The November Visa Bulletin brings significant forward movement in several family-sponsored categories, a three-month advance for EB-2 applicants from many countries, and further progress in EB-3.
The U.S. Department of State has released its November 2026 Visa Bulletin, bringing encouraging news for several groups of people waiting for employment-based and family-sponsored green cards.
The bulletin marks the second month of fiscal year 2027 and shows continued movement in several immigrant visa categories. For family-sponsored applicants, some priority dates have advanced by approximately one year compared with October. Employment-based applicants also see progress, particularly in EB-2, where the Final Action Date for applicants chargeable to most countries advances by three months.
EB-3 applicants also see modest forward movement in the Skilled Workers and Professionals category, while the Other Workers category advances by five months for applicants chargeable to most countries. Meanwhile, EB-1 remains Current for most countries, and several other employment-based categories retain their October dates.
These changes create new opportunities for some applicants to move closer to the next stage of their green card process. However, eligibility depends on the applicable immigration category, the applicant’s priority date, country of chargeability, and the relevant filing procedures.
Understanding the November 2026 Visa Bulletin
The U.S. Visa Bulletin is published monthly by the Department of State. It provides the dates used to determine when immigrant visa numbers are available for applicants in numerically limited family-sponsored and employment-based categories.
Two charts are particularly important.
Final Action Dates: These dates indicate when immigrant visa numbers may be authorized for eligible applicants. Generally, an applicant’s priority date must be earlier than the listed date for a visa number to be available. A category marked Current means there is no priority-date cutoff for qualified applicants in that category.
Dates for Filing: This chart identifies when eligible applicants may begin submitting documentation for immigrant visa processing through the National Visa Center. For people applying to adjust status from within the United States, this chart may also allow an earlier filing date when USCIS authorizes its use.
Applicants seeking adjustment of status must check the USCIS Visa Bulletin information page to confirm which chart applies for November. The Department of State’s bulletin alone does not establish that the Dates for Filing chart can be used for adjustment-of-status applications.
With these distinctions in mind, here is what changed in November and what applicants should know.
Family-Sponsored Categories
Family-sponsored preference categories cover several qualifying relationships, including unmarried adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, spouses and children of permanent residents, married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and siblings of adult U.S. citizens.
November brings substantial forward movement in several family-sponsored categories. The most significant changes appear in F1, F2B, F3, and F4 for applicants chargeable to countries not separately listed in the bulletin, China, and India. Several of these categories advance by approximately one year compared with October.
Final Action Dates: Family-Sponsored Categories
| Category | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Jan 22, 2021 | Jan 22, 2021 | Jan 22, 2021 | Sep 22, 2008 | Nov 1, 2013 |
| F2A | Oct 22, 2026 | Oct 22, 2026 | Oct 22, 2026 | Apr 22, 2026 | Oct 22, 2026 |
| F2B | Aug 22, 2020 | Aug 22, 2020 | Aug 22, 2020 | May 15, 2010 | Oct 1, 2013 |
| F3 | Oct 22, 2015 | Oct 22, 2015 | Oct 22, 2015 | Jul 15, 2001 | Jul 22, 2006 |
| F4 | Oct 22, 2012 | Oct 22, 2012 | Dec 15, 2006 | Apr 22, 2001 | May 15, 2008 |
F1, F2B, F3 and F4: Significant Forward Movement
For F1, which covers unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, the Final Action Date advances from January 22, 2020, in October to January 22, 2021, in November for applicants chargeable to the All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed column, China, and India.
F2B, which covers unmarried sons and daughters aged 21 or older of lawful permanent residents, also advances by approximately one year for these same groups, from August 22, 2019, to August 22, 2020.
The F3 category, covering married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, advances from October 22, 2014, to October 22, 2015. F4, which covers brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens, advances from October 22, 2011, to October 22, 2012, for applicants chargeable to the All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed column and China.
Mexico and the Philippines see less movement in these categories. Mexico’s F1 date advances by two weeks, while its F3 date moves forward by two weeks. The Philippines’ dates for these categories remain unchanged from October.
These differences illustrate why applicants should always check the column corresponding to their country of chargeability rather than relying on a general headline about movement.
F2A: Another Month of Progress
The F2A category covers spouses and children of lawful permanent residents. Its Final Action Date advances by one month, from September 22, 2026, to October 22, 2026, for applicants chargeable to most countries, China, India, and the Philippines.
Mexico’s F2A cutoff also advances by one month, from March 22, 2026, to April 22, 2026.
The bulletin also specifies that F2A numbers exempt from the per-country limit are available to applicants worldwide with priority dates earlier than April 22, 2026. Numbers subject to the per-country limit are available to applicants chargeable to countries other than Mexico with priority dates beginning April 22, 2026, and earlier than October 22, 2026. All F2A numbers allocated to Mexico are exempt from the per-country limit.
