The U.S. Department of State has released the official Visa Bulletin for May 2026. This monthly update is a critical resource for anyone tracking green card progress across family sponsored, employment based, and diversity visa categories.
If you are waiting for a green card, preparing to file for adjustment of status, or monitoring your priority date, this guide breaks down the May 2026 Visa Bulletin into clear and practical insights so you can plan your next step with confidence.
How to Read the May 2026 Visa Bulletin
The visa bulletin includes two key charts that determine your eligibility to move forward in the immigration process.
Final Action Dates
This is the date your priority date must be earlier than for a visa number to be issued or for your adjustment of status to be approved.
Dates for Filing
This is an earlier date that allows you to submit documents to the National Visa Center or file for adjustment of status even if a visa number is not yet available.
The bulletin tracks demand across oversubscribed countries including China mainland born, India, Mexico, and the Philippines. All other countries are grouped under All Chargeability Areas.
Family Sponsored Preference Visa Categories for May 2026
The total number of family sponsored visas available in fiscal year 2026 is 226000. Below are the Final Action Dates for May 2026.
Final Action Dates – Family-Sponsored Categories
| Category | All Areas | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| F1 – Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens | 01 Sep 2017 | 01 Sep 2017 | 01 Sep 2017 | 15 Aug 2007 | 01 May 2013 |
| F2A – Spouses/Children of Permanent Residents | 01 Aug 2024 | 01 Aug 2024 | 01 Aug 2024 | 01 Aug 2023 | 01 Aug 2024 |
| F2B – Unmarried Adult Sons/Daughters of LPRs | 22 May 2017 | 22 May 2017 | 22 May 2017 | 15 Feb 2009 | 08 Apr 2013 |
| F3 – Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens | 15 Feb 2012 | 15 Feb 2012 | 15 Feb 2012 | 01 May 2001 | 22 Nov 2005 |
| F4 – Brothers/Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens | 15 Sep 2008 | 15 Sep 2008 | 01 Nov 2006 | 08 Apr 2001 | 15 Jul 2007 |
Key Insight for Family Categories
The F2A category remains one of the most favorable options in May 2026. With most countries current to August 2024, applicants in this category should act quickly and prepare documentation early.
Important F2A Notes
Applicants with priority dates before 01 AUG 2023 are exempt from per country limits.
Applicants with priority dates between 01 AUG 2023 and 01 AUG 2024 are subject to limits except for Mexico.
All Mexico F2A numbers remain exempt from per country limits.
Employment Based Preference Visa Categories for May 2026
The worldwide employment based visa limit for fiscal year 2026 is at least 140000. The per country cap is approximately 25620 visas.
Final Action Dates – Employment-Based Categories
| Category | All Areas | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| EB-1 Priority Workers | Current | 01 Apr 2023 | 01 Apr 2023 | Current | Current |
| EB-2 Advanced Degrees/Exceptional Ability | Current | 01 Sep 2021 | 15 Jul 2014 | Current | Current |
| EB-3 Skilled Workers/Professionals | 01 Jun 2024 | 15 Jun 2021 | 15 Nov 2013 | 01 Jun 2024 | 01 Aug 2023 |
| EB-3 Other Workers | 01 Feb 2022 | 01 Feb 2019 | 15 Nov 2013 | 01 Feb 2022 | 01 Nov 2021 |
| EB-4 Special Immigrants | 15 Jul 2022 | 15 Jul 2022 | 15 Jul 2022 | 15 Jul 2022 | 15 Jul 2022 |
| EB-5 Unreserved | Current | 22 Sep 2016 | 01 May 2022 | Current | Current |
| EB-5 Rural Set-Aside (20%) | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-5 High Unemployment Set-Aside (10%) | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-5 Infrastructure Set-Aside (2%) | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
Key Insight for Employment Categories
EB1 remains current for most countries, making it one of the strongest pathways for priority workers. India born EB2 applicants continue to face long delays, which makes EB1A and National Interest Waiver strategies increasingly important.
Notable Employment Trends in May 2026
- EB1 continues to present strong opportunities for qualified professionals, especially outside China and India.
- EB2 shows significant backlog for India, with priority dates more than ten years behind.
- EB3 remains steady for most countries but continues to lag for India and China.
- EB5 set aside categories remain fully current, creating a rare opportunity for investors across all regions.
Important Update for EB5 India Applicants
The State Department has indicated that rising demand from India in EB5 unreserved categories could lead to retrogression or temporary unavailability later in fiscal year 2026. Applicants should act quickly and seek guidance to avoid delays.
Diversity Visa Program for May 2026
The Diversity Visa program offers up to 55000 visas annually, reduced to approximately 52000 for fiscal year 2026 due to legislative adjustments.
DV 2026 Cut Off Numbers for May
| Region | Cut-Off Number | Exceptions |
| Africa | 55,000 | Algeria: 37,000 | Egypt: 30,000 |
| Asia | 35,000 | Nepal: 10,000 |
| Europe | 20,000 | None |
| North America (Bahamas) | 50 | None |
| Oceania | 1,500 | None |
| South America & Caribbean | 3,000 | None |
Important Deadline
All DV 2026 visas must be issued by September 30 2026. Eligibility does not carry over beyond this date, so applicants should complete processing as early as possible.
DV Cut-Off Numbers for June 2026 (Preview)
- Africa: 55,000 (Except Algeria: 37,000 | Egypt: 30,000)
- Asia: 35,000 (Except Nepal: 11,000)
- Europe: 20,000
- North America (Bahamas): 50
- Oceania: 1,500
- South America & Caribbean: 3,000
Government Actions and Visa Availability
Recent U.S. government actions related to national security and public safety have impacted visa issuance rates for certain countries. This has allowed more visa numbers to be redistributed to applicants from other regions, resulting in forward movement in several categories.
However, there is a strong possibility of retrogression later in the fiscal year as demand increases. Monitoring the visa bulletin monthly is essential.
Special Immigrant Visa Update
Recent legislation may affect certain U.S. government employees abroad applying for Special Immigrant Visas. This does not apply to Iraqi or Afghan SIV applicants. Affected individuals should contact the appropriate consular office for guidance.
Your May 2026 Visa Bulletin Action Plan
- Check your priority date against Final Action Dates for your category.
- Confirm which chart USCIS is using for adjustment of status filings.
- Prepare documents early if your date is current or close.
- EB5 set aside investors should consider filing immediately while categories remain current.
- India born EB5 unreserved applicants should act quickly due to potential retrogression.
- DV 2026 winners must complete processing before September 30 2026.
- Review the impact of recent policy changes with a qualified immigration professional.
Take the Next Step with Confidence
Understanding the visa bulletin is one thing. Acting on it strategically is another.
AgoraVisa helps professionals and families interpret priority dates, evaluate options, and prepare strong applications with clarity and confidence.
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