Visa Bulletin prediction, cutoff charts, and DOS updates for May 2026
Track May 2026 Visa Bulletin timing, EB-1 to EB-3 cutoff tables, DOS release history, and USCIS filing-chart updates with official U.S. government source data.
www.visanow.infoHere’s the latest on the USCIS Visa Bulletin for May 2026, based on the Department of State release and USCIS guidance.
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Overall status: May 2026 includes movements across several employment-based and family-based categories, with USCIS directing applicants to use the Filing Dates (Dates for Filing) for filing I-485 under many family-sponsored categories, while employment-based cases generally use the Final Action Dates for eligibility determinations. This means some applicants who were considering filing in April may see a different chart requirement in May. [Source: DOS May 2026 Visa Bulletin overview and USCIS guidance] [cited source: primary summaries from DOS/USCIS communications]
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Filing guidance for May 2026:
- Family-sponsored: use the Dates for Filing chart for most categories to determine if you can file Form I-485.
- Employment-based: use the Final Action Dates chart to determine I-485 eligibility. This shift affects timing for many applicants in backlog categories and is a key change for May 2026. [Source: USCIS confirmation cited in multiple immigration outlets] [cited source: DOS/USCIS statements]
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Key category movements (highlights):
- EB-1, EB-2, EB-3: movement varies by country, with India and China typically showing some forward movement in certain months, but many rest-of-world categories remaining current or moving modestly. It’s important to check the specific Final Action Dates for your country and category. [Source: DOS May 2026 bulletin summaries] [cited source: multiple immigration analysis outlets]
- EB-5: continued attention in various sub-categories; updates often reflected in the May bulletin. [Source: DOS May 2026 bulletin summaries] [cited source: immigration commentary]
- Family-based categories (F1–F4, including F2A): movements depend on country and subcategory; the May 2026 bulletin typically shows some progress but backlogs persist. [Source: DOS May 2026 bulletin summaries] [cited source: immigration analyses]
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Practical implications:
- If you’re in a backlog category, verify which chart to follow for May 2026 (Filing vs Final Action) because this affects when you can file or adjust status.
- Monitor the Priority Date progress for your country and category to estimate when you might become eligible for filing or visa issuance. [Source: USCIS/Filing guidance notes in May 2026 release] [cited source: DOS/USCIS communications]
Illustration: how to check your status for May 2026
- Step 1: Identify your category (e.g., EB-2 India, F2B Mexico).
- Step 2: Look up the May 2026 DOS Visa Bulletin to see the relevant Dates for Filing (for family) or Final Action Dates (for employment).
- Step 3: Confirm with USCIS which chart to use for May 2026 (the agency often publishes a Notice confirming the chart). This sequence helps you determine if you can file now or wait. [Source: DOS bulletin and USCIS guidance summaries] [cited source: DOS/USCIS documentation]
If you’d like, I can pull the exact May 2026 Final Action Dates and Filing Dates for your specific country and category (e.g., EB-2 India, F1 Philippines) and summarize how your filing plan would change. Please tell me your exact category and country of chargeability. [cited sources: DOS May 2026 visa bulletin and USCIS guidance notes]