United States Updates Filing Dates for Employment Visas
The US Department of State has announced significant advancements in employment-based visa categories for March 2026. Most notably, the EB-2 'Rest of World' category is now current for filing, and EB-3 dates have advanced by 3.5 months, allowing many foreign professionals to file for adjustment of status earlier than expected.
United States Updates Filing Dates for Employment Visas
The Department of State has released the March 2026 Visa Bulletin, bringing significant progress for professionals seeking permanent residency. For the first time in several cycles, the EB-2 category (advanced degrees/exceptional ability) is now Current for the "Dates for Filing" chart for most of the world. This includes applicants from Mexico, the Philippines, and the Rest of World category.
Parallel to this, the EB-3 category for skilled workers and professionals has advanced by approximately 3.5 months to January 15, 2024. USCIS confirmed it will honor these filing dates for the entire month of March, allowing many applicants to submit their I-485 adjustment of status applications much earlier than anticipated.
Who it affects
These visa updates primarily impact high-skilled expats and digital nomads currently working in the U.S. on nonimmigrant visas like the H-1B, L-1, or O-1. While tourists on B-1/B-2 visas are unaffected, those already in the green card pipeline with an approved I-140 petition can now move forward.
The "Current" status for EB-2 means any eligible applicant in the specified regions can file their paperwork regardless of their priority date. This is a major win for those looking to secure Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP) for easier international travel and work flexibility.
What to do
If your priority date is now earlier than the dates listed in the March bulletin, you should prepare your filing package immediately.
- Confirm your priority date against the Dates for Filing chart.
- File Form I-485 with USCIS while residing in the U.S.
- Include applications for work and travel authorization to gain "nomad-friendly" flexibility while the green card processes.
- Pay the standard filing fee, which sits at $1,440 plus biometrics.
Be aware that these dates can retrogress if demand surges toward the end of the fiscal year in September. Acting quickly during this window is the best way to lock in your application.
Read our full United States guide for the complete picture.