Dates for Filing: Family-Sponsored Categories
| Category | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Feb 1, 2021 | Feb 1, 2021 | Feb 1, 2021 | Dec 1, 2008 | Apr 22, 2015 |
| F2A | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| F2B | Sep 1, 2020 | Sep 1, 2020 | Sep 1, 2020 | Mar 22, 2011 | Oct 1, 2014 |
| F3 | Nov 1, 2015 | Nov 1, 2015 | Nov 1, 2015 | Dec 1, 2002 | Oct 22, 2006 |
| F4 | Nov 1, 2012 | Nov 1, 2012 | Feb 1, 2007 | Apr 30, 2001 | Mar 22, 2009 |
The Dates for Filing chart reflects similar advances in several categories. F1, F2B, F3, and F4 advance by approximately one year for applicants chargeable to the All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed column, China, and India.
F2A remains Current for every listed country. This means the Dates for Filing chart has no priority-date cutoff for that category. However, applicants filing for adjustment of status within the United States must confirm USCIS’s chart selection before relying on this date for filing.
For family-sponsored applicants, November brings meaningful progress, although applicants from Mexico and the Philippines continue to face different timelines in several categories.
Employment-Based Categories
The November employment-based bulletin brings further movement in several categories, particularly EB-2 and EB-3.
Compared with October, the EB-2 Final Action Date advances by three months for applicants chargeable to most countries, Mexico, and the Philippines. EB-3 Skilled Workers and Professionals advances by one month for applicants chargeable to most countries and Mexico. The Other Workers category advances by five months for those same groups.
EB-1 remains Current for most countries, while China sees a one-month advance. India’s EB-1 date remains unchanged.
Final Action Dates: Employment-Based Categories
| Category | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Current | Aug 1, 2023 | Feb 1, 2023 | Current | Current |
| EB-2 | Apr 1, 2025 | Oct 1, 2021 | Nov 1, 2013 | Apr 1, 2025 | Apr 1, 2025 |
| EB-3 Skilled/Professional | Jun 15, 2024 | Jan 22, 2022 | Jan 22, 2014 | Jun 15, 2024 | Aug 15, 2023 |
| EB-3 Other Workers | Jun 1, 2022 | Oct 1, 2019 | Jan 22, 2014 | Jun 1, 2022 | Jan 1, 2022 |
| EB-4 | Dec 15, 2022 | Dec 15, 2022 | Dec 15, 2022 | Dec 15, 2022 | Dec 15, 2022 |
| Certain Religious Workers | Dec 15, 2022 | Dec 15, 2022 | Dec 15, 2022 | Dec 15, 2022 | Dec 15, 2022 |
| EB-5 Unreserved | Current | Dec 1, 2016 | Dec 1, 2023 | Current | Current |
| EB-5 Rural Set-Aside | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-5 High Unemployment Set-Aside | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-5 Infrastructure Set-Aside | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
EB-1: Still Current for Most Countries
EB-1 remains Current for applicants chargeable to the All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed column, Mexico, and the Philippines. China’s Final Action Date advances from July 1, 2023, to August 1, 2023, while India’s cutoff remains February 1, 2023.
EB-1 includes priority workers, including individuals who may qualify under the extraordinary ability classification, EB-1A.
For eligible professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and other accomplished individuals considering EB-1A, the Current designation is an important indicator of visa-number availability. It does not, however, guarantee eligibility or approval. Applicants must still satisfy the requirements of the relevant immigrant category.
EB-2: A Three-Month Advance
EB-2 is one of the main highlights of the November bulletin.
For applicants chargeable to the All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed column, Mexico, and the Philippines, the Final Action Date advances from January 1, 2025, to April 1, 2025.
China’s date remains October 1, 2021, while India’s remains November 1, 2013.
This movement matters to professionals pursuing EB-2 pathways, including the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW), as well as qualifying applicants in the advanced-degree and exceptional-ability categories.
For applicants whose priority dates fall before April 1, 2025, and who otherwise meet the applicable requirements, the new cutoff may represent an important step forward in the immigrant visa process.
However, a favorable priority date alone does not establish eligibility for EB-2 NIW. Applicants must still meet the underlying classification requirements, including the relevant requirements for a national interest waiver when that route is pursued.
EB-3 Skilled Workers and Professionals: One Month Forward
The EB-3 Skilled Workers and Professionals category also advances in November.
For applicants chargeable to the All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed column and Mexico, the Final Action Date moves from May 15, 2024, to June 15, 2024.
China advances from January 8, 2022, to January 22, 2022. India moves from January 1, 2014, to January 22, 2014. The Philippines remains at August 15, 2023.
While these advances are more modest than the movement seen in some family-sponsored categories, they may bring certain applicants closer to visa availability.
EB-3 Other Workers: A Five-Month Advance
The Other Workers category makes a more substantial advance for applicants chargeable to most countries.
Its Final Action Date moves from January 1, 2022, in October to June 1, 2022, in November for applicants chargeable to the All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed column and Mexico.
India’s date advances from January 1, 2014, to January 22, 2014. China’s cutoff remains October 1, 2019, and the Philippines remains at January 1, 2022.
The movement is encouraging for eligible applicants in this category, but it should not be interpreted as a guarantee of continued progress in future bulletins. The Department of State establishes dates based on demand and the number of immigrant visas available.
