

For Filipino F1 applicants, wait times remain at approximately 13 years with no movement this month. For most other countries, the 9-year backlog persists unchanged.

Filing Dates:

• All countries: September 1, 2017 (no change)
• Mexico: December 1, 2007 (advanced 3 months)
• Philippines: April 22, 2015 (no change)

The 3-month filing date advancement for Mexico allows more applicants to begin National Visa Center processing or file adjustment of status applications.

F2A: Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents – Continued Stability

Final Action Dates:

• All countries: February 1, 2024 (no change)
• Mexico: February 1, 2023 (no change)

Movement Analysis: F2A remains static in the february visa bulletin, maintaining the same dates seen since January.

What This Means: F2A continues to be among the most current family preference categories, with wait times under 2 years for most countries and approximately 3 years for Mexico. The lack of advancement reflects balanced supply and demand at current priority date levels.

The category’s stability is notable given its popularity and the 75% exemption from per-country limits, which helps prevent the severe backlogs seen in other family categories.

Special Note for February: According to the February 2026 Visa Bulletin, F2A numbers exempt from per-country limits remain authorized for applicants from all countries with priority dates earlier than February 1, 2023. Numbers subject to per-country limits are available for all countries except Mexico with priority dates between February 1, 2023, and February 1, 2024.

Filing Dates:

• All countries: January 22, 2026 (advanced 1 month, essentially current)

The filing date advancement to January 22, 2026, means the category is effectively current for filing purposes, allowing eligible applicants to submit adjustment of status applications or begin consular processing regardless of priority date (subject to final action dates for actual visa issuance).

F2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents – Mexico Continues Progress

Final Action Dates:

• All countries: December 1, 2016 (no change)
• Mexico: February 15, 2009 (advanced 3 months)
• Philippines: December 22, 2012 (no change)

Movement Analysis: The visa bulletin february 2026 shows continued advancement for Mexican F2B applicants with a 3-month movement, following January’s 6-month jump.

What This Means: Mexican F2B applicants are experiencing consistent forward movement, with 9 months of total advancement over January and February combined. This reduces wait times from approximately 17 years to approximately 16.9 years—still substantial, but representing meaningful progress.

The sustained monthly movements for Mexican family preferences (F1, F2B) suggest that either demand has moderated or the Department of State has found additional visa number availability for Mexican applicants in these categories.

Filipino F2B applicants maintain approximately 13-year wait times with no movement this month, while rest-of-world applicants face 9-year backlogs.

Filing Dates:

• All countries: March 15, 2017 (no change)
• Mexico: February 15, 2010 (advanced 3 months)
• Philippines: October 1, 2013 (no change)

F3: Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens – Static Across All Countries

Final Action Dates:

• All countries: September 8, 2011 (no change)
• Mexico: May 1, 2001 (no change)
• Philippines: March 1, 2005 (no change)

Movement Analysis: The february 2026 visa bulletin shows no advancement in F3 for any chargeability area, following January’s 4-month Philippine movement.

What This Means: F3 continues to represent one of the longest family-sponsored wait periods, with approximately 14 years for most countries, nearly 25 years for Mexico, and over 21 years for the Philippines.

The lack of movement in February is consistent with the typical mid-quarter pattern, though the extended wait times in this category make even quarterly movements feel glacial for affected families.

Filing Dates:

• All countries: July 22, 2012 (no change)
• Mexico: July 1, 2001 (no change)
• Philippines: February 1, 2006 (no change)

F4: Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens – Minimal Movement

Final Action Dates:

• All countries: January 8, 2008 (no change)
• India: November 1, 2006 (no change)
• Mexico: April 8, 2001 (no change)
• Philippines: July 22, 2006 (no change)

Movement Analysis: The uscis february 2026 visa bulletin shows no advancement in F4 across any chargeability area.

What This Means: F4 remains the slowest-moving family preference category with extreme wait times: approximately 17 years for most countries, 19 years for India and the Philippines, and nearly 24 years for Mexico.

