Every month, the U.S. Department of State releases the Visa Bulletin. It outlines which priority dates are eligible to move forward and when applicants can file for Adjustment of Status with USCIS, or pursue the immigrant visa through consular processing abroad.
We strongly recommend monitoring the Visa Bulletin charts regularly, as even small monthly changes can significantly affect your immigration timeline and overall strategy.
Key Updates for November: Employment-Based Categories (EB-1A and EB-2 NIW)
1/ Important Note:
For November 2026, USCIS has confirmed that applicants in employment-based categories must use the Dates for Filing chart for Adjustment of Status filings.
2/ First Preference: EB-1 (Aliens of Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors and Researchers, Certain Multinational Managers or Executives)
- All Chargeability: Current (no change)
- China: 01 Jul 2024 (no change)
- India: 01 Jul 2024 (no change)
- Mexico: Current (no change)
- Philippines: Current (no change)
3/ Second Preference: EB-2 (including NIW) Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Aliens of Exceptional Ability
- All Chargeability: 15 Mar 2026 (no change)
- China: 01 Jan 2023 (no change)
- India: 15 Jan 2015 (no change)
- Mexico: 15 Mar 2026 (no change)
- Philippines: 15 Mar 2026 (no change)
What This Means for You
November brings no changes to EB-1 and EB-2 Dates for Filing compared with October. EB-2 NIW applicants from All Chargeability Areas, Mexico, and the Philippines still need a priority date earlier than March 15, 2026, to file for Adjustment of Status.
However, some Final Action Dates did advance this month:
- EB-2: All Chargeability Areas, Mexico, and the Philippines moved from January 1, 2025, to April 1, 2025.
- EB-1 China: moved from July 1, 2023, to August 1, 2023.
Final Action Dates determine when an immigrant visa number becomes available for issuance or when an adjustment of status application can be approved. These changes are particularly relevant for applicants waiting for final approval.
If you have a pending or upcoming I-140 approval, this is a good time to review your priority date and immigration strategy with your attorney.
Not sure how the November Visa Bulletin affects your case? Our team can help review your situation and connect you with an immigration attorney if needed. Schedule a free consultation.
