The U.S. Department of State has released the February 2026 Visa Bulletin, showing very limited movement across employment-based immigrant visa categories. For EB-5 investors, the key takeaway remains unchanged: all reserved set-aside categories continue to stay current for every country.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that employment-based adjustment of status applicants must use the Dates for Filing chart in February. This allows eligible applicants in the United States to submit their Forms I-485 based on filing dates, even where Final Action Dates have not yet been reached.
Understanding Key Visa Bulletin Terms
Highlights From the February 2026 Charts
Implications for EB-5 Immigrant Investors
Work With EB5AN to Pursue Permanent Residency Through EB-5
Understanding Key Visa Bulletin Terms
The Visa Bulletin is the primary reference for tracking immigrant visa availability. It includes two main charts. The Final Action Dates chart determines when a visa can actually be issued or when USCIS may approve an adjustment of status application. To move forward at this stage, an applicant’s priority date must be earlier than the listed cutoff date for their country and preference category.
The Dates for Filing chart allows certain applicants to submit their adjustment of status paperwork earlier when USCIS determines that additional visa numbers are available. When a category is listed as “current,” no backlog exists, and applicants may proceed regardless of priority date.
Highlights From the February 2026 Charts
February’s bulletin reflects minimal changes across employment-based preferences. Most Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing remain unchanged from the prior month.
The primary movement appears in the EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers category for countries other than China and India. Under the Final Action Dates chart, this category advances by approximately five weeks. Under the Dates for Filing chart, it advances by three months.
Aside from this limited EB-3 movement, no other employment-based categories show changes in February, including EB-5.
For EB-5 investors, all unreserved and reserved categories remain exactly the same as in January. The EB-5 reserved set-aside categories—rural (20% of annual visas), high-unemployment (10%), and infrastructure (2%)—remain current for all countries under both charts.
Here’s the Final Action Dates chart:
Dates for Filing chart:
Implications for EB-5 Immigrant Investors
The February 2026 bulletin reinforces the stability that has defined the EB-5 landscape in recent months. While other employment-based categories show only marginal or isolated movement, EB-5 reserved categories remain fully available worldwide.
For investors from countries that face long waiting times in the unreserved EB-5 category, the importance of reserved set-aside visas remains unchanged. Filing under a reserved category allows investors to avoid the extended delays associated with the unreserved pool. Rural projects continue to benefit from priority processing at USCIS under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, further strengthening their appeal.
Investors already in the United States also continue to benefit from USCIS’s decision to honor the Dates for Filing chart. Because EB-5 set-aside categories remain current, eligible investors may file Form I-485 concurrently with Form I-526E, gaining access to employment authorization and advance parole while their petitions remain pending.
Why the Current EB-5 Environment Still Favors New Filings
Despite limited movement in the broader employment-based system, current conditions remain favorable for EB-5 investors considering when to begin the process. Reserved visas remain open globally, and rural petitions continue to receive priority.
Filing earlier secures a priority date and offers protection should future demand eventually lead to retrogression in reserved categories. For families already in the United States, concurrent filing continues to provide meaningful practical benefits, including the ability to work and travel internationally while the EB-5 petition is under review.
With demand for EB-5 remaining strong, initiating the process under today’s stable visa conditions allows investors to take advantage of current availability before future shifts in demand or policy affect timelines.
Work With EB5AN to Pursue Permanent Residency Through EB-5
The February 2026 Visa Bulletin confirms a steady EB-5 environment, with reserved set-aside categories remaining current for all countries and no new restrictions affecting investors. While movement across other employment-based categories remains limited, EB-5 continues to offer predictability for families seeking U.S. permanent residence.
EB5AN has guided more than 2,700 families from over 70 countries through the EB-5 process. With more than a decade of experience and a long track record of successful USCIS project approvals, our team focuses on low-risk regional center investments designed to support both immigration and financial goals.
Schedule a free call with EB5AN to learn more about current EB-5 opportunities and begin your application while visa availability and processing conditions remain favorable.