The annual limitation of 65,000 F4 visas worldwide, combined with high demand from multiple countries and the presence of accompanying family members (spouses and children) who consume additional visa numbers, creates these extraordinary backlogs.

Filing Dates:

• All countries: March 1, 2009 (no change)
• India: December 15, 2006 (no change)
• Mexico: April 30, 2001 (no change)
• Philippines: January 15, 2008 (no change)

Diversity Visa Program: Strong Continued Progression

February 2026 DV Rank Cut-Offs

The february visa bulletin maintains the diversity visa allocations announced in January’s advance notice, showing healthy progression for DV-2026 selectees:

February 2026 DV Allocations:

• Africa: 45,000 (maintained from January)
  • Algeria: 37,000 (maintained)
  • Egypt: 21,000 (maintained)
• Asia: 30,000 (maintained from January)
  • Nepal: 6,500 (maintained)
• Europe: 11,000 (maintained from January)
• North America (Bahamas): 25 (maintained from January)
• Oceania: 1,175 (maintained from January)
• South America and Caribbean: 2,000 (maintained from January)

Movement Analysis: The february 2026 visa bulletin confirms January’s substantial increases with all regions maintaining their advanced positions. Africa continues at the doubled level of 45,000 cases, while Asia remains at 30,000 (double December’s allocation).

What This Means: Most DV-2026 selectees should have received interview notifications by February. The sustained high cut-off numbers indicate strong visa availability and processing capacity across most regions.

March 2026 Advance Notice

The visa bulletin february 2026 provides advance notice for March allocations showing minimal changes:

March 2026 DV Allocations (Advance Notice):

• Africa: 45,000 (no change from February)
  • Algeria: 37,000 (no change)
  • Egypt: 22,250 (increased from 21,000)
• Asia: 30,000 (no change from February)
  • Nepal: 6,500 (no change)
• Europe: 11,000 (no change from February)
• North America (Bahamas): 30 (increased from 25)
• Oceania: 1,200 (increased from 1,175)
• South America and Caribbean: 2,100 (increased from 2,000)

What This Means: March will bring modest increases for Egypt, North America, Oceania, and South America/Caribbean regions. The minimal changes suggest that most regions are approaching or have reached the pace where all selectees with reasonable case numbers will receive interviews.

Critical Reminders for DV-2026 Selectees:

• Entitlement expires September 30, 2026—only 7 months remaining
• Complete DS-260 applications immediately if not already submitted
• Respond promptly to all interview notifications
• Gather required documentation proactively
• Schedule medical examinations upon receiving interview dates
• Plan for interview completion by summer 2026 to avoid year-end rush

Key Trends and Insights from the February 2026 Visa Bulletin

1. Mid-Quarter Consolidation Pattern Confirmed

The february visa bulletin follows the predictable mid-quarter pattern where movements are minimal compared to the substantial quarterly advancements seen in months like January. This allows demand to catch up with available numbers before the next major allocation.

2. Mexican Family Preferences Show Sustained Momentum

The continued advancement for F1 Mexico (9 months) and F2B Mexico (3 months) represents the most significant family-sponsored news in the february 2026 visa bulletin. The cumulative 15-month F1 advancement over two months suggests a meaningful shift in the balance between supply and demand for Mexican family preference cases.

3. Employment-Based India/China Remain Strategic Challenges

Despite January’s EB-1 India breakthrough, the overall picture for Indian and Chinese employment-based applicants remains one of multi-year backlogs requiring strategic planning. The static February across most EB categories reinforces the need for:

• Maintaining petitions in multiple categories (EB-2 and EB-3)
• Actively pursuing EB-1 qualification
• Considering EB-5 set-aside investments
• Long-term planning and patience

4. Religious Worker Deadline Creates Planning Imperative

The official unavailability of the SR category as of February 2026 creates urgency for affected applicants to explore alternative pathways. Without Congressional extension, religious workers must pursue other special immigrant categories or nonimmigrant options.

