DOS Visa Bulletin Predictions
Monthly guidance from the State Department Visa Office on expected priority date movement, demand patterns, and category-specific trends.
Current Bulletin — June 2026
DOS Monthly Guidance — 2025–2026
DOS indicates high demand in EB-2 India through end of FY2026. Expect minimal movement until October reset.
Demand exceeding supply in EB-2 India. EB-3 India moving slightly faster due to lower pending demand ratio.
DOS cautions on EB-2 India cutoff — high demand from I-485 applicants. EB-3 India showing relative health.
FY2026 visa numbers tracking normal pace. No retrogression expected before October.
First half of FY2026 demand normal. DOS optimistic about steady forward movement through mid-year.
Q1 FY2026 usage lighter than projected. DOS expects continued movement but warns of increased demand as PDs advance.
How to Use DOS Predictions
DOS Visa Office publishes the Visa Bulletin prediction commentary monthly via AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) calls and its website. Key signals to watch:
- Demand signals: "High demand" = expect hold or retrogression. "Lower than expected demand" = expect advance.
- October reset: Every October 1 starts a new fiscal year. Categories that were held or retrogrressed often jump forward in October as new visa numbers become available.
- Spillover: Unused EB-1 visas spill over to EB-2, then EB-3. Heavy EB-1 usage means less spillover and slower EB-2 movement.
- "Will not advance" warning: If DOS says this explicitly, a category is at risk of retrogression or hold for multiple months.