November 2026 Visa Bulletin Advances EB-2/EB-3; Filing Chart Applies

The November 2026 Visa Bulletin brings forward movement in several employment-based green card categories, including EB-2 for most countries and EB-3 for China, India, and most other countries. The U.S. Department of State released the bulletin on October 22, 2026.

USCIS has also confirmed that both employment-based and family-sponsored adjustment-of-status applicants may use the Dates for Filing chart in November. This means some eligible applicants can submit Form I-485 before their priority dates become current for final approval. (travel.state.gov)

Major Employment-Based Changes for November 2026

The most significant movement appears in the Final Action Dates chart. A Final Action Date determines when an immigrant visa can be issued or USCIS can approve an adjustment-of-status application.

China EB-1 advances by one month. EB-2 for most countries, Mexico, and the Philippines advances by three months, while China EB-2 remains at October 1, 2021, and India EB-2 remains at November 1, 2013.

India EB-3 advances by 21 days, and China EB-3 advances by two weeks. The Philippines EB-3 Final Action Date remains August 15, 2023. Employment-based Final Action Dates did not move backward in November. (travel.state.gov)

USCIS Will Use the Dates for Filing Chart in November

USCIS has designated the Dates for Filing chart for all employment-based preference categories in November 2026. The principal filing dates for EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 remain unchanged from October:

The EB-3 Other Workers filing date advances from June 1, 2022, to July 1, 2022, for applicants in the “All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed” column and Mexico. The other major employment-based filing dates remain unchanged.

An applicant’s priority date generally must be earlier than—not equal to—the applicable cutoff date. Applicants should confirm their category, priority date, country of chargeability, and overall adjustment eligibility before filing.

For a more detailed overview of filing preparation, see Day1CPT.org’s employment-based Form I-485 document checklist. (travel.state.gov)

What This Means for F-1, OPT, and H-1B Workers

The November bulletin may affect international students and professionals in two different ways.

First, applicants whose priority dates were already eligible under the October Dates for Filing chart generally retain that filing opportunity in November. Because most EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 filing dates did not change, November does not create many new Form I-485 filing opportunities outside the EB-3 Other Workers category.

Second, the Final Action Date advances may allow USCIS to approve some pending cases. For example, a qualifying EB-2 applicant from a country covered by the general cutoff could become eligible for final action if the applicant’s priority date falls between January 1 and April 1, 2025.

Submitting Form I-485 does not guarantee immediate approval or automatically authorize employment. Applicants must continue to rely on valid work authorization—such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM OPT, H-1B status, or an adjustment-based employment authorization document—before working.

F-1 students should be especially careful about travel, visa applications, nonimmigrant intent, and continued status compliance after filing an immigrant adjustment application. These issues can depend on the individual’s immigration history and should be reviewed with a qualified attorney when necessary.

Readers can also compare the new figures with Day1CPT.org’s October 2026 Visa Bulletin analysis.

Family-Based Categories Also Move Forward

The November bulletin includes substantial advances in several family-sponsored Final Action Dates.

The F2A category for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of permanent residents advances to October 22, 2026, for most countries. Mexico advances to April 22, 2026. The F2A Dates for Filing category is current for all countries.

The F2B Final Action Date advances by one year, to August 22, 2020, for most countries, including China and India. Mexico remains at May 15, 2010, while the Philippines remains at October 1, 2013.

USCIS has authorized family-sponsored applicants to use the November Dates for Filing chart, but being listed as current or having an earlier priority date does not by itself establish eligibility to file Form I-485. (travel.state.gov)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which chart should employment-based applicants use in November 2026?

Employment-based adjustment-of-status applicants may use the Dates for Filing chart in November 2026. The Final Action Dates chart still controls when USCIS can approve a pending Form I-485 and grant permanent residence.

Did India EB-2 advance in the November Visa Bulletin?

No. India EB-2 remains at November 1, 2013, under the Final Action Dates chart and January 15, 2015, under the Dates for Filing chart.

Did India EB-3 move forward?

Yes. India EB-3 advances from January 1, 2014, to January 22, 2014, under the Final Action Dates chart. Its Dates for Filing cutoff remains January 15, 2015.

Can filing Form I-485 replace my OPT or H-1B work authorization?

No. Merely filing Form I-485 does not authorize employment. An applicant must have another valid form of employment authorization, such as OPT, STEM OPT, H-1B status, or an approved Form I-765 employment authorization document.

Does a current priority date guarantee green card approval?

No. A current priority date makes visa-number allocation or final action possible, but USCIS must still determine that the applicant satisfies all adjustment-of-status and green card eligibility requirements.

Sources:

• U.S. Department of State — November 2026 Visa Bulletin PDF
• USCIS — Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin
• U.S. Department of State — October 2026 Visa Bulletin PDF
• Murthy Law Firm — November 2026 Visa Bulletin