EB-4 and Certain Religious Workers: No Change
The EB-4 Final Action Date remains December 15, 2022, for every listed chargeability area. The Certain Religious Workers category carries the same date.
Applicants in these categories should continue monitoring the monthly Visa Bulletin for further changes.
EB-5: Unreserved and Set-Aside Categories Remain Stable
The EB-5 Unreserved category remains Current for applicants chargeable to the All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed column, Mexico, and the Philippines.
China’s Final Action Date remains December 1, 2016, while India’s remains December 1, 2023.
The EB-5 Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure set-aside categories remain Current across all listed chargeability areas.
For investors considering EB-5, the Current designation indicates that there is no priority-date cutoff for visa-number availability in these set-aside categories at the time covered by the bulletin. Applicants must still satisfy the applicable program requirements.
Dates for Filing: Employment-Based Categories
| Category | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Current | Jul 1, 2024 | Jul 1, 2024 | Current | Current |
| EB-2 | Mar 15, 2026 | Jan 1, 2023 | Jan 15, 2015 | Mar 15, 2026 | Mar 15, 2026 |
| EB-3 Skilled/Professional | Aug 1, 2024 | Apr 1, 2024 | Jan 15, 2015 | Aug 1, 2024 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| EB-3 Other Workers | Jul 1, 2022 | Oct 1, 2020 | Jan 15, 2015 | Jul 1, 2022 | Jun 1, 2022 |
| EB-4 | Jan 1, 2025 | Jan 1, 2025 | Jan 1, 2025 | Jan 1, 2025 | Jan 1, 2025 |
| Certain Religious Workers | Jan 1, 2025 | Jan 1, 2025 | Jan 1, 2025 | Jan 1, 2025 | Jan 1, 2025 |
| EB-5 Unreserved | Current | Mar 1, 2021 | May 1, 2024 | Current | Current |
| EB-5 Rural Set-Aside | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-5 High Unemployment Set-Aside | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-5 Infrastructure Set-Aside | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
The Dates for Filing chart remains unchanged in most employment-based categories. The principal movement is in EB-3 Other Workers, where the date advances from June 1, 2022, to July 1, 2022, for applicants chargeable to the All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed column and Mexico.
The other listed countries retain their October dates in this category, and the EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 Skilled/Professional, EB-4, and EB-5 filing dates remain unchanged.
Applicants seeking adjustment of status should confirm USCIS’s November chart selection before relying on any Dates for Filing cutoff.
FY2027 Visa Limits and What They Mean
The November bulletin retains the statutory numerical limits listed at the beginning of fiscal year 2027.
The annual minimum for family-sponsored preference immigrants is 226,000, while the worldwide employment-based preference level is at least 140,000. The per-country limit is 25,620, and the dependent area limit is 7,320.
The Department of State allocates visa numbers according to priority dates and the availability of numbers in each category and chargeability area. Where demand exceeds the number of available visas, a category may become oversubscribed and a cutoff date applies.
This is why forward movement in one category does not necessarily mean the same progress will occur in another. Visa availability also remains subject to future adjustments as demand changes.
The November bulletin provides allocations based on demand received through October 5, 2026. Applicants should therefore treat the listed dates as the cutoffs for this month, not permanent predictions of future movement.
What to Watch in the Coming Months
The November Visa Bulletin brings encouraging changes for several groups of applicants.
Family-sponsored applicants in F1, F2B, F3, and F4 see substantial advances in certain chargeability areas, while F2A moves forward by one month. In the employment-based system, EB-2 advances three months for applicants chargeable to most countries, Mexico, and the Philippines. EB-3 Skilled Workers and Professionals moves forward by one month, and EB-3 Other Workers advances by five months in the same broad group.
EB-1 remains Current for most countries, while EB-4 and most EB-5 cutoff dates remain unchanged.
The key lesson is that Visa Bulletin movement is category-specific. An advance may create an opportunity for one applicant while another applicant with a different priority date or country of chargeability may still face a wait.
As FY2027 continues, applicants should monitor each new bulletin, compare their priority dates with the relevant cutoffs, and confirm the correct filing chart before taking action.
Planning Your U.S. Immigration Journey
Understanding the Visa Bulletin is an important part of planning for a U.S. employment-based green card, but it is only one part of the process.
For professionals exploring pathways such as EB-1A or EB-2 NIW, the right strategy begins with understanding the eligibility requirements, assessing the strength of the individual’s profile, and identifying the appropriate immigration route.
AgoraVisa helps skilled professionals and global talent understand their U.S. immigration options and prepare applications aligned with the requirements of their chosen pathway.
Explore your options at agoravisa.com or begin with a free eligibility assessment at eligibility.agoravisa.com.
Disclaimer
AgoraVisa is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or formal legal representation. This article is for general informational purposes and is based on the U.S. Department of State’s November 2026 Visa Bulletin. Visa availability, priority dates, filing procedures, and eligibility requirements can change. Nothing in this article guarantees visa eligibility, approval, or a particular processing timeline. For advice specific to your circumstances, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Source: U.S. Department of State, November 2026 Visa Bulletin.
