February 2026 Visa Bulletin Reveals No Movement for Indian Green Card Hopefuls, Extending Wait Times
February 16, 2026
The latest update from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) regarding the February 2026 Visa Bulletin brings disappointing news for Indian nationals aspiring for a U.S. Green Card. Following a complete freeze in January, the new bulletin indicates a continued lack of progress in priority dates for key employment-based categories, particularly impacting Indian applicants. This persistent stagnation signals further extensions to already protracted waiting periods for thousands of Indian professionals seeking permanent residency in the United States.
The Visa Bulletin serves as a critical monthly guide, informing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and consular offices when immigrant visa applicants can file for adjustment of status or attend their final visa interviews. For India-born professionals, especially those in the highly subscribed EB-2 (Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability) and EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers) categories, the February 2026 update offers no respite. Priority dates for these crucial categories remain unchanged, effectively prolonging the immense backlog and the wait for a coveted U.S. Green Card.
This prolonged freeze is a stark reminder of the overwhelming demand from Indian applicants, which consistently outstrips the annual visa allocation. The per-country limits, mandated by U.S. immigration law, mean that only a certain percentage of available visas can be allocated to any single country, regardless of the actual demand. This structural limitation disproportionately affects high-demand countries like India and China, leading to multi-decade long waiting lines for employment-based green cards.
For thousands of Indian immigrants who have dedicated years to living and working in the U.S. on temporary visas, often H-1Bs, this news amplifies feelings of uncertainty and frustration. The inability to advance their green card process affects critical life decisions, including career progression, family planning, and long-term settlement in the United States. Applicants with older priority dates continue to face an indefinite waiting period, with no clear timeline for when their applications might finally move forward.
Immigration experts advise Indian green card hopefuls to closely monitor future Visa Bulletins. While immediate breakthroughs seem unlikely given the current trend of stagnation and the sheer volume of the backlog, any slight forward movement can provide a glimmer of hope for those with nearing priority dates. The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the per-country limits and the structural issues causing these decades-long waits. Until such reforms are implemented, patience and persistent advocacy remain the primary tools for those navigating the complex U.S. immigration landscape in pursuit of permanent residency.
