March 2026 Visa Bulletin: Mexico and Philippines EB-2 is Now Current; EB-5 Availability Remains Stable

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The U.S. Department of State has released the March 2026 Visa Bulletin, showing overall stability in the EB-5 categories while key movements continue in other employment-based immigrant visa lines. This month’s bulletin confirms existing momentum, particularly for Indian applicants in EB-1 and EB-2, and continues to provide important planning guidance for EB-5 investors and those considering adjustment of status.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin

The Visa Bulletin is published monthly by the U.S. Department of State to outline immigrant visa availability. Two charts matter the most are:

Final Action Dates: when a visa can be issued or an adjustment of status (AOS) may be approved.
Dates for Filing: when applicants can submit immigrant visa paperwork (including I-485 for AOS).

Final Action Dates: March 2026

Source: U.S. Department of State, March 2026 Bulletin

Unreserved EB-5

All Other Countries: Current
China: Remain unchanged in August 15, 2016
India: Remain unchanged in May 1, 2022

Reserved Categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure)

All Current for every country

Final Action status unchanged from February, meaning there is no retrogression this month and visa availability remains stable.

Forward Final Action Dates for Pending EB-2 and EB-3 (India):

EB-2 Final Action Date Movement:

Month/Month: Advanced 2 months (July 2013 to September 2013)
Trailing 12 Months: Advanced 9 months (December 2012 to September 2013)

EB-3 Final Action Date Movement:

Month/Month: Unchanged (November 2013)
Trailing 12 Months: Advanced 9 Months (February 2013 to November 2013)

Dates for Filing: March 2026

Source: U.S. Department of State, March 2026 Bulletin

Unreserved EB-5

All Other Countries: Current
China: Advanced 2 Months (August 2016 to October 2016)
India: Remain unchanged in May 1, 2024

Reserved EB-5 Set-Aside Categories

All Current for every country

Movement for Pending EB-2 and EB-3 (India):

EB-2 Dates for Filling

Month/Month: Advanced 11 months (December 2013 to November 2014)
Trailing 12 Months: Advanced 22 months (January 2013 to November 2014)

EB-3 Dates for Filling

Month/Month: Unchanged (August 2014)
Trailing 12 Months: Advanced 14 Months (June 2013 to August 2014)

EB-2 – Significant Movement for Rest of World

The most notable movement in March is that EB-2 moved to “Current” on the Dates for Filing chart for Rest of the World, Mexico, and the Philippines.

On the Final Action chart, EB-2 for those same countries advanced significantly as well.

What “Current” Means

If EB-2 is “Current” on the Dates for Filing chart and USCIS continues to use that chart:

Eligible applicants inside the U.S. may file Form I-485 now.
Filing allows access to employment authorization (EAD) and advance parole.
Applicants gain greater flexibility while waiting for final approval.

However, the Visa Bulletin continues to warn that retrogression may occur if visa demand increases. Historically, sharp forward movement can lead to increased filings, which may later slow or reverse cutoff dates.

What This Means for EB-5 Investors

Predictable Stability Continues

Unchanged cutoff dates for both Final Action and Filing charts reflect a continued plateau rather than cuts, which is a positive signal. Reserved set-aside categories remain fully open worldwide, offering the most reliable path for many investors.

Unreserved EB-5 Remains Current for Most Countries

For countries outside China and India, unreserved visa numbers remain current at both filing and final action stages, meaning no backlog for these applicants.

India and China Waiting Times Hold Steady

Pre-RIA categories continue their existing dates, providing no setback but also no new acceleration this month, particularly in the unreserved EB-5 space.

USCIS Filing Chart Decision Matters

If USCIS confirms that it will use the Dates for Filing chart in March (as in prior months), eligible investors in the U.S. may proceed with I-485 filings even where the Final Action date is not yet current. This can unlock work authorization and travel flexibility while petitions are pending.

Important Context: Consular Processing Pause

As of January 2026, the State Department implemented an indefinite pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of approximately 75 countries.

For applicants processing abroad, even a current priority date does not result in visa issuance while the pause remains in effect.
For applicants already inside the U.S. in valid nonimmigrant status, adjustment of status filings remain open as of this writing.

This distinction is important for employment-based applicants assessing strategy.

What Investors Should Do Now

Track Priority Dates Carefully

For investors from China and India in EB-5 unreserved, knowing your priority date relative to current cutoffs is essential for visa timing expectations.

Use Reserved Category Opportunities

Set-aside categories remain the quickest route for many investors, particularly for avoiding potential future retrogression.

Final Takeaway

The March 2026 Visa Bulletin reflects stability in EB-5, but stability does not mean certainty.

Reserved categories remain current. China and India unreserved categories remain backlogged. Consular processing constraints add another layer of complexity.

In this environment, timing and structure matter more than ever. Investors who plan early and act strategically will be best positioned as demand continues to build.

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