The first half of 2026 has brought several noteworthy developments for the U.S. employment-based immigration program, EB-3. Alongside updates to immigration policies, case processing, and the labor market, the issue receiving the greatest attention remains the Visa Bulletin.
The Visa Bulletin is a key indicator that determines when an applicant's case may move to the next stage of the immigrant visa process or Adjustment of Status (AOS).
The Visa Bulletin Has Advanced by Approximately Six Months Since the Beginning of the Year
Comparing the Visa Bulletin at the beginning of 2026 with the July 2026 Visa Bulletin, both EB-3 categories have shown meaningful progress.
For EB-3 Skilled Workers, the Final Action Date has advanced to August 1, 2024.
For EB-3 Other Workers, the Final Action Date has moved forward to March 1, 2022.
This means that the EB-3 Skilled category has advanced by approximately seven months since the beginning of the year, providing encouraging news for applicants waiting for their priority dates to become current.
Although the pace of Visa Bulletin movement varies from month to month, continued advancement indicates that immigrant visas are still being allocated according to the annual visa quota.
EB-3 Cases Continue to Progress Through Each Stage
At the same time, many EB-3 cases continue moving through the standard immigration process, including:
- Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD)
- PERM Labor Certification
- Form I-140 Petition
- Waiting for the Visa Bulletin
- National Visa Center (NVC) processing or Adjustment of Status (AOS)
- Immigrant visa interview and visa issuance
Each stage plays an important role and serves as a prerequisite for the next step in the immigration process.
USCIS Continues to Strengthen Case Review
The first half of 2026 has also seen noticeable changes in the way USCIS reviews immigration cases.
Requests for Evidence (RFEs), reviews of travel history, employment records, and supporting documentation are being conducted more thoroughly than before.
This trend highlights the growing importance of preparing complete, accurate, and consistent documentation from the very beginning.
Immigration Policies Continue to Evolve
In addition to case processing updates, several immigration policy changes have also been introduced during the first half of the year.
Recent statistics indicate that the number of legal immigration applications approved by USCIS in 2025 declined compared with the previous year, reflecting a broader trend toward stricter review and adjudication.
However, this does not mean that opportunities for legal immigration have disappeared. Applications that fully satisfy all legal requirements continue to be processed in accordance with U.S. immigration law.
How Should EB-3 Applicants Prepare for the Second Half of 2026?
As the second half of 2026 begins, EB-3 applicants should consider:
- Monitoring the Visa Bulletin every month.
- Preparing all required documents carefully.
- Staying informed about the progress of their own case.
- Working with an immigration service provider that offers transparent procedures and regular updates.
Being well prepared can help minimize unexpected issues and allow applicants to move smoothly through each important stage of the process.
Conclusion
The first six months of 2026 have demonstrated that the EB-3 program continues to move forward with several positive developments.
The Visa Bulletin has advanced by approximately six months compared with the beginning of the year, providing encouraging news for many applicants awaiting visa availability. At the same time, USCIS has continued to apply more rigorous review standards.
For prospective immigrants, staying informed about the Visa Bulletin, preparing accurate documentation, and choosing the right immigration pathway remain essential steps toward achieving the goal of permanent residence in the United States.
