The Visa Bulletin May 2026 comes with a caution for Indians applying for green cards in the EB-5 category.
The US State Department published a visa bulletin for May 2026 with much change in dates, but added a note of caution specifically for the EB-5 green card category from India. “Substantial demand by India and utilization of the increased numbers in the EB-5 unreserved visa categories may make it necessary to push back the final action date or make the category unavailable to maintain utilization of the maximum permitted number under the FY 2026 annual limit. This situation will be continuously monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly,” the bulletin said.
What is the EB-5 program?
The EB-5 program allows foreigners to obtain green cards by investing money and creating jobs in the US. To qualify for this green card program one must create at least 10 jobs in the US. Although it requires a large amount of investment in the US, it is an easy way to become a green card holder in the US as no job offer or employer sponsorship is required. The current final action date for EB-5 for India is May 1, 2022, which means only applicants with a priority date before that can now obtain a green card in this category. As demand for this category from India continues to grow, the State Department has warned about possible retrogrades or unavailability. For India, the final action date for EB-1 remains unchanged at April 1, 2023, for EB-2 it is July 15, 2014, and for EB-3 it is November 15, 2013.Most professionals apply for green cards in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories and they have very long backlogs. EB-1 is for top-tier talent and priority workers while EB-2 is for professionals holding advanced degrees. EB-3 is for skilled workers. In the April Bulletin, the EB-2 and EB-3 categories for India moved forward significantly, but the dates remain stuck.
What is US Visa Bulletin?
This is the monthly circulation of each category of green card programs by country of birth. If your priority date is before the cutoff, you are eligible to take the next step in the green card process.
Last action date vs filing date
The final action date determines when USCIS can approve your green card. The due date for filing (DFF) determines when you can submit your I-485 application.The dates usually get moved forward every month but sometimes they stop and when demand exceeds supply, they get pushed back.