The May 2026 Visa Bulletin provides a warning to Indians applying for green cards under the EB-5 category.
The U.S. Department of State has released its May 2026 Visa Bulletin, with the dates unchanged but adding a warning specifically for the EB-5 green card category from India. “Sufficient demand and increased use in India for the EB-5 unreserved visa category may result in the need to postpone the final action date or prevent the class from retaining use within the maximum number allowed under the fiscal year 2026 annual limit. We will continue to monitor this situation and make any necessary adjustments accordingly,” the announcement said.
What is the EB-5 Program?
The EB-5 program allows foreigners to obtain green cards by investing and creating jobs in the United States. A person must create at least 10 jobs in the United States to qualify for the green card program. While this requires a significant investment in the United States, becoming a green card holder in the United States is an easier approach as no job offer or employer sponsorship is required. The current final action date for EB-5 in India is May 1, 2022, which means that only applicants with priority dates before that can now obtain green cards in this category. As India’s demand for the category continues to grow, the U.S. State Department has warned of possible backsliding or unavailability. The final action date for India’s EB-1 remains unchanged at April 1, 2023; the final action date for EB-2 is July 15, 2014; and the final action date for EB-3 is November 15, 2013.Most professionals apply for green cards in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, and their backlogs are long. EB-1 is for top talent and priority workers, while EB-2 is for professionals with advanced degrees. EB-3 is for skilled workers. In the April announcement, India’s EB-2 and EB-3 categories were significantly advanced, but the dates were frozen.
What is the US Visa Bulletin?
It shows monthly changes in various green card programs by country of birth. If your priority date is before the deadline, you are eligible for the next step in the green card process.
Final Action Date and Submission Date
The final action date determines when USCIS can approve your green card. The Date of Filing (DFF) determines when you can file your I-485 petition.Dates usually move forward each month, but are sometimes frozen and moved backward when demand exceeds supply.
