The U.S. Department of State has published the Visa Bulletin for February 2026. This Visa Bulletin provides information on the availability of immigrant visas for various family-sponsored, employment-based, and diversity categories.
It includes updated information on final action dates and cutoff dates for filing, which mark when an applicant may proceed with consular processing or adjustment of status.
Overview of the Visa Bulletin for February 2026
The February 2026 Visa Bulletin shows the number of immigrant visa numbers allocated each month under the limits established by the Immigration and Nationality Act, then shows them for family-sponsored, employment-based, and diversity visa applicants. It reflects demand reported through early January 2026.
Applicants for adjustment of status must generally refer to the Final Action Dates chart unless USCIS provides different guidance on its website.
Family-Sponsored Visa Categories
Family-sponsored preference categories also remain oversubscribed in various areas, namely from Mexican, Indian, Chinese, and Philippine nationals. Progress on movement of priority dates is different depending on the category, with some areas registering little progress while others have been faced with continued backlogs.
The spouses and children of lawful permanent residents F2A remain eligible for the partial exemptions to the country limits, depending on chargeability and priority dates.
Employment-Based Visa Category
The employment-based immigrant visa categories have made some progress in February. The first preference category remains current for most countries, while some backlogs exist in the second and third preference categories, especially in India and China.
The Employment Fourth Preference for Certain Religious Workers category remains unavailable during February due to its scheduled expiration at the end of January 2026, pending further legislative action.
Diversity Visa Program Updates
In February, visas for people of diversity are also available worldwide, depending on the cutoffs for regions. Africa and Asia still have the highest cutoff numbers, with specific limitations for certain countries.
Applicants selected in the DV-2026 program must complete their processing before September 30, 2026, since diversity visa eligibility does not extend beyond the fiscal year.
What Applicants Should Know
Visa availability and eligibility for filing applications are determined by category and country of chargeability based on a priority date. Applicants are reminded that both the final rule cutoff date and the filing cutoff date are critically important for determining whether an applicant is eligible to apply for adjustment of status in the United States, as well as which applicants are subject to numerical limitation.
Processing timelines may change if the annual numerical limits are reached or if demand rises unexpectedly.
Looking Ahead
Future visa bulletins might show retrogression or advancement depending on trends in demand and statutory limits. Ongoing legislative changes could also affect certain employment-based categories.
For continued monitoring of monthly visa bulletin updates and policy changes, visit ImmigrationQuestion.com.
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