If your spouse or parent is a U.S. permanent resident and you have been waiting to file for your green card, April brings you good news.
The visa bulletin
The Visa Bulletin uses two charts. The Final Action Dates chart controls when USCIS can actually approve and issue a green card. The Dates for Filing chart governs when you may submit your I‑485 Adjustment of Status application ahead of final action.
When F2A is current on the Dates for Filing chart, any qualified spouse or unmarried child under 21 of a lawful permanent resident may file an I‑485 regardless of priority date — provided USCIS authorizes that chart for the month.
The good news
For April 2026, F2A is current for all countries of chargeability, including India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines. That means no priority date cutoff is blocking eligible applicants this month if USCIS permits use of the Dates for Filing chart. Always confirm authorization at www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo before submitting.
Who benefits
This applies to F2A beneficiaries such as spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders. If the sponsoring relative has filed an I‑130 (approved or pending), you may now be able to submit your I‑485 depending on your facts. This does not apply to F2B beneficiaries (unmarried sons and daughters 21 or older), which follows a separate schedule.
Timing and strategy
USCIS processes adjustment cases in the order received, but filing now lets you obtain employment authorization (EAD) and advance parole earlier. Concurrent filing, which means submitting Form I‑130 and Form I‑485 together, can streamline cases when an immigrant petition has not yet been approved. If your priority date is current, don’t wait for further bulletin updates. Assemble a complete application and file. Missing documents or errors delay adjudication.
The Department of State cautioned that advances in several immigrant visa categories reflect slower visa issuance for some countries under current policies. Because demand and issuance can shift, dates that are current now may retrogress later in FY2026. In addition, USCIS must explicitly authorize the Dates for Filing chart each month. That authorization is not automatic.
Act now
If you or a family member fits F2A and hasn’t filed, this is a key month. With F2A current in April 2026, eligible spouses and children can move forward now. Filing Form I‑485 gives families access to work authorization and a clearer path to lawful permanent residence.
Prepare carefully, follow USCIS instructions precisely, and consult a qualified immigration attorney.
