India, Dec. 19 -- The U.S. Department of State has released its January 2026 Visa Bulletin, providing updated priority dates for immigrant visa categories that guide when applicants can file for permanent residency (green cards) or have their applications approved.

The monthly bulletin outlines the 'Final Action Dates' and the 'Dates for filing applications' across family-based and employment-based categories.

These dates dictate when many people can proceed with the green card application process, particularly those from countries like China and India that have lengthy backlogs. The most recent bulletin offers modest advancement in a few of the employment-based queues but shows little movement for family-based categories.

The bulletin...