February 2026 Visa Bulletin: Key Updates on Employment-Based and Family Categories
The U.S. Department of State has released the February 2026 Visa Bulletin, providing critical updates for immigrants and visa applicants. This bulletin outlines the current status of employment-based (EB) and family-based visa categories, highlighting advancements and backlogs that could affect many individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States.
Employment-Based Categories
- EB-3 ROW (Rest of World): The EB-3 category for applicants from countries not subject to per-country limits has seen a positive advancement.
- Final Action Date: Advances by 5 weeks.
- Filing Date: Advances by 3 months.
This stability in the EB categories is significant for many professionals looking to transition from temporary work visas to permanent residency.
Family-Based Categories
- F2A Category: The family-based second preference (F2A) category, which includes spouses and children of lawful permanent residents, has moved forward to February 1, 2023/2024. This advancement offers hope to many families waiting for their green cards.
- F2B Category: In contrast, the F2B category, which pertains to unmarried adult children of lawful permanent residents, remains backlogged at December 1, 2016. This continued backlog underscores the challenges faced by many families in this category.
USCIS Updates
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is currently accepting Dates for Filing for employment-based cases. Applicants are encouraged to check their eligibility to file based on the updated dates provided in the Visa Bulletin. This is an essential step for those looking to adjust their status or apply for permanent residency.
Conclusion
The February 2026 Visa Bulletin reflects a mixed landscape for immigrants, with some categories advancing while others remain stagnant. It is crucial for applicants to stay informed about these changes and understand how they may impact their immigration journey.
For a detailed analysis and priority date charts, visit Raghavendra Narisetty’s blog .
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Source: Raghavendra Narisetty