WASHINGTON D.C. – The latest US Visa Bulletin for November 2026, released by the Department of State, brings welcome news for many Indian professionals seeking permanent residency. The Employment-Based Third Preference (EB-3) category for Indian applicants has seen a notable advancement in its final action dates, indicating progress for those with earlier priority dates.
This forward movement in the EB-3 category offers a glimmer of hope to a large pool of skilled workers from India who have been navigating lengthy waiting periods. The EB-3 visa is typically for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers, and this update suggests that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is processing a greater number of these applications.
EB-1 and EB-2 Categories Hold Steady
In contrast to the EB-3 progression, the Employment-Based First Preference (EB-1) and Employment-Based Second Preference (EB-2) categories for Indian nationals have maintained their current priority dates. The EB-1 category, designated for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives or managers, remains current or sees no significant changes, consistent with recent trends.
Similarly, the EB-2 category, which includes professionals holding advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability, shows no forward movement for India in the November 2026 bulletin. Applicants in these categories will need to continue monitoring future bulletins for any shifts in their final action or dates for filing.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin
The monthly Visa Bulletin is a crucial publication for immigrants and their legal representatives, outlining the availability of immigrant visas for various preference categories and countries. It dictates when immigrant visa applicants may file their applications or when their applications can be finally acted upon by USCIS or U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
The dates listed in the bulletin are known as 'priority dates,' which are typically the date an immigrant petition was filed on an applicant's behalf. When an applicant's priority date becomes 'current,' they are eligible to take the next step in the green card process, such as filing an Adjustment of Status application or attending an immigrant visa interview.
Impact on Indian Applicants
The advancement in the India EB-3 category is expected to alleviate some of the backlog and provide a clearer path to permanent residency for a segment of the Indian workforce in the United States. However, the stagnation in EB-1 and EB-2 means that many highly skilled professionals will continue to face prolonged waits. Immigration experts advise applicants to consult with legal professionals to understand the implications of the latest bulletin on their individual cases and to explore any available options for adjusting their immigration strategy.