The US Department of State has released the July 2026 Visa Bulletin, bringing major changes for Indian green card applicants. The bulletin makes the employment-based second preference (EB-2) category unavailable for India for the remainder of fiscal year 2026, retrogresses the employment-based first preference (EB-1) category, and closes the EB-5 unreserved category due to high demand. The State Department has also warned that additional retrogression or visa unavailability could occur in the coming months if annual limits are reached.For Indian applicants, the EB-1 final action date has moved back to October 15, 2022, from April 1, 2023 in the June bulletin. The EB-2 category is now unavailable, while the EB-3 category remains at January 1, 2014. The EB-5 unreserved category has also become unavailable for the rest of FY2026.ALSO READ: FIFA 2026: Hotel boom fails to kick off as overseas demand hit by migration rules, ticket prices, airfares“High demand and number use by aliens chargeable to India in the EB-1 visa category made it necessary to retrogress the final action date to hold number use within the FY 2026 annual limit,” the State Department said.The department expects movement to resume in October when new visa numbers become available, subject to demand and annual limits.The bulletin added that “further retrogression or making the category unavailable may be necessary in the coming months if India’s pro-rated limit in the EB-1 category is reached before the fiscal year ends.”Understanding the Visa BulletinUnderstanding the Visa Bulletin is crucial for individuals seeking Green Cards, as it provides vital information about the timeline for adjusting immigration status and eligibility based on application submission. The bulletin acts as a guide for the Green Card journey, featuring two essential sections.Dates for Filing: This section specifies the earliest date applicants can submit their adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications. It helps applicants determine when they can proceed with their filing based on their visa category and country of origin.Final Action Dates: These dates estimate the wait time for application approval, leading to permanent residency. They function as a queue based on visa category and nationality, indicating when applicants can expect their applications to be processed.ALSO READ: India's diaspora knows its growth story best. They must utlise GIFT City route to stay investedHowever, there's a crucial caveat for employment-based green card (EB) adjustments. To file in August 2025, applicants must have an application date preceding a specific date listed for their category and country in the bulletin, ensuring their eligibility for filing.The significance of final action dates lies in their role in application processing. These dates vary depending on the visa type and nationality, directly impacting the duration of the green card application process and potential wait times. Understanding and monitoring these dates is essential for individuals navigating the Green Card application process.Highlights from the July 2026 Visa BulletinThe Visa Bulletin outlines preference categories for family-sponsored immigrants, providing critical information for navigating the Green Card process. The categories are as follows:First Preference (F1): Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. CitizensSecond Preference (F2): Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent ResidentsF2A: Spouses and Children of Permanent ResidentsF2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent ResidentsThird Preference (F3): Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. CitizensFourth Preference (F4): Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. CitizensThe bulletin provides detailed insights into the allocation of immigrant visas, primarily based on priority dates and demand received by April 1st of each fiscal year. When demand surpasses the available visas in a particular category or country, that category is classified as oversubscribed. In such cases, the final action date for oversubscribed categories is determined by the priority date of the first applicant who couldn't be accommodated within the numerical limits.For the fiscal year, the limit for family-sponsored preference immigrants is set at 226,000, with specific allocations for each preference category. Additionally, there are per-country limits set at 7% of the total annual family-sponsored and employment-based preference limits. Immigrant visas are issued in order of priority based on the filing date of the petition.Spouses and children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status and consideration as the principal applicant. In instances where visa issuances surpass the per-country limit, visa prorating provisions come into effect for oversubscribed chargeability areas, including China (mainland born), India, Mexico, and the Philippines. These provisions ensure fair allocation of visas among applicants from different countries.Understanding these intricacies is crucial for individuals navigating the immigrant visa process. The Visa Bulletin serves as a vital tool, providing essential information about visa availability and processing times, helping applicants plan their immigration journey effectively.FAMILY-SPONSORED GREEN CARDS: FINAL ACTION DATESFamily- SponsoredINDIAF1February 1, 2018 (was September 1, 2017)F2AJanuary 1, 2025 (unchanged)F2BNovember 22, 2017 (was September 22, 2017)F3April 15, 2012 (was February 15, 2012)F4November 01, 2006 (unchanged)FAMILY-SPONSORED GREEN CARDS: DATES FOR FILINGFamily- SponsoredINDIAF1January 1, 2019 (was October 1, 2018)F2ACurrentF2BJune 8, 2018 (was March 22, 2018)F3December 8, 2012 (unchanged)F4December 15, 2006 (unchanged)Employment-based preferencesThe allocation of immigrant visas in the employment-based preference categories is structured to ensure a balanced distribution among various types of skilled and unskilled workers, professionals, and investors. Understanding these categories and their allocation percentages is crucial for individuals seeking employment-based immigrant visas.1. Priority Workers: This category receives 28.6% of the global employment-based preference level. It includes:Individuals with extraordinary abilities in their fieldOutstanding professors and researchersMultinational executives or managersAdditionally, any surplus numbers not used for the fourth and fifth preferences may also be allocated here.2. Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Individuals of Exceptional Ability: This category is also allotted 28.6% of the global employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required by the first preference. It covers:Individuals with advanced degreesIndividuals with exceptional abilities in their respective fields3. Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers: This category receives 28.6% of the worldwide level, along with any numbers not required by the first and second preferences. It includes:Skilled workers and professionals"Other Workers" performing unskilled labor, with a cap of 10,000 visas4. Certain Special Immigrants: This category is allocated 7.1% of the global level and includes:Religious workersCertain employees of U.S. foreign service postsIndividuals who have served in the U.S. armed forces5. Employment Creation: This category also receives 7.1% of the global level. It is further divided to ensure targeted investment and job creation:20% for qualified immigrants investing in rural areas10% for those investing in high unemployment areas2% for those investing in infrastructure projectsThe remaining 68% is unrestricted and available to all other eligible investorsThese employment-based preference categories are designed to attract a diverse pool of talented individuals to the United States, fostering economic growth and innovation. By understanding these allocation percentages and categories, applicants can better navigate the U.S. immigration system and plan their visa applications accordingly.EMPLOYMENT-BASED GREEN CARDS: FINAL ACTION DATESEmployment-basedINDIA1stOctober 15, 2022 (was December 15, 2022)2ndU3rdJanuary 1, 2014 (was December 15, 2013)Other WorkersJanuary 1, 2014 (was December 15, 2013)4thSeptember 15, 2022 ( was July 15, 2022)Certain Religious WorkersSeptember 15, 2022 (was July 15, 2022)5th Unreserved(including C5, T5, I5, R5)U5th Set Aside: Rural (20%)Current5th Set Aside: High Unemployment (10%)Current5th Set Aside: Infrastructure (2%)CurrentEMPLOYMENT-BASED GREEN CARDS: DATES FOR FILINGEmployment-basedINDIA1stDecember 1, 2023 (unchanged)2ndJanuary 15, 2015 (unchanged)3rdJanuary 15, 2015 (unchanged)Other WorkersJanuary 15, 2015 (unchanged)4thJanuary 1, 2023 (unchanged)Certain Religious WorkersJanuary 1, 2023 (unchanged)5th Unreserved(including C5, T5, I5, R5)May 1, 2024 (unchanged)5th Set Aside:(Rural - 20%)Current5th Set Aside:(High Unemployment - 10%)Current5th Set Aside:(Infrastructure - 2%)Current