5. Diversity Visa Remains on Track for Full Utilization

The US visa bulletin shows DV-2026 progressing healthily through mid-fiscal year, with high cut-off numbers across most regions suggesting that selectees with reasonable case numbers should be able to complete processing before the September 30, 2026 deadline.

6. Filing Date Advantage for EB-3 Rest-of-World

The 3-month filing date advancement for EB-3 rest-of-world applicants creates opportunities for more recent filers (priority dates through October 2023) to obtain employment authorization and advance parole benefits while waiting for final adjudication.

Strategic Recommendations Based on February 2026 Visa Bulletin

For Family-Sponsored Applicants

Mexican F1 and F2B Applicants:

• The sustained momentum is encouraging—ensure documentation is current and ready
• Monitor monthly bulletins closely as advancement appears to be accelerating
• If priority dates are approaching current status (within 1-2 years), begin proactive preparation
• Consider whether NVC has your current contact information

F2A Applicants:

• With filing dates essentially current, file immediately if eligible
• This remains the fastest family preference pathway
• Prepare comprehensive adjustment of status packets or respond promptly to NVC instructions
• Maintain evidence of continuing relationship (for spouses) and financial support

F3 and F4 Applicants:

• Given extreme wait times, explore whether other family members might petition in faster categories
• U.S. citizen children (even under 21) can petition for parents in immediate relative category (no wait)
• Consider employment-based alternatives if any family members might qualify
• Maintain long-term perspective—expect quarterly rather than monthly movements

For Employment-Based Applicants

EB-1 India and China Applicants:

• Priority dates holding at February 1, 2023, provides stability for current applicants to file
• Those with priority dates in early to mid-2023 should prepare for potential advancement in April (next quarterly month)
• Consider premium processing for I-140 if not yet approved
• Ensure continued employment with petitioning employer or proper porting under AC21

EB-2/EB-3 India Applicants:

• The static February is expected—focus on April for next potential movement
• Continue exploring EB-1 qualification given January’s breakthrough advancement in that category
• Maintain approved petitions in both EB-2 and EB-3 categories
• Monitor both categories monthly as EB-3 sometimes advances faster despite lower preference
• Consider National Interest Waiver for EB-2 if qualifying criteria are met

EB-2/EB-3 China Applicants:

• Expect April to bring next meaningful movement after February’s consolidation
• Prepare comprehensive I-485 documentation in advance of priority dates approaching current
• Consider job portability under AC21 if current employment situation is not ideal
• Track both EB-2 and EB-3 if you have petitions in both categories

EB-3 Rest-of-World Applicants:

• The 1.5-month final action advancement and 3-month filing date advancement are positive
• If priority date is between June 2023 and October 2023, you can now file I-485 even though final action hasn’t occurred
• Take advantage of early filing to obtain EAD and advance parole benefits
• Continue monitoring for consistent quarterly movements

EB-4 Religious Workers:

• If affected by SR category expiration, consult immigration attorney immediately
• Explore alternative special immigrant categories (ministerial positions may qualify under different provisions)
• Consider nonimmigrant options (R-1 religious worker visa) as temporary bridge
• Monitor for potential Congressional extension, though none appears imminent

EB-5 Investors:

• Set-aside categories remain optimal for immediate visa availability
• Rural, high unemployment, and infrastructure projects continue offering current dates
• Indian and Chinese investors should prioritize set-aside qualifying investments
• Unreserved category applicants should prepare for April potential advancement

For Diversity Visa Selectees

DV-2026 Winners – Critical Action Items:

With only 7 months remaining until September 30, 2026 deadline:

Immediate Priorities:

• Submit DS-260 if not already completed (this is urgent)
• Gather required civil documents (birth certificates, police certificates, military records)
• Obtain required photographs meeting State Department specifications
• Organize financial documentation and prepare Affidavit of Support if needed

Upon Receiving Interview Notification:

