Published by Mantra Law Office | November 2026 Immigration Update
The U.S. Department of State has released the November 2026 Visa Bulletin, bringing modest but meaningful progress in several employment-based green card categories. Applicants from China, India, the Philippines, and other countries should review the updated dates to understand how the changes may affect their immigration plans.
The latest bulletin includes forward movement in selected EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Final Action Dates, while most employment-based Dates for Filing remain unchanged. USCIS has also confirmed that applicants in employment-based preference categories may use the Dates for Filing chart (Chart B) when determining eligibility to file Form I-485 in November, provided they meet all other applicable requirements.
For individuals waiting to file an adjustment of status application or for an employment-based green card to be approved, understanding the difference between these two charts is essential.
What Is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is published monthly by the U.S. Department of State. It provides priority-date cutoffs that help determine when immigrant visa numbers are available in different family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories.
Your priority date generally represents the date your underlying immigrant petition was properly filed, although the applicable rules can vary by petition type.
When a category has a cutoff date, your priority date generally must be earlier than the listed date to qualify under that chart. A category marked “Current” means there is no cutoff date for that category, subject to visa availability and other eligibility requirements.
The November 2026 bulletin includes two important charts:
- Final Action Dates (Chart A): Used to determine when an immigrant visa may be issued or an eligible adjustment of status application may be approved.
- Dates for Filing (Chart B): Identifies when eligible applicants may begin the filing process. For adjustment of status applications filed with USCIS, the chart designated by USCIS for that month must be followed.
November 2026 Final Action Dates: Key Employment-Based Updates
The November bulletin shows forward movement in selected employment-based categories. Here are the key updates for EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 applicants.
China
- EB-1: Advances one month to August 1, 2023.
- EB-2: Remains unchanged at October 1, 2021.
- EB-3: Advances 14 days to January 22, 2022.
India
- EB-1: Remains unchanged at February 1, 2023.
- EB-2: Remains unchanged at November 1, 2013.
- EB-3: Advances to January 22, 2014, representing 21 days of forward movement.
Philippines
- EB-1: Current.
- EB-2: Advances three months to April 1, 2025.
- EB-3: Remains unchanged at August 15, 2023.
All Other Chargeability Areas
For applicants chargeable to countries not separately listed in the bulletin:
- EB-1: Current.
- EB-2: Advances three months to April 1, 2025.
- EB-3: Advances one month to June 15, 2024.
These movements may create new opportunities for some applicants whose priority dates are approaching or have reached the applicable cutoff. However, the effect of each change depends on the applicant’s category, country of chargeability, priority date, and individual circumstances.
Dates for Filing: What Applicants Need to Know
Most employment-based Dates for Filing remain unchanged in November 2026. USCIS has confirmed that employment-based adjustment of status applicants may use Chart B this month, subject to the applicable filing requirements.
The principal Dates for Filing are:
| Category | China | India | Philippines | All Other Areas |
| EB-1 | July 1, 2024 | July 1, 2024 | Current | Current |
| EB-2 | January 1, 2023 | January 15, 2015 | March 15, 2026 | March 15, 2026 |
| EB-3 | April 1, 2024 | January 15, 2015 | January 1, 2024 | August 1, 2024 |
This table covers EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 professionals and skilled workers. The EB-3 Other Workers subcategory has separate cutoff dates. Applicants should check the official bulletin for their exact category.
A priority date that qualifies under Chart B may allow an otherwise eligible applicant to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Reaching a filing date does not, by itself, mean that the green card can be approved immediately.
Applicants pursuing consular processing should also follow the Department of State and National Visa Center instructions applicable to their cases.
What Is the Difference Between Filing and Final Action?
Understanding the distinction between the two charts is critical.
Being eligible to file is not the same as being eligible for final approval.
For example, an applicant whose priority date is earlier than the applicable Dates for Filing cutoff may be able to submit an adjustment of status application in November if all other requirements are met. However, the application generally cannot be approved until a visa number is available under the applicable Final Action Date and the applicant otherwise qualifies.
Applicants who already have a Form I-485 pending with USCIS should continue monitoring the Final Action Dates and any relevant case updates. A pending application is not automatically approved simply because the filing chart advances.
What Should You Do If Your Priority Date Is Current?
If your priority date appears to qualify under the applicable chart, it may be time to review your next steps.
Consider the following:
- Confirm your priority date. Check the relevant petition and immigration records.
- Identify your preference category and country of chargeability. These determine which cutoff dates apply.
- Check the correct chart. For November 2026 adjustment of status filings, USCIS has designated Chart B for employment-based categories.
- Review your eligibility and supporting documents. Meeting a cutoff date does not remove other statutory or procedural requirements.
- Seek case-specific legal guidance. An immigration attorney can help assess timing, documentation, and potential next steps based on your circumstances.
If your priority date qualifies, timely preparation may help you take advantage of the available filing window. Avoid relying on general summaries alone when deciding whether to submit an application.
How Mantra Law Office Can Help
At Mantra Law Office, we closely monitor monthly Visa Bulletin updates and help clients understand how changes may affect their immigration cases.
Our team can review the applicable priority-date cutoff, explain the distinction between filing eligibility and final approval, and help eligible clients evaluate the next steps in their adjustment of status process.
If you believe your priority date may be current or may qualify under the November filing chart, contact our office to discuss your circumstances.
Mantra Law Office
Immigration Law | Guiding Your Journey.
Phone: 713-787-5297
Website: mantralaw.com
Email: info@mantralaw.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file Form I-485 in November 2026 if my priority date qualifies under Chart B?
Potentially, yes. USCIS has designated the Dates for Filing chart for employment-based adjustment of status applications in November 2026. You must meet the applicable cutoff and all other eligibility and filing requirements.
Does a current priority date mean my green card will be approved immediately?
No. Filing eligibility and final approval are different. Final approval generally requires visa availability under the applicable Final Action Date, as well as satisfaction of the other requirements for adjustment of status.
Are all employment-based categories advancing in November?
No. Some Final Action Dates advance, while others remain unchanged. Most Dates for Filing also remain steady, with a separate change in the EB-3 Other Workers category for certain countries.
Should I wait for Mantra Law Office to contact me?
If you are an existing client, follow any case-specific instructions from your legal team. If you believe your priority date may qualify and have not received an update, contact the office rather than assuming no action is necessary.
Important Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration eligibility and processing timelines depend on individual circumstances, applicable law, and visa availability. Visa Bulletin dates can change, advance, or retrogress. Consult a qualified immigration attorney regarding your specific case.
