February 2026 Visa Bulletin Update: Key Dates for Family and Employment-Based Applicants

📢 The February 2026 Visa Bulletin is here, and if you're waiting on a family-sponsored or employment-based green card, you'll want to pay attention. This month brings some modest movement in certain categories, and confirms which chart you should be using to determine your filing eligibility.

Let's break it down in plain English so you know exactly where things stand and what steps to take next.

What's the Big News This Month?

Here's the headline: USCIS has confirmed that the "Dates for Filing" chart applies to both family-sponsored and employment-based adjustment of status applications for February 2026.

This is important because there are actually two charts in every visa bulletin:

1. Final Action Dates – When visas are actually being issued
2. Dates for Filing – When you can submit your adjustment of status application

Each month, USCIS announces which chart applicants should use. For February 2026, it's the Dates for Filing chart across the board. This generally means more people can get their applications in the queue sooner, even if a visa isn't immediately available.

What Exactly Is a Priority Date?

Before we dive into the numbers, let's quickly cover what a "priority date" actually means. Think of it as your place in line.

Your priority date is typically the date when:

• Your employer filed your labor certification (PERM) for employment-based cases, or
• Your family member filed the immigrant petition (Form I-130) on your behalf

The visa bulletin shows "cut-off dates" for each category and country. If your priority date is before the cut-off date listed, your turn has come, you're eligible to file or have your case adjudicated. If your priority date is on or after that date, you'll need to wait a bit longer.

It's essentially a first-come, first-served system, but with annual limits on how many visas can be issued per country and category.

Employment-Based Categories: Where Do Things Stand?

Let's look at the key employment-based categories and what February 2026 looks like.

EB-1 (Priority Workers)

The EB-1 category covers priority workers, including people with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives.

February 2026 Dates for Filing:

What this means: If you're from most countries and have an approved EB-1 petition, you can file your adjustment of status application right now, no waiting required. Applicants from China and India need a priority date before August 1, 2023 to file.

EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals)

The EB-2 category includes professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in their field.

February 2026 Dates for Filing:

What this means: The backlog for EB-2 India remains significant, applicants need priority dates from over 12 years ago to be eligible to file. China-born applicants have more recent dates but still face a multi-year wait.

EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals)

Good news here! The EB-3 category for professionals and skilled workers is seeing some movement this month.

For countries other than China and India, the Dates for Filing will advance by three months compared to January. While that might not sound dramatic, it's notable progress in a system where movement is often measured in weeks or even days.

EB-5 (Investor Visas)

The EB-5 category covers immigrant investors. While specific dates vary, applicants should check the official bulletin for their country of chargeability and whether they're filing under the regular EB-5 program or the reserved categories (rural, high unemployment, infrastructure).

Family-Sponsored Categories: What You Need to Know

All family-sponsored preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart for February 2026. Here's a quick overview of the main categories:

F1 (Unmarried Adult Children of U.S. Citizens)

This category typically has longer wait times, often spanning many years. Priority dates and movement vary significantly by country of birth, with applicants from Mexico, the Philippines, and India often facing the longest waits.

F2A (Spouses and Minor Children of Permanent Residents)

The F2A category historically moves faster than other family-sponsored categories. In many months, it's even current for most countries, meaning no wait time to file.

F2B (Unmarried Adult Children of Permanent Residents)

This category generally has longer backlogs than F2A, with wait times that can stretch several years depending on your country of chargeability.

F3 and F4 (Married Children and Siblings of U.S. Citizens)

These categories typically have the longest wait times in the family-sponsored system, sometimes exceeding 20 years for certain countries.

The key takeaway: Check the official February 2026 Visa Bulletin for the specific cut-off dates in your category and country.

Why Does Any of This Matter?

Understanding the visa bulletin isn't just an academic exercise, it has real implications for your life planning.

When your priority date becomes current (or when Dates for Filing allows you to submit):

• You can file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
• You may be able to get work authorization (EAD) while your case is pending
• You may be eligible for advance parole to travel internationally
• Your spouse and children may be able to file their applications alongside yours

These benefits can be life-changing, especially if you've been waiting years for your turn in line.

The Bigger Picture: Overall Movement in February 2026

Let's be honest: employment-based categories show minimal advancement overall this month. The EB-3 Professional and Skilled Worker category is the primary exception, with that three-month jump for most countries.

Most other employment-based categories remain unchanged from January 2026. This isn't unusual, visa bulletin movement tends to be slow and incremental, with occasional larger jumps or even retrogression (dates moving backward).

For family-sponsored categories, movement also varies. The system continues to work through backlogs that have built up over many years.

Your Practical Next Steps

Here's what you should do right now:

1. Find your priority date – Check your I-797 approval notice or ask your attorney
2. Identify your category – Know whether you're EB-1, EB-2, F2A, etc.
3. Check your country of chargeability – This is usually your country of birth
4. Compare to the Dates for Filing chart – Is your priority date before the cut-off?
5. Prepare your documents – If you're close to being current, start gathering paperwork now

Pro tip: Don't wait until the last minute to prepare your adjustment of status application. Gathering documents, completing medical exams, and organizing your case takes time. If your priority date is within a few months of becoming current, start preparing now.

For more information on recent immigration updates, check out our January 2026 Visa Bulletin analysis to see how things have progressed.

Stay Informed

We'll continue to monitor the visa bulletin each month and keep you updated on any significant changes. The immigration landscape can shift quickly, and staying informed helps you make the best decisions for your situation.

Have questions about your specific case? The team at Badmus & Associates is here to help you navigate the process.

Legal Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific. Every case is different, and the information provided here may not apply to your particular situation. For advice about your specific circumstances, please consult with a qualified immigration attorney. Visa bulletin dates and USCIS policies can change without notice: always verify information with official government sources before taking action.