The February 2026 Visa Bulletin, released by the U.S. Department of State, confirms a period of stability and opportunity for Indian-born doctors and dentists considering the EB-5 immigrant investor program. After the meaningful forward movement seen earlier in the fiscal year, February maintains the same favorable positioning for EB-5 applicants from India—particularly those evaluating timing, filing strategy, and long-term immigration planning.
Most notably, the EB-5 Unreserved Final Action Date for India remains at May 1, 2022, while all EB-5 set-aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) continue to be Current. For Indian healthcare professionals on H-1B visas—many of whom face decade-long waits under EB-2 and EB-3—this bulletin reinforces why EB-5 remains one of the most practical and controllable pathways to U.S. permanent residency.
Below is a full breakdown of the February 2026 Visa Bulletin, followed by targeted analysis tailored specifically for Indian doctors and dentists navigating career, family, and immigration decisions.
Table A — Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Preference Cases
(February 2026 Visa Bulletin)
| Family-Sponsored | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | China (Mainland-born) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| F1 | 08NOV16 | 08NOV16 | 08NOV16 | 01SEP06 | 01MAR13 |
| F2A | 01FEB24 | 01FEB24 | 01FEB24 | 01FEB23 | 01FEB24 |
| F2B | 01DEC16 | 01DEC16 | 01DEC16 | 15NOV08 | 22DEC12 |
| F3 | 08SEP11 | 08SEP11 | 08SEP11 | 01MAY01 | 01MAR05 |
| F4 | 08JAN08 | 08JAN08 | 01NOV06 | 08APR01 | 22JUL06 |
Context:
Family-based categories remain heavily backlogged for India. While these categories are not the focus for EB-5 Doctors readers, they provide useful context: demand for immigrant visas from India remains intense across nearly all preference categories. This sustained pressure is one of the core reasons EB-5 continues to stand apart as an alternative route.
Table B — Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications
(February 2026 Visa Bulletin)
| Family-Sponsored | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| F1 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP07 | 22APR15 |
| F2A | 22DEC25 | 22DEC25 | 22DEC25 | 22DEC25 | 22DEC25 |
| F2B | 15MAR17 | 15MAR17 | 15MAR17 | 15NOV09 | 01OCT13 |
| F3 | 22JUL12 | 22JUL12 | 22JUL12 | 01JUL01 | 01FEB06 |
| F4 | 01MAR09 | 01MAR09 | 15DEC06 | 30APR01 | 15JAN08 |
Table C — Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases (Including EB-5)
(February 2026 Visa Bulletin)
| Employment-Based | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| EB-1 | C | 01FEB23 | 01FEB23 | C | C |
| EB-2 | 01APR24 | 01SEP21 | 15JUL13 | 01APR24 | 01APR24 |
| EB-3 | 22APR23 | 01MAY21 | 15NOV13 | 22APR23 | 22APR23 |
| Other Workers | 01SEP21 | 08DEC18 | 15NOV13 | 01SEP21 | 01SEP21 |
| EB-4 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 |
| EB-5 Unreserved (C5/T5/I5/R5/NU/RU) | C | 22AUG16 | 01MAY22 | C | C |
| EB-5 Set-Aside: Rural (20%) | C | C | C | C | C |
| EB-5 Set-Aside: High Unemployment (10%) | C | C | C | C | C |
| EB-5 Set-Aside: Infrastructure (2%) | C | C | C | C | C |
Key EB-5 Takeaway
The Final Action Date for EB-5 Unreserved India remains May 1, 2022, holding steady after earlier advancement. This stability suggests visa demand is currently being managed within available limits—a positive signal for investors already in the pipeline.
Table D — Dates for Filing Employment-Based Visa Applications (Including EB-5)
(February 2026 Visa Bulletin)
| Employment-Based | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| EB-1 | C | 01AUG23 | 01AUG23 | C | C |
| EB-2 | 15OCT24 | 01JAN22 | 01DEC13 | 15OCT24 | 15OCT24 |
| EB-3 | 01JUL23 | 01JAN22 | 15AUG14 | 01JUL23 | 01JUL23 |
| Other Workers | 01DEC21 | 01OCT19 | 15AUG14 | 01DEC21 | 01DEC21 |
| EB-5 Unreserved | C | 22AUG16 | 01MAY24 | C | C |
| EB-5 Set-Asides | C | C | C | C | C |
Why the Filing Chart Matters
For Indian-born doctors and dentists on H-1B visas, the Dates for Filing chart is more than administrative detail. If USCIS allows use of this chart for February filings, eligible EB-5 investors may:
- File Adjustment of Status earlier
- Obtain EAD (work authorization)
- Obtain Advance Parole (travel authorization)
- Reduce dependency on ongoing H-1B extensions
What the February 2026 Bulletin Means for Indian-Born EB-5 Investors
1. EB-5 Unreserved: Stability at May 1, 2022
Holding the Final Action Date at May 1, 2022 indicates that the State Department is cautiously managing EB-5 demand for India. For investors with priority dates before this cutoff, visa availability remains intact—assuming petitions are approved and documentation is complete.
For Indian physicians and dentists, this stability creates predictability. In a profession where schedules, credentialing, and employer commitments are complex, predictability matters.
2. EB-5 Set-Asides Remain the Fastest Route
All three EB-5 set-aside categories remain Current, meaning:
- No backlog
- Immediate visa availability
- Faster adjudication timelines
For healthcare professionals who want to move decisively away from employment-based uncertainty, set-aside projects—when properly vetted—remain the most efficient option.
3. Employment-Based Categories Remain Backlogged
EB-2 and EB-3 India continue to reflect severe retrogression, reinforcing the reality many doctors already know: traditional employment-based routes often involve waits measured in decades, not years.
Strategic Guidance for Indian Doctors and Dentists on H-1B Visas
A. If You’re Already an EB-5 Investor
- Confirm whether your priority date is before May 1, 2022
- Coordinate with counsel to ensure your case is documentarily complete
- Monitor USCIS guidance on Filing Chart usage
B. If You’re Considering EB-5 Now
- Set-aside projects deserve close attention due to current visa availability
- Early planning around source-of-funds documentation is essential
- EB-5 allows independence from employer sponsorship—particularly valuable for physicians considering practice changes or ownership
C. Filing Strategy Still Matters
Even when Final Action Dates are favorable, filing strategy can affect:
- Work authorization continuity
- Travel flexibility
- Family member timelines
D. Career and Family Alignment
Doctors and dentists often plan years ahead—residency, fellowships, practice expansion, children’s education. EB-5 offers a way to align immigration strategy with long-term personal and professional goals rather than reacting to visa constraints.
Practical Next Steps
- Identify whether your EB-5 case is unreserved or set-aside
- Confirm your priority date
- Check USCIS monthly guidance on Filing Chart usage
- Prepare source-of-funds and compliance documentation early
- Work with experienced EB-5 and immigration professionals
Closing Statement
Whether you’re a first-time investor or reevaluating your strategy, careful planning is crucial to navigating these shifts. EB5 Doctors is here to provide the guidance, expertise, and support you need to make informed decisions and secure your future. Contact us today to learn more about your EB-5 opportunities and how to adapt to the latest visa updates. Don’t wait until the changes affect your plans—take action now!
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal or financial advice.
