The March 2026 Visa Bulletin, issued by the U.S. Department of State, reflects measured advancement across several employment-based and family-sponsored categories. While certain classifications show forward movement early in Fiscal Year 2026, structural constraints within the Immigration and Nationality Act continue to shape long-term backlog dynamics.

Advancement at this stage of the fiscal year does not eliminate the possibility of retrogression later, particularly for high-demand countries. Below is a closer examination of where risk remains.

EB-1 China and India: Advancement with Caution

For March 2026, EB-1 is current for most countries. However, China and India stand on March 1, 2023.

While this represents forward progress compared to prior fiscal years, historical allocation patterns suggest that sustained demand in EB-1 may necessitate corrective retrogression later in FY-2026 if visa usage accelerates. Spillover from other employment-based categories can temporarily relieve pressure, but such adjustments are inherently unpredictable and dependent on overall fiscal-year demand.

EB-2 India: Continued Structural Stagnation

The EB-2 India Final Action Date remains at September 15, 2013.

This continued stagnation is not merely a function of temporary demand fluctuations but reflects the statutory per-country limitations imposed under INA §202. The 7% per-country cap continues to constrain allocation for high-demand countries such as India, resulting in extended waiting periods.

Absent legislative reform, meaningful acceleration in EB-2 India appears unlikely in the near term.

EB-3 India: Limited Distinction from EB-2

EB-3 India remains at November 15, 2013, closely aligned with EB-2 India.

This continued convergence reflects allocation balancing across preference categories and underscores the limited strategic advantage of interfiling between EB-2 and EB-3 for Indian nationals under current demand conditions.

Family-Based Backlogs: Persistent Long Queues

Significant backlogs remain in the family-sponsored categories.

For example:

• F4 Mexico remains at April 2001.
• F4 India remains in November 2006.

These extended queues illustrate the long-term structural impact of per-country limitations combined with annual numerical ceilings.

While certain categories, such as F2A, show moderate advancement, systemic backlogs in sibling and married-child categories continue to span decades for some countries.

Diversity Visa Allocation Reductions

The Diversity Visa (DV-2026) annual allocation has been reduced due to statutory adjustments under:

• Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act
• National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024

These reductions affect overall numerical availability and may influence regional cut-off patterns as the fiscal year progresses.

DV applicants should be mindful that entitlement to immigrant status expires at the end of the fiscal year and that numbers may be exhausted before September 30, 2026.

Early Fiscal Year Advancement Does Not Guarantee Stability

The Visa Bulletin notes that immigrant visa issuance rates have been influenced by broader administrative measures and fluctuating demand levels.

As we move further into FY-2026, several factors could necessitate adjustment:

• Increased demand in EB-1 China and India
• Continued high volume in employment-based filings
• Allocation balancing to remain within annual limits

Historically, advancement in the first half of a fiscal year has sometimes been followed by retrogression in the latter half when usage data becomes clearer.

Structural Observations

The March 2026 Bulletin reinforces several long-standing realities:

• Per-country limits remain the primary driver of disparity in wait times.
• Employment-based spillover dynamics offer temporary relief but lack predictability.
• Legislative reform would be required to materially alter backlog timelines for high-demand countries.

Until statutory allocation frameworks change, monthly fluctuations should be viewed within the broader context of annual numerical ceilings.

Conclusion

The March 2026 Visa Bulletin reflects incremental forward movement but does not signal structural relief for oversubscribed categories. Applicants and employers should remain attentive to allocation trends throughout the remainder of FY-2026, as visa usage levels may require recalibration of cut-off dates in the months ahead.

For case-specific analysis or strategic planning in light of current visa allocation trends, individuals and employers may contact our office for further consultation.

Disclaimer: This blog is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws, regulations, and adjudication practices are subject to change, and outcomes may vary based on individual case facts. Readers should consult qualified U.S. immigration counsel for legal advice specific to their matters.