April 2026 Visa Bulletin Shows Notable Forward Movement, Especially for "All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed"
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Department of State (DOS) released the April 2026 Visa Bulletin; it has been reported that there is substantial forward movement compared with prior months.
- Movement is strongest for "All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed" (often called unlisted countries), meaning many applicants from countries without per-country backlogs see faster progress.
- All cutoff dates referenced in the bulletin are from Chart A (Final Action Dates) unless otherwise noted; Chart B (Dates for Filing) may differ and is used for allowing applicants to file applications earlier in some cases.
- The bulletin affects both family-based (F categories) and employment-based (EB categories such as EB‑1, EB‑2, EB‑3) applicants; priority dates remain the controlling measure for visa availability.
- Applicants should verify their priority date against Chart A, consult their attorney, and monitor USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) and DOS guidance for filing procedures and NVC (National Visa Center) instructions.
What the bulletin says
The DOS published the April 2026 Visa Bulletin with what it has been reported are substantial forward movements in several preference categories. The bulletin’s primary tables are Chart A (Final Action Dates), which determine when a visa number is available and an applicant can receive an immigrant visa or adjustment of status, and Chart B (Dates for Filing), which allows certain applicants to file earlier in advance of final action. The bulletin explicitly notes that unless otherwise specified, dates cited refer to Chart A.
Who is affected and why it matters
Both family-sponsored categories (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4) and employment-based categories (EB‑1, EB‑2, EB‑3) are covered by the bulletin, and forward movement typically speeds up when the "All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed" column advances. Chargeability refers to the country of birth used to determine which per-country limits apply; applicants from countries not listed in the visa bulletin’s specific-country columns often benefit when the all-chargeability column moves. For real people this can mean being eligible to file adjustment of status with USCIS, receive interview scheduling from the NVC, or simply have an immigrant visa issued sooner.
What applicants should do now
Check your priority date against the April Chart A final action dates immediately. If your priority date is current, you may be eligible to adjust status with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) or proceed with consular processing. If Chart B is relevant to your case, confirm whether USCIS is using the DOS Dates for Filing for April; that determines whether you can submit an adjustment application before a visa is finally available. Given ongoing volatility, applicants should consult their immigration attorney or accredited representative and keep an eye on DOS and USCIS announcements and the NVC’s instructions for next steps.
Source: Original Article