EB-2 NIW ROW Dates Are Current in March 2026: How to File I-485 Concurrently

EB-2 NIW ROW Dates Are Current in March 2026: How to File I-485 Concurrently

In a major development for employment-based immigration, the U.S. Department of State released the March 2026 Visa Bulletin showing substantial forward movement. Most notably, the EB-2 category is now listed as "Current" on the Dates for Filing chart for the Rest of World (ROW), which includes all countries except India and China (and specific categories for Mexico and the Philippines).

This marks the first time since November 2022 that the EB-2 ROW category has been Current for filing. For professionals pursuing a National Interest Waiver (NIW), this creates a rare and highly valuable window of opportunity to file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) concurrently with or immediately after their I-140 petition.

Below, we break down what this means for your immigration strategy and why acting quickly is critical.

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The Visa Bulletin publishes two charts each month: Final Action Dates (which dictate when a green card can actually be approved) and Dates for Filing (which dictate when you can submit your application). Each month, USCIS announces which chart applicants must use.

For March 2026, USCIS has confirmed it will use the Dates for Filing chart for employment-based adjustment of status applications.

Here is the critical update for EB-2 (Second Preference Employment-Based):

• Dates for Filing: The chart lists the category as "C" (Current) for ROW. This means there is no priority date cutoff for filing your application.
• Final Action Dates: The cutoff for ROW advanced to October 15, 2024.

Because the Dates for Filing chart is Current, anyone in the ROW category who is otherwise eligible can file their I-485 Adjustment of Status application right now, regardless of when their I-140 was filed.

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When a visa category is Current, it unlocks the ability to file concurrently. This means you can submit your Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) and Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) at the exact same time.

Even if you already have a pending or approved I-140, you can now file your I-485 without waiting in a backlog.

Filing the I-485 is a game-changer because it allows you to simultaneously apply for two crucial benefits:

1. Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document - EAD): This grants you an open-market work permit. You are no longer tied to a specific employer or a restrictive visa like the H-1B or O-1. You can change jobs, start a business, or work as an independent contractor.
2. Form I-131 (Advance Parole - AP): This serves as a travel document, allowing you to travel internationally and re-enter the United States while your green card application is pending, without needing a valid nonimmigrant visa stamp in your passport.

Securing an EAD and Advance Parole fundamentally shifts your immigration posture from vulnerability to stability.

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If history is any indicator, this "Current" window will not stay open forever.

The absence of a priority date cutoff removes a massive bottleneck, which will inevitably trigger a surge of I-485 filings from ROW beneficiaries. As USCIS receives thousands of new applications, visa numbers will be consumed rapidly.

When demand exceeds the annual supply of visas, the Department of State will implement retrogression—moving the cutoff dates backward to slow down filings. It is highly likely that the EB-2 ROW category will retrogress in the coming months, potentially as early as April or May 2026.

If you file your I-485 while the dates are Current, your application is safely in the system. Even if the dates retrogress the following month, your I-485 remains pending, and you will still receive your EAD and Advance Parole. You simply won't receive the final green card until your priority date becomes current again on the Final Action chart.

However, if you wait and the dates retrogress before you file, you will be locked out of filing the I-485—and obtaining the associated work and travel benefits—until the dates move forward again, which could take years.

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It is crucial to understand the distinction between filing your application and actually getting your green card approved.

While you can file your I-485 now because the Dates for Filing are Current, USCIS cannot approve your green card until your priority date is earlier than the date listed on the Final Action chart.

For March 2026, the Final Action Date for EB-2 ROW is October 15, 2024.

• If your priority date (the date your I-140 was filed) is before October 15, 2024, your green card can be approved.
• If your priority date is after October 15, 2024, your I-485 will remain pending until the Final Action Date moves past your priority date.

For applicants outside the United States pursuing Consular Processing, eligibility to receive an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate is strictly controlled by the Final Action Dates. Therefore, ROW EB-2 cases will not be scheduled for consular interviews unless the priority date is October 15, 2024, or earlier.

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If you are an engineer, researcher, physician, entrepreneur, or other highly skilled professional considering an EB-2 National Interest Waiver, March 2026 presents a golden opportunity.

Here is what you should do immediately:

1. Assess Eligibility: Determine if you meet the criteria for the EB-2 NIW (advanced degree or exceptional ability, plus a proposed endeavor of national importance).
2. Gather Documentation: Concurrent filing requires a massive amount of paperwork, including medical exams (Form I-693), birth certificates, marriage certificates, and comprehensive evidence for the I-140 petition. Start gathering these immediately.
3. Consult an Attorney: Because the window of opportunity may close quickly, working with an experienced immigration attorney ensures your petition is prepared swiftly and accurately.

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The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws, Visa Bulletins, and USCIS procedures change frequently and without warning. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, it is always recommended to consult with a qualified immigration attorney for personalized advice regarding your specific situation.

Alaz Law Firm is here to provide professional guidance, but this content should not be relied upon as a substitute for direct legal consultation.