June 2026 visa bulletin impact on your wait time
The June 2026 Visa Bulletin delivered the biggest single-month retrogression for Indian professionals in years. EB-2 India fell roughly 10.5 months - from July 2014 back to September 2013. EB-1 India retrogressed about 3.5 months. In a twist, EB-3 India advanced slightly and now sits ahead of EB-2 for some applicants.
If you entered your priority date and see a longer wait than expected, this retrogression is why. The State Department has warned that further retrogressions - or categories becoming "unavailable" - may occur before the fiscal year ends. Read the June 2026 bulletin explained →
In a historic twist, EB-3 India (December 15, 2013) is now 3.5 months ahead of EB-2 India (September 1, 2013). If you filed under EB-2, ask your attorney whether downgrading to EB-3 could actually speed up your green card - a strategy that was unthinkable a year ago.
How this calculator works
This calculator uses official Final Action Dates from the May 2026 Visa Bulletin and historical movement rates from FY2024-2026 to estimate when your priority date will become current.
Update frequency: we refresh this calculator monthly when the new visa bulletin is released. Read May 2026 Visa Bulletin →
Current visa bulletin at a glance
May 2026 Final Action Dates by category and country of birth:
| Category | India | China | Philippines | Mexico | Rest of World |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Apr 2023 | Apr 2023 | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-2 | Jul 2014 | Sep 2021 | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-3 | Nov 2013 | Jun 2021 | Aug 2023 | Jun 2024 | Jun 2024 |
| EB-5 | May 2022 | Sep 2016 | Current | Current | Current |
For full analysis with charts and action items see: Read May 2026 Visa Bulletin →
Understanding your priority date
Your priority date determines your place in the green card queue. It is the date USCIS received your immigrant petition.
- EB categories: priority date is when I-140 or PERM Labor Certification was filed
- Family categories: priority date is when I-130 was filed
- Find it on your I-797 receipt notice from USCIS
- Cross-chargeability lets you use your spouse's country of birth if it has a more favorable date
Why EB-2 India takes 12+ years
The 7% per-country cap limits India to roughly 9,800 employment-based green cards per year, despite generating over 50% of demand. The cap has not been adjusted since 1990.
Theoretical math suggests an 80+ year queue for new EB-2 India filers. In practice dates advance faster due to spillover from underused categories. Read our Green Card Backlog Report →
How to speed up your green card
- File I-485 when eligible to get EAD, Advance Parole, and AC21 portability
- Consider EB-1A or EB-2 NIW (self-petition, often faster dates)
- EB-2 to EB-3 porting (or vice versa) when the other category is more favorable
- Premium processing for I-140 ($2,805, 15 business days)
- Concurrent filing of I-140 and I-485 when dates are current
Alternatives to the green card wait
- Canada Express Entry: PR in approximately 6 months, no backlog
- Germany Opportunity Card: No job offer needed, PR in 21 months at B1 German
- Australia 189: Direct PR through points-based system, no employer sponsor needed
- UK Global Talent: self-sponsored, 3-year visa with PR pathway
Many Indian professionals are choosing Canada over a 12-year US wait. Canada H-1B fast-track pathway →
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this green card calculator?
It uses official visa bulletin data and historical movement rates. Retrogression, policy changes, and the 75-country freeze can alter timelines significantly. Treat results as estimates, not guarantees.
What is a priority date?
Your priority date is when USCIS received your immigrant petition - I-140 for employment-based or I-130 for family-based. It determines your place in the green card queue.
Why is my wait time so long for India?
The 7% per-country cap limits India to about 9,800 employment-based green cards per year despite generating over 50% of demand. This creates a 12+ year backlog for EB-2 and 13+ years for EB-3.
Can I file I-485 while waiting?
Only when your priority date is current under Final Action Dates. Once filed you get EAD, Advance Parole, and job portability while waiting for approval.
What is the difference between Chart A and Chart B?
Chart A (Final Action Dates) determines when your green card can be approved. Chart B (Dates for Filing) determines when you can file I-485. As of May 2026 USCIS uses Chart A only for employment-based.
Should I wait for my US green card or move to Canada?
Canada offers PR in about 6 months through Express Entry with no backlog. Many professionals pursue both: filing I-485 when eligible while also creating an Express Entry profile.