March 2026 Visa Bulletin: Major Forward Movement for EB-1 and EB-2 Categories

The release of the March 2026 Visa Bulletin marks a significant inflection point for corporate immigration strategy and regulatory compliance in the United States. After periods of relative stagnation and retrogression that have plagued the employment-based immigration system, the latest data from the U.S. Department of State indicates a robust effort to maximize visa utilization for the 2026 fiscal year. The most consequential development is the decision by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to accept adjustment of status filings based on the Dates for Filing chart. This procedural choice is a strategic boon for both employers and foreign nationals, as it allows for the submission of I-485 applications well before a green card is actually available, triggering eligibility for interim benefits such as Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and Advance Parole travel permits.

In the EB-1 category, which is reserved for priority workers including researchers and multinational executives, both China and India saw a substantial four-month advancement to December 1, 2023, in the Dates for Filing chart. This movement is particularly noteworthy given the high demand in these corridors. For legal departments and RegTech providers, this creates an immediate administrative surge. The ability for these high-value employees to file for adjustment of status provides them with "portability" under the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act (AC21), allowing them to change employers after 180 days without restarting the green card process. This increased mobility is a double-edged sword for HR departments, offering talent flexibility while simultaneously increasing the risk of attrition in a competitive labor market.

Perhaps the most dramatic shift occurred in the EB-2 category for advanced degree professionals. While China remained stationary at January 1, 2022, Indian applicants saw a massive 11-month jump to November 1, 2014, in the Dates for Filing. Even more significant for global talent acquisition is that the "Rest of World" (ROW) category, including Mexico and the Philippines, has become "Current." This means that any eligible foreign national from these regions with a certified PERM and approved I-140 can immediately file for adjustment of status. This return to "Current" status for the majority of the world in EB-2 is a strong signal that the Department of State is attempting to clear backlogs that accumulated during the post-pandemic administrative crunch.