February 2026 U.S. Green Card Priority Date Update: Stability with No Major Changes

The U.S. Department of State’s February 2026 Visa Bulletin brought little change for employment-based immigration categories, continuing the trend of stagnation in the priority dates across major visa categories. For applicants in the EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 employment-based categories, there was no movement in either the final action dates (Chart A) or the dates for filing (Chart B). This lack of movement highlights the ongoing challenges in the immigration process and the extended waiting periods for many applicants.

Here’s a closer look at the latest developments regarding priority dates, the impact on both new and old investors, and strategies for managing the current immigration landscape.

Visa Priority Date Stability in February 2026

For the most part, there were no changes across all major categories in both Chart A and Chart B, which dictate when applicants can adjust their status or receive final approval. The specifics are as follows:

• EB-1 (including EB-1A): February 1, 2023 (no change)
  
  
• EB-2 (including National Interest Waiver, NIW): September 1, 2021 (no change)
  
  
• EB-3 Skilled Workers: May 1, 2021 (no change)
  
  
• EB-3 Unskilled Workers: December 8, 2018 (no change)
  
  
• EB-5 Non-Reserved Quota Projects: August 15, 2016 (no change)
  
  
• EB-5 Reserved Visa Categories (Rural Areas, High-Unemployment Areas, Infrastructure Projects): No priority date, with available quotas
  
  

Similarly, in Chart B, which dictates when applicants can submit their applications for status adjustment, no movement was recorded:

• EB-1 (including EB-1A): August 15, 2023 (no change)
  
  
• EB-2 (including NIW): January 1, 2022 (no change)
  
  
• EB-3 Skilled Workers: January 1, 2022 (no change)
  
  
• EB-3 Unskilled Workers: October 1, 2019 (no change)
  
  
• EB-5 Direct Investment and Regional Center Projects: August 22, 2016 (no change)
  
  
• EB-5 Reserved Visa Categories (Rural Areas, High-Unemployment Areas, Infrastructure Projects): No priority date, with available quotas
  
  

This stability highlights the ongoing backlog and slow pace of progress for many applicants, particularly those in the EB-5 category.

Impact on New vs. Old Investors

For Existing Investors:

Old investors in the EB-5 program continue to face significant delays. For example, applicants from China, who filed applications back in 2016, are still waiting for their priority dates to become current. As the priority date for EB-5 applicants remains frozen at August 15, 2016, some investors are seeing their wait time exceed 10 years. The total number of visas available in the 2026 fiscal year is limited, further extending the wait.

Despite these delays, a significant number of old investors are receiving interview notices in February 2026, suggesting that USCIS is resuming interviews for applicants whose priority dates are now current. For many, this is the first step toward final approval.

Industry data suggests that 4,000 visas may be available for Chinese mainland investors in the 2026 fiscal year, with priority dates expected to progress slowly through September 2016. As such, applicants in the EB-5 category should remain prepared for extended timelines but should also remain hopeful about the potential for forward movement.

For New Investors:

New EB-5 investors still face challenges, particularly with reserved visa categories for rural areas, high-unemployment areas, and infrastructure projects, where no priority date has been set. These categories have quotas allocated annually, but the total number of applicants far exceeds the available quotas. In fact, the backlog for rural projects alone has surpassed the annual limit by a significant margin, with global demand exceeding available spots.

For Chinese mainland applicants in particular, experts predict that Chart A for rural projects will see a priority date emerge by Q3 2026, with a subsequent movement in Chart B by the end of 2026. However, this means that while new applicants can submit their applications, they should prepare for potential delays, as the backlog is substantial.

Strategic Advice for Investors

Given the current priority date situation and the ongoing trends in the EB-5 program, investors can take strategic steps to improve their chances of success:

1. Focus on Reserved Visa Projects: Investors should consider prioritizing reserved visa categories for rural and high-unemployment areas. While there is no priority date currently, these categories offer the potential for quicker processing once priority dates are set, and applicants can benefit from dual filing (temporary work permits and advance parole) as soon as their applications are processed.
   
   
2. Prepare Applications Early: As priority dates begin to advance, both new and existing applicants should ensure their application materials are ready. Delays in material preparation can lead to missed opportunities when the dates finally open.
   
   
3. Monitor Quota Usage: With limited quotas available, it’s important for applicants to track how many visas are being used and how the backlog is progressing. Official channels and professional organizations can help provide real-time updates on quota usage and policy changes.
   
   
4. For Existing Applicants, Stay Engaged with Interview Updates: Applicants whose priority dates have moved forward should closely monitor for interview notices. Delays in interview scheduling could cause further delays in processing, so it is crucial to stay informed and prepared.
   
   

Conclusion

Although the February 2026 Visa Bulletin did not bring any significant changes to the priority dates for employment-based immigration categories, the path forward remains filled with opportunities and challenges. Investors, both new and old, will need to carefully monitor developments, prepare their applications in advance, and stay engaged with industry updates to maximize their chances of success.

As always, careful planning and timely action are key to navigating the complexities of the EB-5 process and ensuring the best possible outcome in the face of continued delays and regulatory changes. Stay informed, stay prepared, and continue to track progress as the EB-5 program evolves throughout 2026.