The March 2026 Visa Bulletin released by the U.S. Department of State marks a significant shift for many young immigrants who hold or are awaiting Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). After years of backlog in the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) category, which includes SIJS green cards, this month’s bulletin offers renewed hope for many juveniles and families who have been waiting to file their adjustment of status applications.
What Changed in the EB-4 Category?
For many months, the EB-4 visa category has been backlogged, meaning that even after a SIJS petition (Form I-360) is approved, youth could not move forward with filing for a green card because no visa numbers were available. This backlog was driven by high demand and limited annual visa numbers — a constraint that was painfully felt by SIJS applicants and other special immigrants.
In the March 2026 Visa Bulletin, the Dates for Filing chart (Chart B) for EB-4 has shown forward movement. Specifically:
- SIJS adjustments of status may now be filed starting March 1, 2026 for many juveniles whose priority dates fall before the current cut-off on the Chart B filing date.
This means that, for the first time in a long period, eligible SIJS applicants — particularly those whose priority dates were waiting behind the backlog — may actually submit their Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) and receive a work permit (EAD) and travel document (advance parole) while the adjustment is pending.
Why This Matters to SIJS Youth
SIJS is a vital humanitarian pathway that allows children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by a parent to gain legal permanent residency in the U.S. after they receive SIJS classification from a juvenile court and USCIS approves their I-360. However, having SIJS alone is only one part of the process — a visa number must also be available before an applicant can actually seek a green card.
Because EB-4 visas are limited in number each fiscal year and allocated by priority date, many SIJS young people have been left waiting, sometimes for years, even after USCIS approves their initial petition. The March 2026 bulletin’s advancement in filing dates may allow hundreds of SIJS beneficiaries to finally begin the green card stage of their immigration journey.
Filing vs. Final Action: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to understand the two charts in the Visa Bulletin:
- Dates for Filing (Chart B): Indicates when USCIS is allowing applicants to submit their adjustment applications.
- Final Action Dates (Chart A): Indicates when there are visa numbers available for final approval of the green card.
For March 2026, USCIS is using the Dates for Filing chart for EB-4, meaning eligible applications can be submitted now, even if the Final Action Dates aren’t yet current. Filing now gives applicants a place in line and access to key benefits such as work authorization and travel documents.
Who Can Benefit?
This change is especially meaningful for:
- SIJS petitioners whose priority dates are on or before the filing cut-off in the March bulletin.
- SIJS beneficiaries who are currently in the U.S. and eligible to adjust status.
- SIJS youth who have been waiting for EB-4 visa availability, particularly those aging toward 21 and seeking to lock in immigration protections.
Next Steps for SIJS Applicants
If you or someone you represent may be eligible to file based on the March 2026 Visa Bulletin:
- Confirm your priority date as listed on your I-360 approval.
- Check whether your priority date is on or before the EB-4 filing cut-off for March 2026.
- Prepare and file Form I-485 along with Form I-765 (work authorization) and Form I-131 (travel document) if eligible.
- Seek experienced legal guidance to ensure all evidence and supporting documentation are properly assembled.
Final Thoughts
The March 2026 Visa Bulletin brings a rare and welcome advancement for EB-4 and SIJS applicants. After years of waiting, many juveniles now have a real opportunity to move forward with their green card applications. While future Visa Bulletin movements can change month to month, for now there is a meaningful window of opportunity for eligible SIJS youth.
If you have questions about your eligibility or need help filing your adjustment of status application, the attorneys at Law Firm of Anish Vashistha are here to help. Contact us today and let us guide you through this crucial step in your immigration journey.