The table shows the qualifying dates for processing immigrant visas and Form I-485, if USCIS allows it. These dates determine when applicants can submit the required documentation to begin the visa application process, according to USCIS acceptance rules.
| DATE FOR FILING | ||
| MAY 2026 | FAMILY-SPONSORED CATEGORIES | EMPLOYMENT-BASED CATEGORIES |
| FIRST PREFERENCE unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, 21 years of age or older | September 01, 2017 – October 01, 2018 | |
| SECOND PREFERENCE A spouses and children under 21 of U.S. permanent residents | August 01, 2024 – current | |
| SECOND PREFERENCE B adult children, over 21, of U.S. permanent residents | May 22, 2017 – January 01, 2018 | |
| THIRD PREFERENCE married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, including their families | February 15, 2012 – December 08, 2012 | |
| FOURTH PREFERENCE brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, including their families | September 15, 2008 – September 01, 2009 | |
| FIRST PREFERENCE “Nobel laureates”, multinational executives | current – current | |
| SECOND PREFERENCE holders of advanced degrees | current – current | |
| THIRD PREFERENCE “professionals” and skilled workers | October 01, 2023 – current | |
| THIRD PREFERENCE unskilled workers | February 01, 2022 – August 01, 2022 | |
| FOURTH PREFERENCE religious workers | July 15, 2022 -January 01, 2023 | |
| FIFTH PREFERENCE investors | CURRENT | |
