The USCIS visa bulletin July 2026 brings another difficult month for Indian green card applicants. The biggest pressure is on EB-1 India, EB-2 India, and EB-5 Unreserved India.
EB-1 India has moved backward again in the Final Action Dates chart. EB-2 India and EB-5 Unreserved India are unavailable through the end of fiscal year 2026.
India faces fresh pressure in employment-based categories
EB-1 India has moved back to October 15, 2022. That is a two-month backward move from the June date of December 15, 2022.
This means Indian applicants in EB-1 need a priority date earlier than October 15, 2022, for final action in July. The move reflects high demand before the fiscal year ends on September 30, 2026.
The State Department has warned that EB-1 India may move back again. The category may also become temporarily unavailable if visa numbers run out before September ends.
EB-2 India is unavailable in July. No final approvals can be issued in that category until new visa numbers become available.
EB-5 Unreserved India is also unavailable for the rest of fiscal year 2026. Pending adjustment applications may remain in process, but final approval depends on visa number availability.
The annual reset starts on October 1, 2026. That is when fiscal year 2027 begins, and new immigrant visa numbers become available.
China moves forward while EB-5 set-asides stay open
China saw stronger movement in several employment-based categories. EB-1 China advanced to June 1, 2023, while EB-3 China moved to December 22, 2021.
EB-5 Unreserved China also moved forward to December 1, 2016. That is a notable gain compared with the pressure seen in India-based categories.
The main opening remains in EB-5 set-aside categories. Rural, High Unemployment Area, and Infrastructure categories are current for all countries.
That includes India and China. For eligible investors, these categories remain one of the few employment-based routes still open for immediate visa number availability.
USCIS will use the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based adjustment filings in July. Applicants must have a priority date earlier than the listed date for their category and country.
For Indian professionals already in the United States, this creates a sharp divide. Traditional employment categories remain heavily backlogged, while EB-5 set-asides continue to offer a current path for eligible cases.
Applicants face a tight end to the fiscal year
The July bulletin shows how little room remains before the fiscal year closes. India’s employment-based demand continues to exceed available visa numbers in several categories.
EB-3 India remains at January 1, 2014. That keeps many applicants in a queue stretching back more than a decade.
For EB-1 India, the risk is not only delay. A further retrogression or temporary closure is still possible before September 30, 2026.
For EB-2 India and EB-5 Unreserved India, the position is already fixed for now. Final approvals must wait until the next fiscal year unless future visa availability changes.
The July Visa Bulletin also shows why set-aside demand is being watched closely. Current status does not mean future immunity from backlogs.
If more applicants move into those categories, future cutoff dates may still appear. For now, Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure set-asides remain current.
The USCIS visa bulletin July 2026 leaves Indian applicants with fewer open lanes before the fiscal year ends. For many families, the next real date to watch is October 1.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)-
Is EB-2 India available in the July 2026 Visa Bulletin?
No. EB-2 India is unavailable in the July 2026 Visa Bulletin. Final approvals cannot be issued until new visa numbers become available.
What is the EB-1 India final action date for July 2026?
The EB-1 India Final Action Date is October 15, 2022. Applicants need a priority date earlier than that date for final action in July.
Are EB-5 set-aside categories current in July 2026?
Yes. EB-5 Rural, High Unemployment Area, and Infrastructure categories are current for all countries. That includes India and China.
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