• Schedule medical examination immediately
• Confirm all documentation is complete, current, and properly translated
• Review country-specific interview instructions from your consular section
• Prepare for interview with thorough knowledge of your case details

High Case Number Selectees:

• Even with numbers advancing well, don’t delay preparation
• March shows minimal advancement, suggesting many regions are stabilizing
• Summer months may see final pushes, but don’t risk missing out
• Complete DS-260 and document preparation now

Month-to-Month Comparison: February vs. January 2026

Understanding the changes between months helps identify trends:

Family-Sponsored Categories

Most Significant Changes:

• F1 Mexico: Advanced 9 months (September 1, 2006 → December 22, 2006)
• F2B Mexico: Advanced 3 months (November 15, 2008 → February 15, 2009)
• F2A Filing Dates: Advanced 1 month (December 22, 2025 → January 22, 2026)
• F1 Mexico Filing Dates: Advanced 3 months (September 1, 2007 → December 1, 2007)

Static Categories:

• F1 (all countries except Mexico)
• F2A Final Action Dates (all countries)
• F2B (all countries except Mexico)
• F3 (all countries)
• F4 (all countries)

Trend Analysis: Mexican family preferences continue showing consistent life, with F1 accelerating from 6-month to 9-month monthly advancement. This represents the strongest sustained family preference movement in recent memory.

Employment-Based Categories

Most Significant Changes:

• EB-3 Rest-of-World: Advanced 1.5 months (April 22, 2023 → June 1, 2023)
• EB-3 Filing Dates Rest-of-World: Advanced 3 months (July 1, 2023 → October 1, 2023)
• Religious Workers (SR): Changed from January 1, 2021 to Unavailable (program expired)

Static Categories:

• EB-1 (all areas)
• EB-2 (all areas)
• EB-3 China and India
• EB-3 Other Workers (all areas)
• EB-4 (main category)
• EB-5 (all categories)

Trend Analysis: The mid-quarter consolidation is evident with most employment categories static following January’s movements. The SR unavailability is the most significant change affecting current applicants.

Diversity Visa

February Maintained January Levels:

• All regions held their January allocations with no changes
• March advance notice shows minimal increases for selected regions
• Pattern suggests most regions approaching optimal processing pace

Looking Ahead: Predictions for March-April 2026

Based on historical patterns and the february 2026 visa bulletin movements:

March 2026 (Mid-Quarter Month)

Expected: Continued minimal movement across most categories as mid-quarter consolidation continues.

Watch Categories:

• Mexican family preferences (to see if F1/F2B momentum continues)
• EB-3 rest-of-world (possible continued modest advancement)
• Diversity visa numbers (per advance notice showing minimal increases)

Unlikely: Significant employment-based movements for India/China categories, which typically advance in quarterly months.

April 2026 (Third Quarter Beginning)

Expected: Substantial movement across multiple categories as the third quarter allocation begins. April typically represents one of the year’s biggest advancement periods alongside January, July, and October.

High Probability Movements:

• EB-1 India/China: 3-6 months advancement likely
• EB-2 India/China: 2-4 months advancement expected
• EB-3 India/China: 1-3 months advancement probable
• EB-5 India Unreserved: Potential for significant jump (3-6 months)
• Family Preferences: Continued Mexican advancement; possible movement for Philippines

Strategic Preparation for April:

• Begin assembling documentation now if priority date is within 6 months of current
• Consider premium processing for pending I-140 petitions
• Ensure employment authorization is current or will be renewed before April
• Prepare financially for I-485 filing fees and medical examination costs

How to Maximize the February 2026 Visa Bulletin Opportunities

Immediate Action for Different Applicant Groups

If Your Priority Date Just Became Current (or Already Was):

1. Verify Current Status: Check both Final Action Dates and Filing Dates charts
2. Confirm USCIS Instructions: Visit www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo to see which chart applies for adjustment of status
3. File Immediately: Don’t wait for further advancement—priority dates can retrogress
4. Complete Documentation: Ensure medical examinations, financial documents, and all forms are ready
5. Premium Processing: Consider premium processing if available for underlying petitions

