DOS Visa Bulletin retrogressions and NVC/consular processing shifts
Key Questions
What retrogression occurred in the July 2026 Visa Bulletin for India?
EB-1 India retrogressed to October 15, 2022 and EB-2 India remains unavailable after exhausting FY2026 numbers. EB-3 India saw a slight advance while further retrogression warnings were issued for family-based categories.
Why are NVC and consular processing experiencing delays?
An 11.6 million backlog combined with extreme vetting and high demand is slowing NVC processing. DOS has warned that family-based categories may also face retrogression due to these pressures.
How does the July 2026 Visa Bulletin differ from June 2026?
EB-2 India and EB-5 Unreserved India became unavailable, while EB-1 India retrogressed by two months. Final action dates for EB-3 India advanced slightly compared to the prior month.
June 2026 VB confirms EB-1/EB-2 India retrogression (EB-1 Dec 2022, EB-2 Sep 2013); EB-2 current for ROW. DOS warns of further retrogression. NVC delays amid 11.6M backlog. EB-2 India exhausted for FY2026. July 2026 VB confirms EB-1 India retrogression to Oct 15, 2022; EB-3 India slight advance; F1 family jump of 153 days. New warning: family-based categories may also face retrogression due to demand and extreme vetting.