Got an employment-based green card application? Circle April 30, 2026 on your calendar. Starting in May 2026, USCIS will only accept employment-based adjustment of status applications based on the Final Action Dates (Chart A)—not the Dates for Filing (Chart B). This makes April 30, 2026, the last day to file using Chart B eligibility. That’s a game-changer. Whether you’re from India, China, or anywhere else in the green card backlog, this deadline could save you years of waiting.
What This Critical Deadline Means for Employment-Based Applicants
The visa bulletin system uses two charts that matter to you. The charts are: Application Final Action Dates (dates when visas may finally be issued); and Dates for Filing Applications (earliest dates when applicants may be able to apply). When USCIS determines there are immigrant visas available for the filing of additional adjustment of status applications, the Dates for Filing Applications chart may be used to determine when to file an adjustment of status application with USCIS. Otherwise, the Application Final Action Dates chart must be used. Think of Chart A as the “finish line” and Chart B as the “starting gate.” Right now, you can use the earlier Chart B dates.
USCIS determined that, for April 2026, applicants in all family-sponsored preference categories and all employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart. For Employment-Based Preference Filings: For all employment-based preference categories, you must use the Dates for Filing chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin for April 2026. But here’s the catch—this window slams shut after April 30, 2026.
For Employment-Based Preference Filings: For all employment-based preference categories, you must use the Final Action Dates chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin for May 2026. This represents a significant tightening that affects thousands of employment-based applicants nationwide.
How This Affects Different Employment-Based Categories
In April 2026, the Visa Bulletin brought historic forward movement — particularly for India EB-2, which advanced by 303 days. USCIS honored the Dates for Filing chart for employment-based categories, allowing a surge of applicants to file their I-485 applications. That surge created increased filed demand that now threatens to exhaust annual visa number limits before the fiscal year ends on September 30, 2026.
EB-1 Priority Workers: All countries except India and China remain current. India EB-1 is cut off at April 1, 2023. China EB-1 is also cut off at April 1, 2023. If you’re eligible under Chart B but not current under Final Action Dates, April 30 is your last chance.
EB-2 Advanced Degree Professionals: All countries except India and China remain current. India EB-2 remains cut off at July 15, 2014 — a backlog of over 11 years. China EB-2 is cut off at September 1, 2021. The difference between Chart B eligibility and Final Action Dates could mean years of additional waiting.
EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers: All countries except India, China, and Philippines remain current. Many applicants in these categories who became eligible under April’s Chart B will lose filing eligibility in May.
What You Should Do Now – Time-Sensitive Action Steps
With only days remaining until the April 30, 2026 deadline, immediate action is crucial. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Check Your Eligibility Immediately: Compare your priority date against both the April 2026 Dates for Filing chart and the May 2026 Final Action Dates. If you are currently eligible to file under the April 2026 Dates for Filing chart but are not current under the Final Action Dates chart, you must submit your complete I-485 package by April 30, 2026. Missing this deadline could mean waiting months or years before you are current again.
2. Gather Documents Quickly: Start gathering everything now so you can file quickly when your priority date becomes current. Your I-485 package must be complete and include all required supporting documents, medical examination, and filing fees.
3. Include Concurrent Applications: File Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document) and Form I-131 (Advance Parole) concurrently with your I-485. These provide crucial work and travel authorization while your case is pending.
4. Monitor for Future Retrogression: The State Department warns that if demand increases or policies shift, cutoff dates may retrogress before the end of FY 2026 (September 30, 2026). Even after filing, stay informed about potential changes.
Why Choose Tez Law P.C. for Your Employment-Based Immigration Needs
At Tez Law P.C., we understand the urgency of the April 30, 2026 deadline and the complex interplay between visa bulletins, priority dates, and filing eligibility. Managing Attorney JJ Zhang (California Bar #326666) has helped hundreds of employment-based applicants navigate these critical timing issues successfully.
Our immigration services team works with urgent cases and understands that missing filing deadlines can cost years of additional waiting. We provide comprehensive support for all employment-based categories, from preparing complete I-485 packages to advising on visa bulletin strategy and retrogression planning.
Located in West Covina, California, we serve clients nationwide for federal immigration matters. Our experience with USCIS procedures, visa bulletin changes, and employment-based adjustment of status applications ensures your case is handled professionally and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss the April 30, 2026 deadline?
If you’re currently eligible under Chart B but not under Final Action Dates, missing this deadline means you cannot file your I-485 until your priority date becomes current under the stricter Final Action Dates chart. This could mean waiting months or years, depending on your category and country of birth.
Can USCIS change back to Chart B for employment categories later in 2026?
Yes, USCIS makes this determination monthly based on visa number availability and demand. However, given the current surge in filings and warnings about potential retrogression, it’s uncertain when Chart B might become available again for employment-based categories.
What documents do I need for my I-485 filing before the deadline?
You need a complete I-485 package including the application form, supporting civil documents, medical examination (Form I-693), photos, filing fees, and evidence of lawful status. Also include Forms I-765 and I-131 for work and travel authorization. An experienced immigration attorney can ensure your package is complete.
Don’t let this critical April 30, 2026 deadline pass without taking action. The window for Chart B eligibility is closing fast, and the next opportunity may not come for months or years. Contact Tez Law P.C. today for a free consultation to evaluate your eligibility and ensure your I-485 application is filed correctly and on time. Our experienced immigration team is standing by to help you take advantage of this time-sensitive opportunity before it’s too late.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Tez Law P.C. at 626-678-8677 or [email protected] for advice specific to your situation. Results may vary.