Rare relief for Indian Green Card applicants: EB-2 and EB-4 dates jump in March US Visa Bulletin | Check details

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The March 2026 US Visa Bulletin brings relief for Indian employment-based green card applicants, with EB-4 and EB-2 categories advancing significantly, easing long backlogs. Family-based categories see minimal change, except a slight F2A filing date move.

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Indian applicants waiting for employment-based green cards have received a rare dose of good news in the March 2026 US Visa Bulletin. Two key employment-based categories have recorded some of the biggest forward movements in recent months, easing wait times for thousands stuck in long backlogs.

The most dramatic relief has come in the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) category. In the final action chart, EB-4 has advanced to July 15, 2021, from January 1, 2021, a jump of more than six months. In the dates for filing chart, the same category has surged to January 1, 2023, from March 15, 2021, making it one of the sharpest advances across all employment-based categories for India.

The Employment-Based Second Preference (EB-2) category has also moved forward. In the final action chart, EB-2 for India now stands at September 15, 2013, compared to July 15, 2013 earlier. In the filing chart, EB-2 has progressed to November 14, 2014, from December 1, 2013. While the movement may appear modest on paper, even small advances in EB-2 are significant given the size of the Indian backlog.

What these categories cover

The EB-2 category typically includes professionals with advanced degrees and individuals with exceptional ability. It is one of the most heavily subscribed categories for Indians, particularly those working in technology, engineering and healthcare.

The EB-4 category applies to certain special immigrants. This includes religious workers, some employees of US foreign service posts, and individuals who have served in the US armed forces. Although smaller in volume, EB-4 movements tend to be closely watched because they are often stagnant for long periods.

The Employment-Based Third Preference (EB-3) category, which covers skilled workers, professionals and other workers, has not seen similar gains this month. EB-3 receives 28.6 percent of the global employment-based visa allocation, including unused numbers from EB-1 and EB-2. The unskilled worker segment within EB-3 remains capped at 10,000 visas annually, limiting flexibility.

Family-based categories largely unchanged

On the family-sponsored side, there has been little movement for India. The only notable change is in the F2A filing date, which has advanced to February 22, 2026, from January 22, 2026. All other family-sponsored final action and filing dates for India remain unchanged, offering limited relief for families waiting under these categories.

Why the Visa Bulletin matters

The monthly Visa Bulletin is critical for green card applicants because it determines when they can file applications and when those applications can be approved.

The Dates for Filing chart tells applicants when they are allowed to submit their adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications. The Final Action Dates chart indicates when a green card can actually be issued.

For employment-based applicants, eligibility to file depends on which chart US Citizenship and Immigration Services allows for that month. Monitoring these dates is essential, as even small shifts can affect work authorization extensions, job mobility and family planning.

What this means for Indian applicants

The March update signals cautious optimism. The sharp jump in EB-4 and steady movement in EB-2 suggest some backlog clearing and better visa utilization. While the overall wait for Indian applicants remains long, these advances offer real, tangible relief to thousands who have been stuck for years.