The U.S. Department of State has released the March 2026 Visa Bulletin, reflecting forward movement across several employment-based categories.
In summary:
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EB-2 saw some of the most significant advancements this month, especially for India.
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EB-1 and EB-3 saw limited adjustments.
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EB-5 remains largely stable, with no advancement in the unreserved Final Action Dates for India or China.
Below is a breakdown beginning with EB-5.
EB-5 Unreserved Category
For March 2026, the unreserved EB-5 Final Action Dates remain:
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India: May 1, 2022 (no change from February)
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China (Mainland-born): August 15, 2016 (no change)
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All other countries: Current
There was no advancement in green card issuance dates for India or China.
On the Dates for Filing chart:
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China advanced by approximately five weeks
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India did not move
While filing eligibility shifted slightly for China, visa issuance timelines remain unchanged.
EB-5 Reserved (Set-Aside) Categories
All three reserved EB-5 categories continue to be listed as Current for all countries:
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Rural
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High Unemployment
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Infrastructure
There was no change from the prior month.
These categories have been closely monitored across the industry due to the possibility of future retrogression. Under the Reform and Integrity Act, 32% of annual EB-5 visas are allocated to these classifications, operating separately from the unreserved pool. For now, visa availability in these categories remains intact.
Broader Employment-Based Context
Outside of EB-5:
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EB-2: The Final Action Date for All Chargeability Areas, Mexico, and the Philippines advanced approximately six months. India advanced approximately two months in Final Action Dates and nearly eleven months in Dates for Filing. China did not move.
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EB-1: China (mainland-born) and India advanced by one month. All other countries remain current.
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EB-3: The Final Action Date for All Chargeability Areas and Mexico advanced approximately four months. The Philippines advanced approximately two months. China and India did not move.
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In the March bulletin, the Department of State noted reduced immigrant visa issuance rates this fiscal year following the recent pause on immigrant visa issuances to nationals of 75 designated countries.
Although interviews may continue, visas are not currently being issued to affected nationals. As a result, fewer visa numbers are being used in those chargeability areas, contributing to advancement in other employment-based categories this month.
However, movement in EB-1 through EB-3 does not directly impact EB-5, which operates within its own numerical allocation framework.
The State Department also cautioned that as demand materializes, retrogression may become necessary later in the fiscal year to ensure compliance with annual numerical limits.
Key Takeaways
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EB-2 and EB-3 advanced meaningfully in March, reflecting broader allocation shifts.
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EB-5 unreserved Final Action Dates remain unchanged.
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All EB-5 reserved categories continue to be Current worldwide.
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Broader employment-based movement does not directly affect EB-5 allocation.
For EB-5 investors, category selection remains central to timeline planning.
Rural EB-5 Offerings
EB-5 Coast to Coast sponsors rural projects qualifying under the reserved allocation framework, including:
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All Points North – Colorado, a rural behavioral healthcare expansion with I-956F approval.
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Copper Valley – Northern California, a rural master-planned community development with approved I-956F and secured collateral structure.
If you would like to discuss how current visa allocation trends may impact your EB-5 planning, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team. We are available to review project structure and timing considerations based on the latest Visa Bulletin developments.
Disclaimer
This update is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or investment advice. Visa availability is subject to change, and individual circumstances may vary. Prospective investors should consult with qualified immigration counsel and review all offering documents before making any investment decision.
