The U.S. Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for April 2026. If you’re waiting for a green card, this update helps you understand where your case stands and how much longer you may need to wait.

For this month, USCIS is using the “Dates for Filing” chart for both family-based and employment-based categories. That means some applicants may be eligible to move forward with their application sooner than expected, depending on their priority date.

Summary of Key Changes

Family-based categories saw strong forward movement this month. F-1 advanced by about six months across most countries, while F-2B and F-3 also moved forward. F-4 had smaller progress. The biggest update is F-2A, which is now current for all countries. This is a major shift for spouses and minor children of green card holders, as it may allow them to move forward right away.

Employment-based categories were more mixed. EB-1 and EB-2 stayed mostly the same, with slight movement in EB-2 for India. EB-3 moved forward, especially for India, and is now current for most other countries. EB-3 Other Workers saw small progress, while EB-4 and EB-5 did not change.

Overall, family-based categories saw more progress than employment-based categories this month.

Which Category Applies to You

The Visa Bulletin is divided into two main groups:

• Family-based categories, for individuals applying through a relative
• Employment-based categories, for individuals applying through work

Each category has its own wait time depending on demand and country of origin. This is why timelines can vary so much from one person to another.

Knowing which category you fall under is the first step in understanding where your case stands and how close you may be to moving forward.

Family-Based Green Card Backlogs

F-1: Unmarried Children (Age 21 and Older) of U.S. Citizens

F-2A: Spouses and Unmarried Children (Under Age 21) of U.S. Green Card Holders

F-2B: Unmarried Children (Age 21 or Older) of U.S. Green Card Holders

F-3: Married Children of U.S. Citizens

F-4: Siblings of U.S. Citizens

Employment-Based Green Card Backlogs

EB-1: Priority Workers (Extraordinary Ability, Researchers, Executives) 

EB-2: Advanced Degree Professionals and Exceptional Ability

EB-3: Skilled Workers and Professionals

EB-3: Other Worker

EB-4: Special Immigrants

EB-5: Immigrant Investors 

Need Help Understanding Your Timeline?

 Understanding the Visa Bulletin can be overwhelming, especially when timelines shift from month to month. If you’re unsure how these changes affect your case or when you may be eligible to move forward, getting clear, personalized guidance can make all the difference. 

 Our team at DeMine Immigration Law Firm can help you interpret your priority date, understand your category, and plan your next steps with confidence. 

Schedule a consultation  to speak with our team and get clarity on your immigration timeline.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and proposed legislation are subject to change. Please consult with a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.