It’s the news we’ve been waiting for! The Department of State has officially released the April 2026 Visa Bulletin, and for many families in Northern California, it’s a total game-changer. If you are a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) trying to bring your spouse or unmarried children under 21 to the United States—or if they are already here with you—listen closely: The F2A category “Dates for Filing” is now CURRENT for all countries.
This is a massive window of opportunity that hasn’t looked this good in a long time. At Ranchod Law Group, we’ve spent 23 years helping families navigate these complex shifts, and we know exactly how to leverage this moment to get your loved ones their legal status faster.
What Does “Current” Actually Mean for You?
In the world of immigration, “Current” is the word everyone wants to hear. When a category is marked as current in the Dates for Filing chart, it means there is no longer a backlog preventing you from submitting your application for a Green Card.
Specifically, for the month of April 2026, if you are the spouse or child of a Green Card holder and you are currently inside the United States on a valid visa, you can file your I-485 Adjustment of Status application right now. It doesn’t matter if your priority date was from last year or last week—the door is open.
Why Filing Now is a “Big Win”
Even though the “Final Action Date” (the date when the actual Green Card can be issued) is still set at February 1, 2024 (and February 1, 2023, for Mexico), being able to file the application now provides immediate, life-changing benefits:
- Work Authorization (EAD): Once we file your adjustment of status, you can apply for a work permit. This allows you to work legally in Sacramento or anywhere in the U.S. while you wait for the final Green Card.
- Travel Document (Advance Parole): You can apply for permission to travel abroad and return to the U.S. without abandoning your application.
- Legal Stay: Once the I-485 is filed, you are in a “period of authorized stay,” meaning you don’t have to worry about your underlying non-immigrant status expiring while the case is pending.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to talk to a marriage green card lawyer, this is it.
The Details: F2A Category in April 2026
The F2A category is reserved for the spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of permanent residents. Historically, this category has faced significant backlogs, sometimes stretching for years.
For April 2026:
- Dates for Filing: CURRENT for all chargeability areas (including India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines).
- Final Action Dates: February 1, 2024, for most of the world; February 1, 2023, for Mexico.
While the Final Action Date means you might still have a short wait before the physical Green Card is in your hand, the “Current” filing status is the golden ticket to getting your foot in the door. As an experienced adjustment of status lawyer, Kaushik Ranchod and our team can help you prepare a “bulletproof” filing to ensure you don’t miss this window.
The “WIN Method” and Why Experience Matters
At Ranchod Law Group, we don’t just fill out forms. We use our proprietary WIN Method to ensure every case is handled with the highest level of strategic planning. With a 97% success rate and over two decades of experience, we understand the nuances of the Sacramento USCIS field office and the specific hurdles families face.
The Visa Bulletin is notorious for “retrogression”—which is a fancy way of saying the dates can move backward without warning. The Department of State has already hinted that this “Current” status might not last forever. If demand spikes, they could pull back the dates as early as next month. Working with an immigration lawyer in Sacramento ensures that your application is filed correctly and quickly before the window closes.