May 2026 Visa Bulletin: Continued Strong Movement Across Family-Based Categories
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
The May 2026 Visa Bulletin has been released, bringing continued forward movement across several family-based green card categories. Following last month’s strong progress, May continues the trend with meaningful advancements in both the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing charts.
If you have been waiting for your priority date to become current, this update may significantly impact your timeline.
What Changed in the May 2026 Visa Bulletin?
Final Action Dates:
F1: Advanced 4 months
F2A: Advanced 6 months
F2B: No change
F3: Advanced 1 month, 24 days
F4: Advanced 3 months, 7 days
Dates for Filing:
F1: Advanced 7 months
F2A: Remains Current
F2B: Advanced 4 months, 24 days
F3: Advanced 16 days
F4: Advanced 3 months, 17 days
F2A Remains Current
The F2A category continues to be listed as “Current” in the Dates for Filing chart, creating a significant opportunity for many families.
This means:
If your I-130 petition is approved, you may be able to begin consular processing immediately by submitting your documents to the National Visa Center.
If you are in the United States and eligible, you may be able to file for Adjustment of Status (AOS) now, along with applications for work authorization and travel permission.
Because this situation can change in future Visa Bulletins, it is important to act quickly and ensure your application is properly prepared.
Learn more about this rare opportunity here.
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:
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.
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:
Find your priority date This is the date USCIS received your I-130 petition, shown on your receipt notice.
Check your category and country of chargeability Use the Family-Sponsored Preferences chart in the Visa Bulletin.
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.
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.
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