Visa Bulletin prediction, cutoff charts, and DOS updates for May 2026
Track May 2026 Visa Bulletin timing, EB-1 to EB-3 cutoff tables, DOS release history, and USCIS filing-chart updates with official U.S. government source data.
www.visanow.infoHere’s the latest on the USCIS Visa Bulletin for May 2026.
-
Summary take: The May 2026 Visa Bulletin from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) shows movement in several employment-based (EB) and family-sponsored (FB) categories, with USCIS guidance indicating changes in which chart to use for filing and eligibility. For May 2026, USCIS guidance generally directs employment-based applicants to use the Final Action Dates chart, and family-sponsored applicants to use the Dates for Filing chart, to determine filing eligibility.
-
Key points to watch:
- Employment-based (EB) categories: Most analyses note that May 2026 requires using the Final Action Dates (Chart A) for I-485 eligibility, which tightens the cutoff compared with earlier months. This can affect when you can file for adjustment of status if you’re inside the U.S. or applying from abroad.
- Family-based categories: For May 2026, the Dates for Filing (Chart B) are typically used for determining when you can file, though actual approvals will depend on Final Action Dates. This means there may be a window to file your I-485 or family-based petitioner process even if visas are not yet fully current in the final action sense.
- Diversity Visa and Special categories: The bulletin also includes updates on DV program availability and other special categories, but these are often less involved for typical EB/F1-F4 backlogs.
-
How to interpret for your case (Brazil, São Paulo): If you’re applying through an employment-based path, you’ll want to check the May 2026 Final Action Dates for your specific EB category (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, etc.) to see if your priority date is current for filing or for approval. If you’re pursuing a family-based path, look at the Dates for Filing to know when you may file, while keeping an eye on the Final Action Dates for eventual approval.
-
Practical next steps:
- Locate the official May 2026 Visa Bulletin PDF from the DOS and read the Final Action Dates (Chart A) and Dates for Filing (Chart B) relevant to your category.
- Check your priority date against the chart you’ll use for filing (per USCIS guidance) to determine whether you can file Form I-485 (adjustment of status) or your family-based petition, and plan accordingly.
- Monitor USCIS updates during the month, as USCIS sometimes issues reminders or clarifications about which chart you should use for specific categories.
-
Cited sources you can review:
- DOS Visa Bulletin for May 2026 (official release detailing Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing).[3]
- USCIS and immigration-law analyses summarizing May 2026 changes and filing-chart guidance.[2][8]
- Professional briefings and explanations from immigration attorneys and firms outlining category movements and filing implications.[4][3]
If you’d like, I can summarize the exact date movements for your specific EB or FB category and your priority date, or pull the official May 2026 DOS bulletin and extract the precise charts relevant to your case.