If Your Priority Date Is Approaching (Within 6-12 Months):

1. Begin Proactive Preparation: Start gathering documents before priority date becomes current
2. Update Expired Documents: Renew passports, update birth/marriage certificates if needed
3. Medical Planning: Research panel physicians and understand examination requirements
4. Financial Preparation: Start gathering tax returns, pay stubs, employment letters
5. Legal Consultation: Consider consulting immigration attorney for case-specific strategy

If Your Priority Date Remains Distant (Over 12 Months Away):

1. Monitor Monthly: Subscribe to visa bulletin updates for your category
2. Maintain Valid Status: Keep all immigration status current if in the United States
3. Update Contact Information: Ensure NVC has current address and email
4. Explore Alternatives: Consider whether other visa categories might be available
5. Long-Term Planning: Understand the timeline and plan major life decisions accordingly

Special Considerations for February 2026

Religious Workers Affected by SR Expiration:

• Urgent consultation needed with qualified immigration attorney
• Explore ministerial exemptions or alternative special immigrant categories
• Consider R-1 nonimmigrant visa as temporary bridge
• Evaluate J-1 exchange visitor programs for religious work
• Document all qualifying religious work for potential future opportunities

Mexican Family Preference Applicants:

• Capitalize on momentum by ensuring documentation is current
• Monitor monthly for continued advancement
• If within 2 years of current priority dates, begin active preparation
• Consider consulting attorney about preparing I-485 packets in advance

EB-1 India Applicants with 2023 Priority Dates:

• Priority dates holding steady provides stable filing window
• File I-485 if priority date is current and you haven’t already
• Ensure continued qualifying employment or proper AC21 job portability
• Consider whether family members abroad need consular processing coordination
• Prepare for potential April advancement if priority date is mid-2023

Common Questions About the February 2026 Visa Bulletin

Q: Why did most categories show minimal movement in February after January’s advancements?

A: This is the typical mid-quarter pattern seen in the February 2026 Visa Bulletin. January represents the beginning of the second fiscal quarter, when substantial numbers are allocated. February and March allow demand to catch up with those numbers before the next major allocation in April (third quarter start). The pattern repeats throughout the fiscal year: October (major), November-December (minimal), January (major), February-March (minimal), April (major), May-June (minimal), July (major), August-September (variable/year-end dynamics).

Q: The religious worker (SR) category expired. Will it be extended?

A: As of the February 2026 Visa Bulletin release, there is no indication of imminent Congressional action to extend the SR category. The program has expired before and been extended, but timing is unpredictable. Affected applicants should not rely on extension and should explore alternative immigration pathways immediately. If extension occurs, the visa bulletin notes it would likely become available immediately with the same dates as other EB-4 categories.

Q: My priority date is current for filing but not for final action. Should I file now?

A: Yes, if USCIS is accepting applications based on the Filing Dates chart (check monthly). Filing early allows you to obtain employment authorization (EAD) and advance parole benefits while awaiting your final priority date. This can take 6-18 months, and your priority date may become current during that processing period.

Q: Why is F1 Mexico advancing so much while other F1 countries remain static?

A: Per-country limitations affect different countries differently based on demand patterns. Mexico has historically had very high F1 demand, but if fewer new petitions are being filed, older priority dates can advance. Additionally, the Department of State may be allocating unused numbers from other categories to relieve the Mexican F1 backlog. The 9-month February advancement (following 6 months in January) suggests either decreased demand or increased visa availability specifically for Mexican F1 cases.

Q: Should I wait for further EB-3 advancement or file now that I’m current?

A: File immediately when current. As seen in the February 2026 Visa Bulletin, priority dates can and do retrogress unpredictably. If you file while current, your application continues processing even if retrogression occurs. Waiting risks your priority date becoming non-current before you file, which would prevent filing until it becomes current again.

Q: How does the static EB-2 and EB-3 India affect my dual-petition strategy?

