Visa Bulletin - July 2026
Below you will find an analysis of the Visa Bulletin issued by the Department of State, corresponding to the month of July 2026 , which determines the availability of immigrant visas for the different categories of family and work petitions , in addition to general information that will help you understand how it works.
PETITION BY FAMILY MEMBER |
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| FOR MOST COUNTRIES (except: China, India, Mexico and the Philippines) | ||||
| CAT. | PRIORITY DATE | WAIT TIME | DIFFERENCE FROM THE PREVIOUS MONTH | |
| F1 | Children over 21 years of Citizen | February 1, 2018 | 8 years, and 5 months | 5 months |
| F2A | Spouse or unmarried children under the age of 21 of Legal Permanent Resident | January 1, 2025 | 1 year, and 6 months | 0 days |
| F2B | Unmarried children over 21 years of Legal Permanent Resident | November 22, 2017 | 8 years, 7 months, and 9 days | 2 months |
| F3 | Married children of Citizen | 15 April, 2012 | 14 years, 2 months, and 16 days | 2 months |
| F4 | Citizen Brothers | January 1, 2009 | 17 years, and 6 months | 1 month, and 23 days |
| MEXICO | ||||
| F1 | Children over 21 years of Citizen | November 8, 2007 | 18 years, 7 months, and 23 days | 0 days |
| F2A | Spouse or unmarried children under the age of 21 of Legal Permanent Resident | January 1, 2024 | 2 years, and 6 months | 0 days |
| F2B | Unmarried children over 21 years of Legal Permanent Resident | February 15, 2009 | 17 years, 4 months, and 14 days | 0 days |
| F3 | Married children of Citizen | June 1, 2001 | 25 years, and 1 month | 1 month |
| F4 | Citizen Brothers | 8 April, 2001 | 25 years, 2 months, and 23 days | 0 days |
PETITION FOR JOB |
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| FOR MOST COUNTRIES INCLUDING MEXICO | ||||
| E1 | Priority Workers | Julio 1, 2026 | 0 days | 1 month |
| E2 | People of exceptional ability | Julio 1, 2026 | 0 days | 1 month |
| E3 | Experienced and professional workers | August 1, 2024 | 1 year, and 11 months | 2 months |
| E3 | Other workers | March 1, 2022 | 4 years, and 4 months | 1 month |
What is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin (BV) is a guide used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State (DOS) to determine who is eligible to receive an immigrant visa, based on the date the applicant filed their application. This date is called the Priority Date and determines the applicant's position on the waiting list.
The reason behind the Visa Bulletin is that immigration law sets a limit on the number of people who can immigrate to the United States each year, depending on the category. When the number of applicants exceeds the number of available visas, a backlog occurs.
Each month the Visa Bulletin announces the priority or cut-off date, which means that in order for an immigrant to adjust status, in other words, obtain residency, the immigrant must have a priority date earlier than the closing date for the category in the Bulletin.
In a family-based immigration case, the priority date is the date USCIS receives the petition. In an employment-based case, the priority date is the date the Department of Labor (DOL) receives the request to certify that the worker is eligible for permanent residence. When the law does not require labor certification, it is the date USCIS receives the petition.
Generally, the Visa Bulletin date works forward, but if the State Department determines that visas for a certain category or country are being used faster than anticipated, the cutoff date can be pushed back or even stopped.
Disclaimer : This newsletter is for general information purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered legal advice. Any decisions you make based on this information are at your own risk and responsibility.