The US State Department’s July 2026 Visa Bulletin has brought new setbacks for Indian applicants in the employment-based green card categories. It shows EB-2 and unreserved EB-5 visas as unavailable, while the EB-1 category for India has moved backward by two months due to high demand and limited visa numbers.

EB-1 India date moves back amid high demand

The Final Action Date for EB-1 (Employment-Based First Preference) India has been pushed back from December 15, 2022, in June to October 15, 2022, in July. This means only applicants with priority dates before October 15, 2022, can move forward for final approval. The State Department cited “high demand and number use” and warned that further retrogression or unavailability may occur before the fiscal year ends on September 30.

EB-2 category declared unavailable for Indians

The biggest setback is in the EB-2 category for Indian professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional skills. In July, it has been marked as “U” (unavailable), compared to September 1, 2013, in June. The State Department said India’s EB-2 quota for FY 2026 has been fully used.

As a result, no EB-2 visas will be issued to Indian applicants until new limits reset in FY 2027 starting October 1, 2026. “Due to high demand and number use by aliens chargeable to India in the EB-2 visa category, India’s pro-rated EB-2 limit was reached and the category is unavailable for the remainder of FY 2026.”

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EB-5 investor category also blocked

The unreserved EB-5 category for Indian investors has also been marked unavailable, down from May 1, 2022, in June. Officials said this category will remain unavailable for the rest of FY 2026 due to exhausted limits.

Mixed changes in Family-Sponsored categories

Family-based visa categories for Indians showed better movement. The F1 category advanced from September 2017 to February 2018, while F2B moved to November 2017. F3 also improved slightly, reaching April 2012. However, F2A remained unchanged at January 1, 2025, and F4 stayed at November 1, 2006.

What does it mean for Green Card applicants?

The bulletin highlights rising pressure on Indian applicants as per-country limits and annual caps continue to create long waiting periods. For Indian green card applicants, the July 2026 Visa Bulletin mainly means longer waits and no new approvals in some categories until October.

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