The U.S. State Department has released the April 2026 Visa Bulletin, outlining updated timelines for family‑sponsored and employment‑based green card applicants. The monthly bulletin determines when immigrant visa numbers are available and when applicants may move forward with visa processing or adjustment of status based on their priority dates.
The bulletin includes two charts — “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications” — which govern eligibility depending on visa category and country of chargeability. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services separately announces which chart applies to applicants filing for adjustment of status from within the United States.
April’s update is drawing attention from applicants worldwide, particularly from high‑demand countries, as several categories showed forward movement compared with the previous month, potentially allowing more people to file paperwork or receive final approval.
What to know about the April visa bulletin
The April 2026 Visa Bulletin outlines immigrant visa availability for the month and reflects how visas are allocated under annual numerical limits set by law. When demand exceeds supply, categories become oversubscribed and cut‑off dates are established, meaning only applicants with earlier priority dates may proceed.
The State Department said allocations were made based on demand reported through early March, and cautioned that while some categories advanced, future retrogression remains possible later in the fiscal year if demand increases.
Latest news for green card applicants
Several employment‑based and family‑based categories showed forward movement in April, improving filing or approval prospects for some applicants. Immigration attorneys note that even limited date advances can be significant for those waiting years in oversubscribed categories, particularly for applicants from India and China.
Applicants newly eligible to file are generally encouraged to act promptly, as visa availability can change month to month depending on demand and policy decisions. The State Department has repeatedly warned that progress in one bulletin does not guarantee continued movement in future months.
What to know about the March visa bulletin
The March 2026 Visa Bulletin set the baseline for April’s changes and determined eligibility during the prior month. USCIS designated which chart applicants were required to use in March, a decision that can vary depending on overall visa demand and availability.
Applicants who did not file in March despite being eligible must recheck their priority dates under the April bulletin, as changes to cut‑off dates can open or close filing windows from one month to the next. [livemint.com]
How long does a green card last?
A standard permanent resident card, commonly known as a green card, is valid for 10 years and must be renewed before expiration. Conditional green cards, typically issued to certain spouses of U.S. citizens and investors, are valid for two years and require a separate petition to remove conditions. [uscis.gov]
While the card itself expires, permanent resident status does not automatically end when a green card expires. However, maintaining a valid card is necessary for employment verification, international travel and proof of lawful permanent residence.
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