August 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-1 China Advances to July 1, 2023; EB-2 Holds
In the August 2026 Visa Bulletin, EB-1 China moves to July 1, 2023 while EB-2 China stays at September 1, 2021. USCIS still uses Final Action Dates for employment-based I-485 filings.
August 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-1 China Advances to July 1, 2023; EB-2 Holds #
Key takeaways
- EB-2 China Final Action Date remains September 1, 2021
- EB-1 China advances to July 1, 2023
- EB-2 India remains unavailable
- Employment-based I-485 filings still use Final Action Dates
- An EB-1 advance is not an EB-2 advance
The August 2026 bulletin is uneven for China-born applicants: EB-1 moved, EB-2 did not. This article is based on the DOS August bulletin and the USCIS chart. It is not legal advice.
| Category | August Final Action Date | Dates for Filing |
|---|---|---|
| EB-1 China | July 1, 2023 | December 1, 2023 |
| EB-2 China | September 1, 2021 | January 1, 2022 |
| EB-3 China | January 1, 2022 | January 8, 2022 |
Family cases may use Dates for Filing. Employment-based filers should not treat Chart B as a filing ticket.
If NIW evidence is ready, keep locking a priority date. If EB1A evidence is not ready, do not file a thin premium case just because EB-1 moved. See the Chinese August briefing companion and the later September freeze.
FAQ #
Does an EB-1 advance mean I should switch to EB1A immediately?
Only if the ten criteria and final merits are actually ready. Cutoff movement is not a merits decision.
Should I stop an NIW filing because EB-2 did not move?
Usually no. The I-140 can still be adjudicated and can still capture a priority date.
Can I file I-485 on Dates for Filing in August?
USCIS continued to require Final Action Dates for employment-based categories.
Does India remaining unavailable close China?
No. China's published EB-2 date in August was still September 1, 2021.