When the July 2026 Bulletin Does Not Move, What Should NIW Applicants Do Each Month?
A frozen EB-2 China cutoff is not a reason to stop. This monthly checklist covers priority date snapshots, evidence archives, I-485 preparation, and a separate EB1A review.
When the July 2026 Bulletin Does Not Move, What Should NIW Applicants Do Each Month? #
Five things to keep
- A frozen cutoff does not stop an NIW I-140 from being filed or invalidate an approved I-140
- Save the DOS bulletin, the USCIS chart, and your priority date every month
- The waiting period is for verifiable archives: citations, reviews, impact, and recommender contacts
- I-485 filing depends on the USCIS chart for that month, not Dates for Filing alone
- An approved NIW is not an EB1A grant; keep a separate criteria matrix
In July 2026, the EB-2 China Final Action Date remained September 1, 2021. This article is educational, based on the July bulletin and USCIS filing-chart practice. It is not legal advice.
Separate three dates #
| Date | Question it answers |
|---|---|
| Priority date | Where you stand in line |
| Final Action Date | When a visa number may be available |
| Dates for Filing | When files may be submitted if USCIS allows that chart |
Consular processing and in-U.S. adjustment can follow different operational paths in the same month.
First week: snapshot #
Save the DOS and USCIS pages, confirm the I-797 priority date, and write one line on whether Chart A or Chart B applies to you this month.
Second week: evidence index #
Keep four tables: citations, peer review, project impact, and recommenders. Store invitations separately from completion records.
FAQ #
Should I still file NIW if the bulletin is frozen?
Filing depends on evidence and status plans. A frozen cutoff does not mean I-140 adjudication stopped.
Do I keep saving reviews after I-140 approval?
Yes. They may support a later EB1A review, an RFE, or an updated endeavor story.
If Chart B is earlier, can I file I-485?
Only if USCIS designates that chart for the month and you otherwise qualify.
Can I reuse NIW letters for EB1A?
Facts can be reused. The legal purpose of the letters is different and usually needs a rewrite.
Bottom line #
Treat a frozen month as a record-keeping month. See the July 2026 Visa Bulletin and the NIW complete guide.