The U.S. Department of State recently released the March 2026 Visa Bulletin, which notes significant changes across several employment-based green card categories. In almost all categories, the filing dates have been advanced in some way, which is good news for foreign nationals and employers alike.

The Dates for Filing govern when a foreign national may submit an adjustment of status application to USCIS. To be eligible to file an employment-based adjustment application, foreign nationals must have a priority date that is earlier than the Date for Filing listed for their preference category and country.

Of significance, the Department of State, in its March Visa Bulletin, announced that EB-2 applications are now current in all countries except India and China. This means that applicants from almost every country may now submit an adjustment-of-status application to USCIS. This shift signals the clearing of a substantial backlog, as the filing dates advanced by 16 months. In India, the Dates for Filing will advance by 11 months to November 1, 2014. China’s Dates for Filing remain unchanged at January 1, 2022.

This change, especially for those seeking an EB-2 green card, gives many applicants the chance to submit adjustment of status applications earlier, apply for employment authorization, and seek advance parole travel documents while waiting for green card approval.

As we begin March, applicants and employers should confirm priority date eligibility using the Dates for Filing chart and coordinate with an immigration attorney to determine a filing strategy and preserve eligibility.