August 2026 Newsletter
Looking Ahead: Key Immigration Developments This August
August has brought another active month in U.S. immigration, with developments affecting employers, foreign nationals, and families alike.
As we approach the fall, many employers and foreign national employees are also preparing for the next stage of the H-1B cycle, including the October 1 start date for many cap-subject H-1B beneficiaries. At the same time, families and employment-based applicants continue to navigate changing visa availability, processing timelines, and agency guidance.
At Foster Immigration, we remain committed to closely following these developments and helping our clients understand how changes may affect their individual immigration plans. In this month’s newsletter, we highlight several important updates, along with news from our firm and community.
Note from the Attorney
As summer draws to a close and we prepare for the months ahead, we are reminded that immigration is rarely just about paperwork or deadlines. Behind every case is a person, a family, a career, or a business working toward something important.
The immigration landscape continues to evolve, and uncertainty can often be part of the process. Our role is not only to stay on top of changes in the law and policy, but also to help our clients understand what those changes mean for them and make informed decisions about their next steps.
We are grateful for the trust our clients place in our team and proud of the care and dedication our staff brings to each matter. As we head into a busy fall, we remain committed to providing thoughtful, practical guidance and being a steady resource for the individuals, families, and organizations we serve.
Our attorneys can help you navigate through evolving immigration policies. Learn more about our services below.
Foster Immigration Highlights
Growing Our Legal Team: Welcome, Justin!
This month, we are pleased to welcome Justin, our new Law Clerk, to the Foster Immigration legal team. We’re excited to have him on board and look forward to the knowledge, perspective, and contributions he will bring to the firm.
Please join us in giving Justin a warm welcome as he begins his journey with Foster Immigration!
Immigration News: Policy Updates, Agency Guidance & Practical Insights
August 2026 Visa Bulletin: Employment-Based Green Card Updates
The Department of State’s August 2026 Visa Bulletin reflects continued high demand for employment-based immigrant visas, with modest forward movement in certain categories.
For August, USCIS has determined that employment-based applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart to determine eligibility to file Form I-485. Among the notable changes, the EB-1 Final Action Date for China advanced by one month to July 1, 2023, while worldwide EB-3 advanced by one month to September 1, 2024. Several categories for India remained unchanged, while EB-2 India is unavailable for the remainder of FY 2026.
With the end of the fiscal year approaching on September 30, visa availability may continue to change. Employment-based applicants should closely monitor their priority dates and upcoming Visa Bulletins to determine when they may be eligible to move forward with the next stage of the green card process.
View the August 2026 Visa Bulletin
India Reaches FY 2026 EB-2 Per-Country Limit
The U.S. Department of State has announced that the FY 2026 per-country limit for India in the EB-2 employment-based immigrant visa category has been reached. As a result, no additional EB-2 immigrant visas chargeable to India may be issued for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Visa numbers will become available again when the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2026, subject to the applicable annual limits and visa availability. Individuals with pending or planned employment-based green card cases should continue to monitor the Visa Bulletin for developments affecting their priority dates.
Read the Department of State announcement
Have questions about your immigration matter? Our experienced team is here to help. Schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys today.
Legal Disclaimer: This newsletter may be considered attorney advertising under the rules of the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Receipt of this newsletter does not create an attorney–client relationship with Foster Immigration, a trade name of PampaninFoster, LLC. Immigration laws and policies change frequently, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.