The U.S. Department of State has issued a visa bulletin for January 2026 that lists updated priority dates for immigrant family and employment visa categories.
The monthly bulletin outlines the availability of immigrant visa numbers for January through two key charts – “Final Action Dates” and “Application Dates” – which show when applicants can proceed with visa approval or begin compiling and submitting the required documentation to the National Visa Center.
Unless otherwise noted on the USCIS website (USCIS), individuals who wish to file an adjustment of status application with USCIS must use the “Final Action Dates” tables to determine when they can file such applications, the State Department said.
Is there a limit on the granting of immigrant visas?
The visa bulletin says the annual cap for family-based immigrant visas in fiscal year 2026 is 226,000, while the global level of employment-based immigrants is at least 140,000.
Additionally, under US immigration law, no country can receive more than 7% of the total number of family-sponsored and employment visas in a year, which is about 25,620 visas. Dependent territories are limited to 2%, or 7,320 visas.
Dates of final events for family preference class for Indian applicants
(F1) Illegitimate sons and daughters of US citizens: November 8, 2016
(F2A) Spouses and children of permanent residents: 1 February 2024
(F2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (aged 21 or older) with permanent residence: 1 December 2016
(F3) Married sons and daughters of US citizens: September 8, 2011
(F4) Brothers and sisters of adult US citizens: November 1, 2006
Note: If your final date in the bulletin is earlier than the last action date, it means your immigrant visa may be approved (if you are outside the US) or your green card application may be approved (if you are in the US).
Term table
Family visa application deadlines for Indian applicants
(F1): 1 September 2017
Note: Dates represent when a US citizen or permanent resident relative filed an application on behalf of the applicant. If your priority date is earlier than the date listed, you can start filing. However, if it is later, you have to wait.
Term table
Latest promotional dates for employment visas
First: (Priority Workers): February 1, 2023
Second: (Members of Professions with Higher Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability) – July 15, 2013
Third: (Skilled Workers, Professionals and Other Workers) – November 15, 2013
Fourth: (Certain Special Immigrant) – January 1, 2021
Some religious workers — January 1, 2021
Fifth: (Job Creation) – May 1, 2022
Note: If your final date in the bulletin is earlier than the last action date, it means your immigrant visa may be approved (if you are outside the US) or your green card application may be approved (if you are in the US).
Term table
Submission deadlines for Indian applicants
First (EB-1): August 15, 2023
Second (EB-2): December 1, 2013
Third (EB-3): August 15, 2014
Fourth (EB-4): March 15, 2021
Some religious workers: March 15, 2021
Note: Dates represent when the applicant submitted their visa application. If your priority date is earlier than the date listed, you can start filing. However, if it is later, you have to wait.
Term Table
