Family-Based Green Card: June 2026 Visa Bulletin Priority Dates
by Hasan Alaz, Esq., Founding Attorney
Family-Based Green Card: June 2026 Visa Bulletin Priority Dates
The U.S. Department of State releases the Visa Bulletin every month, providing crucial updates on the availability of immigrant visas. For individuals navigating the family-based green card process, understanding the Visa Bulletin is essential to determine when they can take the next step in their immigration journey.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of the June 2026 Visa Bulletin for family-sponsored preference categories. We will explore the current priority dates, what they mean for your specific situation, and how to interpret the "Final Action Dates" versus the "Dates for Filing" charts.
Understanding Priority Dates and the Visa Bulletin
Before diving into the specific dates for June 2026, it is important to understand how the system works. When a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) files an I-130 petition for a family member, that application is assigned a priority date. This date is essentially your place in line.
Because Congress limits the number of family-based green cards issued each year (capped at 226,000), backlogs develop. The Visa Bulletin tracks these backlogs by publishing cutoff dates for each category. If your priority date is before the cutoff date listed in the bulletin, your priority date is considered "current," and you can proceed with your green card application.
Final Action Dates vs. Dates for Filing
The Visa Bulletin contains two separate charts for family-sponsored preferences:
- Final Action Dates: This chart indicates when an immigrant visa is actually available for issuance. If your priority date is earlier than the date listed here, your green card or immigrant visa can be approved.
- Dates for Filing: This chart indicates when you can submit your application for a green card (Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing), even if a visa is not yet available for final approval. USCIS announces each month which chart applicants must use for Adjustment of Status filings.
June 2026 Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Preferences
The following table outlines the Final Action Dates for family-sponsored preference categories in June 2026. These dates represent the priority dates that are currently eligible for final green card approval.
| Preference Category | All Chargeability Areas (Except Listed) | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens) | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 15AUG07 | 01MAY13 |
| F2A (Spouses/Children of Permanent Residents) | 01AUG24 | 01AUG24 | 01AUG24 | 01AUG23 | 01AUG24 |
| F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters (21+) of Permanent Residents) | 22MAY17 | 22MAY17 | 22MAY17 | 15FEB09 | 08APR13 |
| F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens) | 15FEB12 | 15FEB12 | 15FEB12 | 01MAY01 | 22NOV05 |
| F4 (Brothers/Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens) | 15SEP08 | 15SEP08 | 01NOV06 | 08APR01 | 15JUL07 |
Note: "C" means Current. If a category is current, there is no backlog, and visas are available for all qualified applicants in that category.
Key Takeaways from the Final Action Dates
- F2A Category Movement: The F2A category (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents) continues to experience a backlog. For most countries, the Final Action Date is August 1, 2024. This means that if you are a green card holder petitioning for your spouse, they cannot receive their green card until their priority date is reached.
- Significant Backlogs in F3 and F4: The F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens) and F4 (Brothers/Sisters of U.S. Citizens) categories face the longest wait times. For example, the F4 category for most countries is currently processing applications from September 2008, representing a wait time of nearly 18 years.
- Country-Specific Delays: Applicants from Mexico and the Philippines face significantly longer wait times across almost all family-sponsored categories due to high demand and per-country limits.
June 2026 Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications
The Dates for Filing chart determines when you can assemble and submit your required documentation to the National Visa Center (NVC) or file your Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) with USCIS, provided USCIS allows the use of this chart for the month.
| Preference Category | All Chargeability Areas (Except Listed) | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 01OCT18 | 01OCT18 | 01OCT18 | 01OCT08 | 22APR15 |
| F2A | C | C | C | C | C |
| F2B | 01JAN18 | 01JAN18 | 01JAN18 | 15MAY10 | 01OCT13 |
| F3 | 08DEC12 | 08DEC12 | 08DEC12 | 15JUL01 | 08AUG06 |
| F4 | 01SEP09 | 01SEP09 | 15DEC06 | 30APR01 | 22MAR08 |
The F2A Category Exception
A notable highlight in the Dates for Filing chart is the F2A category, which is listed as "C" (Current) for all chargeability areas. This is a significant advantage. It means that spouses and minor children of Lawful Permanent Residents can file their Adjustment of Status applications (Form I-485) concurrently with the I-130 petition, or immediately after the I-130 is filed, if USCIS designates the Dates for Filing chart for that month.
Filing the I-485 allows the applicant to remain in the U.S. while the application is pending and apply for a work permit (EAD) and travel authorization (Advance Parole).
What Should You Do Next?
Navigating the Visa Bulletin can be complex, but taking the right steps at the right time is crucial for your immigration success.
- Check Your Priority Date: Locate the priority date on your I-130 receipt notice (Form I-797).
- Compare with the Charts: Check your priority date against the June 2026 Visa Bulletin charts for your specific category and country of chargeability.
- Monitor USCIS Announcements: Within a few days of the Visa Bulletin's release, USCIS will announce whether applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart or the Dates for Filing chart for Adjustment of Status applications in June. Always verify this on the USCIS website before filing.
- Prepare Your Documents: If your priority date is approaching, begin gathering the necessary civil documents, financial records, and medical examination results to avoid delays when your date becomes current.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and Visa Bulletin dates 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 with your family-based green card application, contact our experienced attorneys today.