The September 2026 US Visa Bulletin reveals a freeze in the EB-2 category for Indians, even as family-sponsored categories see significant movement.
- The EB-2 visa category for Indian nationals remains 'Unavailable' in the September 2026 bulletin.
- EB-4 and certain Religious Worker categories have advanced by two months.
- Employment-based immigration remains largely stagnant compared to August levels.
The US State Department's September 2026 visa bulletin has delivered a mixed bag of news for the Indian diaspora. While family-sponsored Green Card applicants have seen substantial progress in several categories, the highly sought-after EB-2 (Employment-Based 2) category for Indians remains stuck in a freeze, offering no relief to skilled professionals.
According to the official release, the employment-based immigration landscape shows little to no upward movement. The final action dates for key categories, including EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-5, have remained unchanged from the August bulletin. This stagnation is a significant blow to professionals waiting for permanent residency through advanced degrees or exceptional abilities.
Why the EB-2 Category is Frozen
The primary reason for the lack of movement in the EB-2 category is the overwhelming demand. The State Department noted that to ensure visa issuance stays within the maximum allowed annual limit for Fiscal Year 2026, it may be necessary to 'retrogress' final action dates or declare certain categories unavailable.
The continued unavailability of the EB-2 category highlights the intense pressure on the US employment-based immigration quota system.
BozokMedia analysis shows that the discrepancy between the advancing family-sponsored dates and the stagnant employment-based dates is due to the distinct demand patterns of these two separate preference systems. While family-based numbers are being optimized to use available FY 2026 slots, the EB-2 pool for India has reached a saturation point.
Visa Bulletin Comparison: August vs. September (India)
| Visa Category | August Bulletin (India) | September Bulletin (India) |
|---|---|---|
| EB-1 (Priority Workers) | October 15, 2022 | October 15, 2022 |
| EB-2 (Advanced Degrees) | Unavailable | Unavailable |
| EB-3 (Skilled Workers) | January 01, 2014 | January 01, 2014 |
| EB-4 (Special Immigrants) | October 15, 2022 | December 15, 2022 |
Furthermore, the State Department indicated that immigrant visa issuance rates for certain nationalities have fluctuated following administrative actions aimed at protecting national security and public safety. This adds another layer of complexity for those navigating the US immigration system.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are EB-2 dates not advancing for Indians?
Due to high demand exceeding the annual limit, the State Department has kept the category unavailable to manage the quota.
2. Which categories saw progress this month?
EB-4 and certain Religious Worker categories saw their final action dates advance by two months.
