Freshness tracker · USUnited States

Visa Bulletin retrogression continues for key employment-based categories

In force Residency

Through 2024–2026 the Visa Bulletin continued to reflect significant retrogression in employment-based categories — particularly EB-2 and EB-3 for India (current priority dates in the early-mid 2010s) and China. EB-5 set-aside categories (rural, high-unemployment) remain current for most nationalities. Movement is a function of annual demand versus the 140,000 employment-based annual limit and per-country 7% cap.

Who it affects

Employment-based green-card applicants in backlogged categories and countries.

Sources

Primary: US Department of State ↗

Verified 2026-04-19 · methodology · report a correction