The January 2026 Visa Bulletin marks the first bulletin of the new calendar year and delivers meaningful forward movement for Indian-born EB-5 investors, particularly in the unreserved category. For doctors and dentists on H-1B visas navigating long employment-based backlogs, this month reinforces why EB-5 continues to stand apart as a strategic green card pathway.
Most notably, the EB-5 Unreserved Final Action Date for India has advanced to 01 May 2022, while all EB-5 set-aside categories remain Current. For Indian healthcare professionals evaluating timing, filing strategy, and project selection, this bulletin provides clarity—and opportunity.
Below is a complete breakdown of the January 2026 Visa Bulletin, followed by targeted analysis for EB-5 Doctors readers.
Table A — Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Preference Cases
(January 2026 Visa Bulletin)
| Family-Sponsored | All Chargeability Areas | China | 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 |
Family-based categories remain largely unchanged and continue to face long backlogs for India. While not directly relevant to EB-5, these queues highlight the overall pressure on Indian visa availability.
Table B — Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications
(January 2026 Visa Bulletin)
| Family-Sponsored | All Chargeability Areas | 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 — January 2026)
| Employment-Based | All Chargeability Areas | 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 | C | 22AUG16 | 01MAY22 | C | C |
| EB-5 Set-Asides | C | C | C | C | C |
Table D — Dates for Filing Employment-Based Visa Applications
(Including EB-5 — January 2026)
| Employment-Based | All Chargeability Areas | 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 |
What the January 2026 Bulletin Means for Indian-Born EB-5 Investors
1. EB-5 Unreserved (India) moves to 01 May 2022
This is the most significant development in the bulletin. A Final Action Date of May 1, 2022 means thousands of Indian EB-5 investors who previously faced multi-year waits are now within reach of green card issuance—assuming their petitions are approved and documentarily complete.
For Indian doctors and dentists on H-1B visas, this movement reduces uncertainty and opens the door to long-term career planning without dependency on employer sponsorship.
2. EB-5 Set-Aside categories remain Current
Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure set-asides continue to offer immediate visa availability. For healthcare professionals seeking the fastest route to permanent residence, these categories remain strategically compelling.
3. Filing flexibility expands
The Dates for Filing chart shows 01 May 2024 for EB-5 Unreserved India. If USCIS permits use of the filing chart this month, eligible investors may file Adjustment of Status earlier—gaining EAD and Advance Parole benefits while awaiting final adjudication.
4. Employment-based backlogs persist
EB-2 and EB-3 for India remain heavily backlogged, reinforcing why EB-5 continues to be a practical alternative for physicians and dentists facing decades-long waits under traditional employment categories.
Strategic Takeaways for H-1B Doctors and Dentists
- If your EB-5 priority date is before May 2022: You may now be eligible for final action—timing matters.
- Set-aside projects remain the fastest option for new EB-5 investors.
- Filing chart eligibility can provide interim work and travel benefits.
- Project diligence is critical—job creation, compliance, and timing directly affect outcomes.
- EB-5 offers independence from employer-based visa uncertainty, particularly valuable in healthcare careers.
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!
What EB-5 Investors Need to Know in 2025 About The Visa Backlog — Read here.
Understanding the Role of Business Plans in EB-5 Applications: Why Your Business Plan Matters — Read here.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal or financial advice.
