For Indian professionals on work visas, two recent USCIS announcements have arrived as an unexpected pair of positives. The January 2026 visa bulletin showed significant advancement in final action dates across several employment-based categories, with especially notable movement in EB-1 and EB-5 for Indian applicants. Shortly thereafter, USCIS delivered what many are calling a double boost: it confirmed that applicants may file adjustment of status applications using either the Final Action Dates chart or the Dates for Filing chart.
With USCIS now allowing adjustment filings under either chart, legal experts are urging eligible Indian professionals to act quickly and capitalize on this rare forward movement. Immigration watchers caution that those who qualify now should file promptly to secure their place before filing windows narrow again.
READ: Return of the American Dream? Latest US visa bulletin brings rare wins for Indians in EB-1 category (December 18, 2025)
This added flexibility significantly expands the pool of employment-based applicants who may now be eligible to submit green card applications, even if their priority dates are not yet current under the final action chart.
Notably, the January bulletin reflects advancement across nearly all employment-based visa categories, not just EB-1 and EB-5, which saw almost a one-year and two-year jump, respectively. EB-2 and EB-3 categories also recorded forward movement, particularly for heavily backlogged countries such as India and China.
While green card hopefuls are upbeat about the development, there has also been intense chatter in expat circles about what may have prompted this affirmative movement. Michael Valverde, founder of True North Pathways LLC, explains, “This was an unexpectedly large jump forward in the dates. It likely means USCIS is not confident it has enough cases in the queue to maximize visa usage going forward and has taken a big step to increase case filings. Lengthening processing times and increases in the number of denials have also impacted visa usage.”
Immigration experts also advise that preparation — and any expert consultation required for an individual case — should begin promptly. Any undue delay or extended preparatory period could reduce one’s chances, as the window for filing is expected to remain narrow.
“I would advise anyone who is now able to file their green card application to take advantage of the moment. Historically, big steps forward like this have often come with retrogression later in the year. You don’t want to miss the opportunity.” – Michael Valvarde, immigration policy expert and former associate director of operations at USCIS, told the American Bazaar
For those in the green card queue, January will be a critical month, as the filing window opens on January 1 and closes on January 31. Eligible applicants must make the most of this limited period by ensuring that all required documentation is complete and in order. Beginning in 2024, USCIS has also required applicants’ medical examinations to be filed concurrently with the I-485, or Application to Register Permanent Residence, adding another important step to the preparation process.
Sangeetha Mugunthan of Somireddy Law Group PLLC, who specializes in talent- and investment-based visas, says this unprecedented moment — when both EB-1 and investor visa EB-5 categories are seeing renewed momentum — calls for careful self-assessment. Her advice is that applicants first identify their strengths and determine eligibility. As she puts it, “Individuals need to initially invest time in looking back at their professional trajectory, focus on their niche areas of expertise, and list out their key achievements and contributions. It is also extremely important to carefully document everything and strongly develop their EB-1A case.”
Immigration policy expert Michael Valverde, who has seen the system from the inside and understands when to act, summed it up succinctly: “Get it while you can.”