Family-Based Green Card: April 2026 Visa Bulletin Priority Dates Explained
by Hasan Alaz, Esq., Founding Attorney
Family-Based Green Card: April 2026 Visa Bulletin Priority Dates Explained
The U.S. Department of State has officially released the April 2026 Visa Bulletin, and it contains critical updates for anyone navigating the family-based immigration system. If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) sponsoring a family member for a green card, understanding these priority dates is essential to knowing when your relative can finally apply for their immigrant visa or adjustment of status.
This month brings particularly exciting news for the F2A category (spouses and unmarried children under 21 of permanent residents), which continues to show strong forward movement.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the April 2026 family-based priority dates, explain the difference between "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing," and outline exactly what you should do next if your priority date is now current.
- Understanding the Visa Bulletin Charts
Before diving into the specific dates, it is important to understand how to read the Visa Bulletin. The Department of State publishes two separate charts each month for family-sponsored preferences:
- Final Action Dates (Chart A): This chart indicates when an immigrant visa is actually available to be issued, or when USCIS can approve an Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) application. If your priority date is before the date listed in this chart, your green card can be approved.
- Dates for Filing (Chart B): This chart indicates when you can submit your application to the National Visa Center (NVC) or file your Adjustment of Status with USCIS (if USCIS announces they are accepting Chart B for that month). This date is usually earlier than the Final Action Date, allowing applicants to get their paperwork in the queue and, for those in the U.S., apply for work authorization (EAD) and travel documents (Advance Parole).
Crucial Note for April 2026: USCIS has announced that family-sponsored applicants must use the Dates for Filing (Chart B) to determine when they can file their Form I-485, Adjustment of Status applications in April 2026.
- April 2026 Final Action Dates (Chart A)
The Final Action Dates represent the front of the line. If your priority date is earlier than the date listed below for your category and country of chargeability, a visa number is available for you right now.
Here are the Final Action Dates for family-sponsored preferences in April 2026:
| Preference Category | All Chargeability Areas | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 (Unmarried Adult Children of U.S. Citizens) | 01MAY17 | 01MAY17 | 01MAY17 | 15FEB07 | 01MAY13 |
| F2A (Spouses & Children of LPRs) | 01FEB24 | 01FEB24 | 01FEB24 | 01FEB23 | 01FEB24 |
| F2B (Unmarried Adult Children of LPRs) | 22MAY17 | 22MAY17 | 22MAY17 | 15FEB09 | 08APR13 |
| F3 (Married Children of U.S. Citizens) | 22DEC11 | 22DEC11 | 22DEC11 | 01MAY01 | 01JUL05 |
| F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens) | 08JUN08 | 08JUN08 | 01NOV06 | 08APR01 | 01FEB07 |
Key Takeaways from Chart A:
- F2A Advancement: The F2A category continues to recover from its severe retrogression in previous years. For most countries, the Final Action Date is now February 1, 2024. This means if a permanent resident filed an I-130 for their spouse before February 2024, that spouse can now receive their actual green card.
- Long Waits for Siblings: The F4 category (siblings of U.S. citizens) remains heavily backlogged. For most of the world, they are processing applications from June 2008—a wait time of nearly 18 years. For applicants from Mexico, the wait is over 25 years (April 2001).
- April 2026 Dates for Filing (Chart B)
Because USCIS is honoring Chart B for family-based applications in April 2026, this is the most important chart for those looking to submit their Adjustment of Status (I-485) applications from within the United States.
| Preference Category | All Chargeability Areas | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 (Unmarried Adult Children of U.S. Citizens) | 01MAR18 | 01MAR18 | 01MAR18 | 15APR08 | 22APR15 |
| F2A (Spouses & Children of LPRs) | C (Current) | C (Current) | C (Current) | C (Current) | C (Current) |
| F2B (Unmarried Adult Children of LPRs) | 08AUG17 | 08AUG17 | 08AUG17 | 15MAY10 | 01OCT13 |
| F3 (Married Children of U.S. Citizens) | 22NOV12 | 22NOV12 | 22NOV12 | 01JUL01 | 15JUL06 |
| F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens) | 15MAY09 | 15MAY09 | 15DEC06 | 30APR01 | 22MAR08 |
The Big News: F2A is "Current" for Filing
The most significant detail in the April 2026 Visa Bulletin is that the F2A category is marked "C" (Current) across all countries in the Dates for Filing chart.
This is a massive opportunity. It means that if you are a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) and you want to sponsor your spouse or unmarried child under 21, you can file the Form I-130 petition and the Form I-485 Adjustment of Status application concurrently right now (provided your relative is lawfully present in the U.S.).
By filing concurrently, your spouse can immediately apply for a work permit (EAD) and travel document (Advance Parole) while waiting for the Final Action Date to catch up so the actual green card can be approved.
- What You Should Do Next
If your priority date has become current in either Chart A or Chart B for April 2026, you must take immediate action. Visa Bulletin dates can retrogress (move backward) in future months without warning, closing your window of opportunity.
If You Are Inside the United States:
If your priority date is earlier than the date listed in Chart B (Dates for Filing), and you are currently in the U.S. in a lawful status (such as an H-1B, F-1, or student visa), you should prepare to file your Form I-485 Adjustment of Status application as soon as April begins.
- For F2A Spouses: Because Chart B is "Current," do not delay. File your I-130 and I-485 together immediately. Ensure you include applications for employment authorization (I-765) and travel documents (I-131).
If You Are Outside the United States:
If your priority date is earlier than the date listed in Chart B, you should expect to receive a "Welcome Letter" from the National Visa Center (NVC). You can begin paying your fees and submitting your civil documents (birth certificates, police clearances, etc.) and the DS-260 application.
- You will not actually be scheduled for your embassy interview until your priority date passes the date listed in Chart A (Final Action Dates).
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws, Visa Bulletin movements, and USCIS filing procedures change frequently. 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. If you need assistance filing an Adjustment of Status application or navigating the family-based green card process, contact our office to schedule a comprehensive case evaluation.