The U.S. Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for March 2026, bringing notable forward movement in several employment based immigrant visa categories and expanded filing opportunities for many applicants.
✨ What’s New – Employment Based Focus
March shows continued advancement in key employment based categories, particularly EB-2 and EB-3.
• EB-1 remains current for most chargeability areas, continuing to offer stability for multinational managers, executives, extraordinary ability applicants, and outstanding researchers.
• EB-2 saw meaningful forward movement in both Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing. While India and China remain backlogged, incremental advancement is encouraging for long pending applicants. In several chargeability areas, EB 2 is current for filing.
• EB-3 also experienced forward movement in the Dates for Filing chart, potentially opening new adjustment of status eligibility for skilled workers and professionals.
📌 USCIS Filing Guidance for March 2026
USCIS confirmed that the Dates for Filing chart must be used for all employment based adjustment of status filings in March 2026.
This is significant. If your priority date is earlier than the listed Dates for Filing, you may be eligible to submit your I 485 application now, even if your Final Action Date is not yet current.
📌 Why This Matters for Employers and Employees
Filing an adjustment of status application can provide valuable interim benefits, including:
• Employment Authorization Document
• Advance Parole travel authorization
• Greater long term workforce stability
For employers managing PERM, EB-2, or EB-3 cases, this month’s movement may create new opportunities to move forward with pending green card cases.
✅ Next Steps
• Review your priority date against the March Dates for Filing chart.
• Prepare required documentation in advance.
• Consult with immigration our legal team to determine eligibility and strategy.
If you are already a client, our team will reach out if you become eligible to file. If you are not yet a client, we are happy to help guide you through your options! Reach out to our office to schedule a consultation.