April 2026 Visa Bulletin: Significant Advancements Across Family-Based Categories

The April 2026 Visa Bulletin brings major forward movement across several family-based green card categories. This is one of the more active months in recent updates, with meaningful progress in both the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing charts.

If you or your family member has been waiting for a priority date to become current, this update could significantly impact your case.

What Changed in the April 2026 Visa Bulletin?

Final Action Dates:

• F1: Advanced 5 months, 23 days

  
  

• F2A: No change

  
  

• F2B: Advanced 5 months, 21 days

  
  

• F3: Advanced 3 months, 14 days

  
  

• F4: Advanced 5 months

Dates for Filing:

• F1: Advanced 6 months

  
  

• F2A: Now Current, being marked as Current means applicants in this category can move forward without waiting for a cutoff date.

  
  

• F2B: Advanced 4 months, 24 days

  
  

• F3: Advanced 4 months

  
  

• F4: Advanced 2 months, 14 days

What Are the Family-Based Preference Categories?

Family-based green cards are divided into preference categories based on the relationship between the petitioner and the applicant:

• F1 – Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of U.S. citizens

• F2A – Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents

• F2B – Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of lawful permanent residents

• F3 – Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens

• F4 – Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens

Each category has yearly visa limits, and depending on the country of birth, the wait can be many years. The Visa Bulletin tells you when your case can move forward.

The Two Key Charts in the Visa Bulletin

The Visa Bulletin has two main charts for family-sponsored cases:

1. Final Action Dates – This chart shows when a green card (visa number) is actually available. If your priority date is earlier than the date in this chart, your case is ready for final processing — for example, a visa interview at a U.S. consulate abroad or green card approval if you’re in the U.S.

2. Dates for Filing – This chart is used to determine when you can submit your documents to the National Visa Center (for consular processing) or file your Adjustment of Status application (if USCIS allows it for that month). This is often earlier than the Final Action Date, allowing you to prepare in advance so your case can be decided quickly once your Final Action Date becomes current.

How to Read the Visa Bulletin

If you have a pending family-based petition, follow these steps to see how the update affects you:

1. Find your priority date This is the date USCIS received your I-130 petition, shown on your receipt notice.

2. Check your category and country of chargeability Use the Family-Sponsored Preferences chart in the Visa Bulletin.

3. Compare your priority date

• If your date is earlier than the Final Action Date, your visa is ready for final processing.

• If your date is earlier than the Date for Filing, you may be able to send in your paperwork.

4. For Adjustment of Status applicants inside the U.S. Check USCIS’s monthly update to confirm whether to use the “Dates for Filing” chart or the “Final Action Dates” chart.

We Can Help You Take the Next Step

At Tran Flores Law, we guide families through the complexities of the Visa Bulletin so they can take action at the right time. Call us at (512) 894-9984 to schedule a consultation and let us help you prepare for the next step in your immigration journey.