A Comprehensive Analysis of the Visa bulletin for March 2026
- Shan Potts
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
The release of the official Visa bulletin for March 2026 brings essential updates for immigrants worldwide. Whether you are petitioning to reunite with a family member or navigating the complex employment-based green card process, understanding the entirety of this month's data is critical. Unlike region-specific updates, this comprehensive review looks at the global picture, breaking down the exact priority dates for the Rest of the World (ROW), China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines.
Employment-Based Updates in the Visa bulletin for March 2026
For employment-based immigrants, the latest data shows a mix of steady progression and persistent, structural backlogs.
In the EB-1 category (Priority Workers), the Rest of the World (ROW), Mexico, and the Philippines remain Current (C), meaning visas are immediately available. However, China and India both face a Final Action Date of March 1, 2023.
The EB-2 category (Advanced Degree Professionals) reveals a Final Action Date of October 15, 2024, for ROW, Mexico, and the Philippines. China's EB-2 date stands at September 1, 2021, while India remains heavily backlogged at September 15, 2013.
For EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers, ROW and Mexico sit at October 1, 2023, with the Philippines slightly behind at August 1, 2023. China’s EB-3 date is May 1, 2021, and India's is November 15, 2013.
Finally, EB-5 immigrant investors will note an important divide. While all targeted employment area set-asides (Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure) remain Current across the board, the Unreserved EB-5 category shows backlogs for China (August 15, 2016) and India (May 1, 2022), with ROW remaining Current.
Family-Sponsored Shifts in the Visa bulletin for March 2026
The family-sponsored preference categories continue to experience extended wait times globally due to high demand and strict annual caps. In the F1 category (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens), the Final Action Date for ROW, China, and India is November 8, 2016. Mexico is backed up to December 22, 2006, and the Philippines sits at March 1, 2013.
The F2A category (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents) shows a uniform date of February 1, 2024, for most of the world, though Mexico is held back slightly to February 1, 2023. For F2B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents), the global date for ROW, China, and India is December 1, 2016.
The F3 and F4 categories remain significantly delayed. For example, the F4 category (Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens) for ROW and China is at January 8, 2008. India is even further back at November 1, 2006, and the Philippines is at September 1, 2006.
Strategic Takeaways from the Visa bulletin for March 2026
Analyzing the full scope of the Visa bulletin for March 2026 highlights the vital importance of proactive, precise immigration planning. Applicants must carefully monitor both the Final Action Dates chart (which dictates when a green card can actually be issued) and the Dates for Filing chart (which indicates when you can submit your paperwork).
Each month, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announces which of these two charts governs Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) filings. If your priority date becomes current under the applicable chart, it is imperative to file your application immediately. Filing promptly secures your place in line and allows you to obtain interim benefits like travel documents and work authorization.
Because priority dates can move forward or retrogress without warning, missing a filing window can lead to years of additional waiting. Ensure your documents are prepared so you can act the moment you become eligible.
Do not let a brief filing window pass you by. If your category is current in the Visa bulletin for March 2026, contact Shan Potts Law Offices immediately to initiate your Adjustment of Status and secure your U.S. permanent residency.
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