The US Department of State has issued a Visa Bulletin for April 2026 listing the availability of immigrant visa numbers in both the “Final Action Dates” and “Application Dates”. The applicant bulletin will indicate when they can proceed with visa processing or adjustment of status.
How visa allocation works
Visas are allocated based on priority dates in chronological order and reflect demand reported by March 4, 2026. When demand exceeds available visas, categories are marked “oversubscribed” and cut-off dates are imposed. Applicants with priority dates after these dates must wait until visas are available.
Annual visa limits for FY2026
For fiscal year 2026, family immigrant visas are capped at 226,000 worldwide under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Work visas have a minimum annual limit of 140,000.
In addition, country-specific caps are set at 7% of the total – equivalent to 25,620 visas – while dependent territories are limited to 2%, or 7,320 visas.
Countries with over-subscription
The bulletin highlights continued strong demand from countries such as India, China (mainland), Mexico and the Philippines. These countries remain over-registered, meaning applicants may face longer waiting times due to limited visa availability.
US Visa Categories Explained: Family and Employment-Based Preference
The U.S. Department of State outlines detailed family-sponsored and employment-based preference immigrant visa categories governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act. These categories determine how visas are distributed among eligible applicants each year.
Family sponsored visa preference
Family-based immigration remains the cornerstone of the US immigration system, with visas allocated into four key categories based on family relationships.
F1: Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens
This category is allocated 23,400 visas annually, together with any unused visas from the fourth preference category.
F2: Families with permanent residence
The second preference category will receive 114,200 visas plus any surplus from the global cap and unused F1 visas. It is divided into two subgroups:
F2A: Spouses and children of permanent residents receive 77% of this quota, with 75% exempt from country-specific limits.
F2B: Unmarried adult children (21 and over) with permanent residency receive the remaining 23%.
F3: Married sons and daughters of US citizens
This category is allocated 23,400 visas annually, together with any unused visas from the first and second preference groups.
F4: Siblings of adult US citizens
The fourth preference category provides 65,000 visas per year plus any unused visas from the other family categories.
Employment-based visa preferences
Employment-based immigration is structured into five preference categories, each receiving a certain percentage of the total annual quota.
This category will receive 28.6% of the total number of work visas, along with any unused visas from EB-4 and EB-5. It includes individuals of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and multinational managers.
EB-2: Advanced Professionals
This category, also allocated 28.6%, includes professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability with access to unused EB-1 visas when available.
EB-3: Skilled Workers and Professionals
Another 28.6% is allocated to skilled workers, professionals and some unskilled workers. However, a maximum of 10,000 visas are reserved for “other workers”.
This category receives 7.1% of the total quota and includes specific groups such as religious workers and some international employees.
The EB-5 category also receives 7.1% of visas, with 32% reserved for targeted investments:
-10% for areas with high unemployment
-2% for infrastructure projects
-The remaining 68% is unreserved and available to other eligible investors.
DEADLINES FOR FAMILY SPONSORED PREFERENCE CASES
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DEADLINES FOR FAMILY SPONSORED VISA APPLICATIONS
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FINAL ACTION DATES FOR EMPLOYEE PREFERENCE CASES
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EMPLOYEE VISA APPLICATION DEADLINES
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