If you’re an EB-3 nurse waiting for your priority date to become current, you’re likely following the Visa Bulletin each month. Some updates feel promising. Others feel like nothing has changed.
This recap looks at the full year of 2026 so far, what actually moved, and what it means for your timeline.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin shows progression of your priority date and when you will become eligible for a US Embassy interview and issuance of an immigrant visa (Permanent Residence) for travel to the US.
For EB-3 nurses, the key chart is the Final Action Date for Employment Based Preference Cases. If your priority date is earlier than the date listed, your case cannot move forward.
Because there are limits on how many visas can be issued each year, applicants are processed in order. That is why waiting periods exist.
2026 Visa Bulletin Summary
January 2026
EB-3 remained around April 2023 for most countries. View January 2026 Visa Bulletin.
Impact
Minimal movement. The backlog from prior years was still being worked through.
February 2026
EB-3 advanced to approximately June 2023 for most countries. View February 2026 Visa Bulletin.
Impact
Forward movement resumed. Progress was steady but limited.
March 2026
EB-3 moved forward again, reaching later 2023 dates for most countries. View March 2026 Visa Bulletin.
Impact
This was the first clear sign of stronger movement. More cases began advancing.
April 2026
EB-3 advanced further into 2024 for most countries. View April 2026 Visa Bulletin.
Impact
Movement continued month over month. This indicates ongoing visa allocation and processing.
May 2026
EB-3 advanced further, reaching approximately June 2024 for most countries, with continued forward movement across employment-based categories. View May 2026 Visa Bulletin.
Impact
Movement continued into 2024, reinforcing the trend of steady advancement seen in previous months. At the same time, visa issuance rates have been impacted for certain countries due to broader immigration actions, which may affect how quickly visas are issued even as priority dates move forward.
What This Means for EB-3 Nurses
Movement has resumed. After periods of little change, priority dates are advancing again. This reflects active processing and visa availability.
Progress is not consistent across countries. Some countries are moving faster than others due to per-country limits, which cap how many visas can be issued to applicants from any one country each year. When demand is higher from certain countries, such as the Philippines or India, it creates longer backlogs and slower movement for those applicants.
This is a normal part of how the EB-3 system works. It does not mean your case is stalled or that something is wrong. It simply reflects how visas are distributed globally and why timelines can vary depending on where you are applying from.
In addition to normal visa movement, there are external factors that can impact timing. Recently, there have been added challenges related to immigration processing that may affect when visas are issued, even for nurses whose priority dates are current.
For example, while priority dates have moved forward significantly, there are situations where visa issuance may be delayed depending on country-specific conditions or embassy processing capacity. This means that becoming current is an important milestone, but it does not always guarantee immediate visa issuance.
Timelines are still long. Even with forward movement, many nurses will continue to wait months or years depending on their priority date.
Where Do You Fall? Understanding Your Position
Your next steps depend on how close your priority date is to the current Visa Bulletin.
If your priority date is in 2024 or earlier, you are getting close. Based on the 2026 movement, many priority dates have already advanced into 2024 for EB-3. Your case could become current sooner than expected, and movement can happen quickly once dates begin advancing. You should confirm that all documents are complete and up to date, stay in close contact with your recruiter, and be ready to move forward quickly when your date becomes current.
If your priority date is in 2023, you are in the active movement range. 2026 updates show consistent advancement through 2023. Progress may feel slow month to month, but you are moving forward. You should continue monitoring updates, keep your documentation current, and begin thinking through job and location preferences.
If your priority date is in 2022 or earlier, you should already be preparing for the next steps or may already be current. Timing is critical. You should stay highly responsive, be ready for interviews and placement discussions, and make decisions quickly when opportunities arise.
If your priority date is 2025 or later, you are earlier in the process. Movement ahead of you needs to clear first. Your focus should be on preparation, keeping your credentials current, and continuing to build experience while you wait.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Visa movement will not follow a straight line. Some months will show larger jumps. Others may slow or pause. The overall trend in 2026 shows that progress is happening.
At the same time, visa availability and visa issuance are not always perfectly aligned. There may be periods where priority dates move forward, but embassy processing or external factors impact how quickly visas are issued.
You’re Moving Forward. We’ll Help You Stay Ready.
Waiting is one of the most challenging parts of the EB-3 process, especially when progress is not always visible month to month.
Looking at the 2026 Visa Bulletins as a whole, there is clear forward movement. Priority dates are advancing, cases are being processed, and the system is actively working through the backlog.
Even in periods where there are added delays or uncertainty around visa issuance, there are still important steps you can take to stay prepared and avoid losing time when processing resumes at full pace.
What matters most now is being prepared when your priority date becomes current.
If you are already working with Epic International Staffing, our team is monitoring these changes closely and guiding you through each step, so you are ready to move forward without delays. From documentation and credentialing to job placement and relocation, we help ensure nothing slows your progress when your opportunity arrives.
If you are still exploring your options, the process can feel complex without the right support. Having a partner who understands each stage and keeps you on track can make a meaningful difference in both your timeline and your experience.
Whether you are currently waiting or just beginning your journey, Epic International Staffing is here to help you understand where you stand, what comes next, and how to prepare so you can move forward with confidence.
Learn more about our program and how we support international nurses every step of the way as they build a life and career in the United States.