The February 2026 Visa Bulletin has been released by the Department of State, bringing important updates to priority dates that could significantly impact your immigration case. If you've been waiting for your family petition or employment-based green card application to move forward, this bulletin may contain good news for your situation.
What the Visa Bulletin Means for Your Case
The Visa Bulletin is published monthly and tells you when immigrant visas become available based on your priority date — the date your petition was filed. When your priority date becomes "current" (meaning it's earlier than the date listed in the bulletin), you can proceed to the next step of your immigration process.
For February 2026, several categories show forward movement, which means more people can now take action on their cases. This is particularly significant for applicants from countries with high demand like China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines, which often face longer waiting periods.
Key Updates for Family-Based Cases
The February bulletin shows notable changes in family-sponsored preference categories:
- F1 (Unmarried children of U.S. citizens): Priority dates remain at November 8, 2016 for most countries, with some variations for high-demand countries
- F2A (Spouses and children of permanent residents): Dates have moved to February 1, 2024 for most applicants
- F2B (Unmarried adult children of permanent residents): Shows movement to December 1, 2016
- F3 and F4 categories: Continue to show the significant backlogs typical for these family categories
If you're from Mexico or the Philippines, you may notice different dates due to per-country limitations that affect these high-demand countries.
Employment-Based Categories
While the provided bulletin excerpt focuses primarily on family cases, employment-based categories (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3) are equally important. The annual limit of at least 140,000 employment-based visas continues, with the same per-country limitations affecting applicants from China and India in particular.
If you have an employment-based petition pending, you should review both the "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing" charts to understand your options.
What You Should Do Now
Here are the immediate steps you should consider:
- Check your priority date: Compare your petition's priority date with the dates listed in the bulletin
- Determine which chart applies: USCIS will indicate on their website whether to use "Final Action Dates" or "Dates for Filing" for adjustment of status applications
- Gather documents: If your priority date is current or close to current, start preparing required documentation
- Consider your options: If you're eligible to file for adjustment of status, consult with an immigration attorney about timing and strategy
Remember that visa bulletin predictions can be unpredictable, and having legal guidance can help you navigate the process more effectively.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex, and individual circumstances can significantly affect your case outcome. If you have questions about how the February 2026 Visa Bulletin affects your specific situation, contact AKT LAW, LLC at (781) 488-0315 or book a consultation at aktimmigration.com. Our team serves Bengali and Hindi-speaking clients alongside English speakers, helping families navigate the immigration process successfully.