The May 2026 Family-Based Immigration Visa Bulletin reveals a continuation of the current trends that significantly impact applicants from China, particularly those in the F2A (spouses and children of permanent residents) and F4 (siblings of U.S. citizens) categories.

Previously, the F2A category had remained current for several months, and this month it continues to be current (C) for both China-born applicants and all chargeability areas, meaning applicants with approved petitions in this category can file for adjustment of status or immigrant visa immediately. This stability is beneficial for families seeking reunification, allowing a streamlined process without waiting for priority dates to become current. From our casework, we observe that clients in the F2A category should confirm their priority dates and prepare I-485 or DS-260 applications promptly to avoid missing this favorable window.

Attorney Insight
In contrast, the F4 category, which covers siblings of U.S. citizens, remains deeply backlogged with a final action date of September 15, 2008, for China-born applicants. This represents an approximately 18-year wait, unchanged from April 2026. This long wait is consistent with INA §203(a)(4) quota limitations and reflects the longstanding oversubscription in this category. For clients with approved I-130 petitions in F4, we recommend maintaining close monitoring of the Visa Bulletin and preparing for potential interim benefits like nonimmigrant visas or exploring alternative family-based categories if eligible.

Comparing to last month, the key changes include:

| Category | China Final Action Date (Apr 2026) | China Final Action Date (May 2026) | Change | |----------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------|--------| | F2A | 01FEB24 | Current (C) | Improved | | F4 | 08JUN08 | 15SEP08 | Slight advancement |

The advancement in F4 final action date by approximately three months is modest but notable given the category's typical slow movement. From our practical perspective, such incremental progress, while small, signals continued albeit slow relief for those long-waiting applicants.

For employment-based immigration clients, especially high-level executives and investors, the family-based visa bulletin still matters because it impacts dependent family members’ green card applications. For example, an EB-1C principal applicant’s spouse and children may file concurrently if the family category is current or close to current. Currently, F2A being current facilitates smoother family adjustment alongside principal applicants’ filings.

Actionable recommendations based on this bulletin include:

  1. 1For F2A applicants with approved I-130, prepare and submit adjustment of status (Form I-485) or immigrant visa applications as soon as possible to take advantage of the current status and avoid unnecessary delays. Check Form I-797 notices for priority dates and USCIS processing times.
  1. 1For F4 applicants, maintain updated contact with USCIS and consulates, and consider nonimmigrant visa options to bridge the long waiting period. Also, review eligibility for any other family-based categories or employment-based pathways that might shorten the wait.
  1. 1For clients with pending employment-based petitions, coordinate family filings with principal petitions carefully, especially where family categories are current (like F2A) to optimize timing.

One of our recent cases involved a client whose spouse’s F2A petition was approved last year but had not filed adjustment of status due to uncertainty about the priority date. After confirming F2A remained current this May, we immediately assisted in filing Form I-485, saving several months of waiting and avoiding the risk of petition expiration.

From a regulatory standpoint, the eligibility to file adjustment of status when the priority date is current is governed by 8 CFR § 245.2(a)(2)(i), which underscores the importance of aligning filing with Visa Bulletin movement. Ignoring this can lead to lost filing opportunities and longer wait times.

Attorney Insight
In summary, the May 2026 Family-Based Visa Bulletin signals continued opportunity for F2A applicants to proceed without delay, while F4 remains a long-term wait. Applicants should actively monitor their priority dates and prepare filings accordingly. From our experience, early and precise action aligned with the Visa Bulletin can materially shorten waiting periods and reduce risks.

This means for you: check your priority date today on the official USCIS or Department of State Visa Bulletin websites, and if you are in the F2A category, begin or finalize your adjustment filing immediately. For those in F4, plan strategically with your immigration counsel to explore interim solutions and alternative pathways.

Data Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov [2] USCIS, uscis.gov