A: Maintain both approved EB-2 and EB-3 petitions. The february 2026 visa bulletin shows EB-3 India only 4 months behind EB-2 India (November 15, 2013 vs. July 15, 2013), and EB-3 has historically moved faster in some months despite lower preference. Having both options maximizes your chances of becoming current sooner. File I-485 under whichever becomes current first, and you can later “port” your priority date to the other category if beneficial.

Q: I’m a DV-2026 selectee with a moderately high case number. Should I be concerned about the minimal March advancement in the February 2026 Visa Bulletin?

A: Not immediately. The minimal March increases (mainly for Egypt and a few small regions) suggest most regions are at or near the pace where all reasonable case numbers will be processed. However, with only 7 months until the September 30 deadline, you should complete your DS-260 immediately if you haven’t already, and begin gathering all required documentation. Higher case numbers typically interview in summer months, but preparation should start now.

Q: Can I expedite my case now that my priority date is current?

A: Generally, priority date currency alone doesn’t qualify for expedited processing. However, you may request expedite consideration based on:

• Severe financial loss to company or individual
• Emergent circumstances (serious illness, humanitarian reasons)
• USCIS error
• Compelling U.S. government interests

Even with expedite requests, standard processing should be expected (6-18 months for I-485 depending on field office). Premium processing is available for I-140 but not for I-485.

Q: What happens to my approved religious worker petition now that the SR category is unavailable in the February 2026 Visa Bulletin?

A: If your I-360 petition was approved but you haven’t filed I-485 or received an immigrant visa, you face a challenging situation. The approved petition remains valid, but without available visa numbers in the SR category, you cannot proceed to green card. Options include:

• Wait and hope for Congressional extension (risky—no guarantee of extension)
• Explore whether you qualify under different EB-4 special immigrant provisions
• Consider R-1 nonimmigrant religious worker status as temporary alternative
• Consult immigration attorney for case-specific guidance on alternative pathways

Conclusion: Navigating Mid-Fiscal Year with Strategic Clarity

The February 2026 visa bulletin represents a typical mid-quarter month with consolidation following January’s substantial movements. While the minimal advancement across most categories may feel discouraging to applicants with distant priority dates, understanding the seasonal patterns helps set realistic expectations and plan effectively.

Key Takeaways from February 2026:

1. Mid-Quarter Consolidation Is Normal: The February 2026 Visa Bulletin showed minimal February movements following January advancements reflect expected patterns. April should bring next substantial changes
   
2. Mexican Family Preferences Show Real Momentum: The sustained F1 (9 months) and F2B (3 months) advancement represents the most significant family-sponsored development, totaling 15 months of F1 progress over two months
   
3. Religious Worker Deadline Created Planning Imperative: SR category expiration requires immediate alternative pathway exploration for affected applicants
   
4. EB Categories Holding Gains: Employment-based categories maintaining January positions allows current applicants to complete processing and sets stage for April advancement
   
5. Diversity Visa On Track: DV-2026 progression continues healthily with 7 months remaining, though urgency increases for completing preparation
   
6. Quarterly Movements Drive Progress: For most categories, expect significant advancement only in October, January, April, and July, with mid-quarter months serving consolidation purposes
   

The strategic approach to the US visa bulletin requires understanding both the immediate month’s changes and the longer-term patterns. February 2026 Visa Bulletin demonstrates why monthly monitoring is essential, even “quiet” months provide important signals about case progression and upcoming opportunities.

Whether you’re experiencing the encouraging momentum of Mexican family preferences, managing the extended waits of Indian employment-based categories, navigating the religious worker transition, or tracking DV-2026 progress toward the September deadline, having expert guidance makes the difference between reactive confusion and proactive preparation.

At AgoraVisa, we’re committed to helping you understand not just what the numbers say, but what they mean for your specific situation and how to position yourself for success. The February 2026 Visa Bulletin may show modest changes, but within those numbers lie opportunities for strategic action and advancement toward your immigration goals. Book a clarity call today!