EB-2 India Retrogressed
July 2026 — What to Do Now
The State Department's July 2026 Visa Bulletin moved the EB-2 India final action date back to December 1, 2012 — a 13-month retrogression from June's cutoff of January 1, 2014. Here's who is affected and what actions to take.
Priority dates impacted: Oct 2012 – Dec 2013
If your EB-2 India priority date falls in this range, you were current in June 2026 but are not current in July 2026. You cannot file I-485 or receive a green card interview this month unless USCIS specifies use of the Dates for Filing chart — confirm with your attorney.
EB-2 India Final Action Dates — 2026 History
| Bulletin Month | Final Action Cutoff | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | Jan 1, 2013 | +2 mo |
| Feb 2026 | Mar 1, 2013 | +2 mo |
| Mar 2026 | Mar 1, 2013 | — |
| Apr 2026 | Jun 1, 2013 | +3 mo |
| May 2026 | Oct 1, 2013 | +4 mo |
| Jun 2026 | Jan 1, 2014 | +3 mo |
| Jul 2026Current | Dec 1, 2012 | −13 mo |
Source: U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin. Data reflects Final Action Dates chart only.
Who is affected
Priority dates between Dec 2012 and Dec 2013
Previously current in June, now retrogressed. You cannot file I-485 this month even if you could last month.
Anyone mid-I-485 with an interview scheduled
Your interview may be postponed. Contact your attorney immediately to understand USCIS discretion rules.
H-1B workers relying on I-485 pending for AC21
If your I-485 was filed, you retain your place in line — but cannot get an interview until dates re-advance.
STEM OPT holders with priority dates in this window
You may need an H-1B extension sooner than expected. Retrogression extends your green card wait significantly.
5 things to do right now
Confirm your priority date
Your priority date is on your PERM approval or I-140 approval notice. Do not confuse it with your I-140 filing date.
Check both Visa Bulletin charts
USCIS uses either the "Final Action Dates" or "Dates for Filing" chart depending on their monthly announcement. Check which chart applies.
Confirm your H-1B status and extension window
If you are in the 3-year H-1B extension cycle, retrogression affects your planning timeline. Know exactly when your current H-1B expires.
Talk to your immigration attorney
Retrogression can affect pending I-485 interviews, employment authorization, and travel reentry. Get case-specific advice.
Set up alerts for August 2026
The next Visa Bulletin releases in mid-July. Retrogression can reverse quickly — or deepen. You need to know the moment it publishes.
Track your priority date automatically
PriorityPath connects your priority date to every new Visa Bulletin automatically. You get an alert the moment a new bulletin publishes — and a clear view of whether you moved forward, retrogressed, or held steady.
Start tracking for freeFree to start. No credit card required.
Frequently asked questions
What does "retrogressed" mean?
Retrogression means the priority date cutoff moved backward compared to last month. If your priority date was current in June (meaning you could file I-485 or receive a visa), it may no longer be current in July.
Why did EB-2 India retrogress so sharply?
USCIS projects the number of visa numbers available each fiscal year. When demand exceeds the projected supply — or when prior months advanced dates too quickly — the State Department pulls the cutoff back to prevent over-issuance. EB-2 India has limited annual quota numbers and extreme demand relative to other countries.
Does retrogression affect my pending I-485?
If your I-485 was already accepted by USCIS before retrogression, your place in line is preserved. You cannot have an interview scheduled (or approved) until your priority date becomes current again, but you do not lose your filing date.
Will it move forward again next month?
Historically, yes — but not guaranteed. Sharp retrograessions are sometimes corrected over several months. The State Department determines monthly movements based on visa usage projections. Track the August bulletin when it releases in mid-July.
Can I still work legally during retrogression?
If you are on H-1B, yes — your work authorization is tied to your H-1B status, not your I-485. If you are on an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) tied to a pending I-485, your EAD remains valid until it expires regardless of retrogression.
Should I panic?
No. Retrogression is frustrating but not unusual. The key is knowing your dates, understanding how they interact with your current visa status, and having a system to track every month automatically.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and situation-specific. Always consult a licensed immigration attorney before making decisions about your immigration status. Visa Bulletin data is sourced from the U.S. Department of State and is subject to change.