April 2026 Green Card Bulletin: EB-2 Goes Current for the First Time in Years

The April 2026 Visa Bulletin just dropped, and it's historic. For the first time in years, the EB-2 category — the most common employment-based green card path for professionals with advanced degrees — has gone "current" for Rest of World, Mexico, and the Philippines.

If you've been stuck in the green card queue, this might be your window.

Key Takeaways

1. EB-2 is CURRENT for Rest of World, Mexico, and Philippines — file immediately
2. EB-2 India advanced 335 days — largest jump in years, but still backlogged
3. EB-3 saw 244-day advancement for Rest of World and Mexico went current
4. Family F-1 advanced ~6 months across most countries
5. This may be temporary — retrogression is possible later in fiscal year 2026
6. Act fast — if you're eligible, don't wait for the May bulletin
7. The forward movement is partly caused by the 75-country visa freeze reducing pipeline demand

Last updated: April 7, 2026

What Does "Current" Mean?

When a visa category is "current," there is no waiting list. If your I-140 petition is approved and you meet all other requirements, you can immediately file for adjustment of status (I-485) or proceed with consular processing. No more watching monthly bulletin dates inch forward.

What Changed in April 2026?

Why Is This Happening?

Two factors are driving this historic movement:

1. The 75-country visa freeze

The Trump administration's suspension of immigrant visas for 75 countries has reduced demand in the pipeline. With fewer applicants from affected countries processing their visas, the queue has shortened for everyone else.

2. Fiscal year visa number availability

We're in the second half of fiscal year 2026 (which runs October 2025 – September 2026). Unused visa numbers from the first half are being redistributed, creating temporary surplus capacity.

Should You Act Now?

Yes — but with caution. The State Department has explicitly warned that this forward movement may be temporary. If demand picks up or the 75-country freeze is lifted, dates could retrogress (move backward) later in the fiscal year.

If you're EB-2 from Rest of World, Mexico, or Philippines:

• File your I-485 adjustment of status immediately if you haven't already
• If you're doing consular processing, contact your embassy/consulate to schedule your interview
• Don't wait for next month's bulletin — current status can retrogress

If you're EB-2 from India:

• Your dates advanced 335 days — the largest single-month jump in recent memory
• Still not current, but the trend is strongly positive
• Make sure your I-140 is approved and ready to go

If you're EB-3:

• Rest of World and Mexico are now current
• 244-day advancement for others — check your specific priority date

How Does This Affect Expats Already Abroad?

If you're an American expat with a spouse or family member waiting for a green card, this bulletin is significant. Family-sponsored categories also saw broad forward movement, with F-1 advancing about 6 months.

For those considering moving to the US, the EB-2 current status removes one of the biggest barriers — the years-long wait for visa availability.

What's the Catch?

The State Department's official language includes a clear warning: this movement is partly due to the immigrant visa processing pause, and "additional demand and future policy shifts could necessitate retrogression."

Translation: enjoy it while it lasts, but don't assume it's permanent.

Filing Rules for April

For both family-based and employment-based categories, applicants should use the "Dates for Filing" chart (not "Final Action Dates") when determining if they can file.