The new visa bulletin has been released – better late than never!
Most people will be happy with the movement in the VB. As I had hoped, EU got a good increase which is NOT what the government would have done if they were trying to keep plaintiffs suppressed. AF increased to 55k, although we really need to see the embassies taking more cases now.
AS region was increased from 30 to 35k – which was completely pointless as there are no cases above 30k – but someone in the visa office seems a bit confused.
Good movement in OC and SA regions too.
Now… can we see the pauses lifted to take advantage of these VB increases???

Those that are current, and have forms processed early enough, can normally expect their 2NL in the next 2 to 3 weeks from now. This is supposed to be the same every month. VB from the 8th to the 15th of each month, and 2NLs in the second half of the month. For the last few months there have been 2NLs in daily batches, but we seem to be moving to a more normal procedure where almost all the 2NLs are sent before the end of the month, with just a handful being sent earlier this month. I would normally expect all the interview 2NLs to have all been sent by the end of this month, but we can see recently they are exceeding that to try and get as many interviews in as possible. They can be sent right up until the last day of the month, and even the first few days of the following month during exceptional times. One quick point, the 2NLs tend to come out in an approximate alphabetical order, based on the city name of the embassy. So, Addis and Accra tend to be early, and an embassy such as Yaounde would be later. As ever, just be patient…
To those new to looking at VBs, let me explain what the “except” XXX country means – and you can also read this post on how to read the visa bulletin.

March 2, 2026 at 02:53
Hi Simon,
Thanks again for the fantastic coverage and all the help you provide to the DV community.
My case number is EU15*** and it recently became current. On February 20th, I unlocked and resubmitted my DS-260 to update my passport information.
To clarify my situation: I am a dual citizen of North Macedonia and Bulgaria (I have held Bulgarian citizenship since 2011). My country of chargeability remains North Macedonia, but I updated the DS-260 to use my Bulgarian passport as my primary travel document.
Since my number is current but my DS-260 was just resubmitted on Feb 20th, I have two quick questions:
1. How much of a delay will this late unlock/resubmission cause for my processing? 2. Realistically, when should I expect KCC to finish processing the form so I can get my 2NL and interview scheduled?
Thank you for your time and straightforward guidance!
Best regards
March 2, 2026 at 09:09
1. Probably none.
2. Mostly it is a matter of how much capacity your embassy has made available. Most delays are because of embassy backlog, not DS260 processing.
February 19, 2026 at 18:51
Hi Simon, thanks again for the fantastic coverage, especially in this confusing moment. My number just went current it seems (SA28**). I had submitted DS-260 for CP back home in Santiago (I live in the US under Chilean H1B1). But with the pause, not sure what the next steps are given the pause. Part of the reason I had done CP is because I didn’t want to be prevented from foreign travel (parents live abroad and was planning on visiting them in March). Does it even make sense to take the next steps and schedule my interview if the pause is still going on? Or should I just go ahead and get interviewed and get the 221g and wait for the unpause? And how would either option affect ability to travel abroad while we wait for things? Of course, no expectations that you’ll have a definitive answer, there might be tradeoffs and risks. Appreciate it!
February 19, 2026 at 23:24
I can’t be certain how things will play out over the coming months. These decisions are ones you must take for yourself.
February 19, 2026 at 17:21
Hi Brit, thanks for the update.
Not sure what to do, though. It seems like you are happy that the numbers are moving, but what is the point if we can’t submit the paperwork?
I’m currently in the US on a J1 visa, my number is already current, I was planning on doing an AOS, but I’m not sure what I should do now? Should I submit the paperwork and then risk my J1 visa, or should I keep waiting?
Thanks!
February 19, 2026 at 18:16
You can file the I485 once your number is in the VB range. The pauses are supposed to be temporary.
February 19, 2026 at 18:34
My concern is about potential risk to my J-1 status if the DV process does not ultimately result in a green card. For example, suppose I file I-485 but the pause is never lifted so my case is not approved, and in about two years I need to extend my J-1 for continued studies or academic training.
Since filing I-485 demonstrates immigrant intent, could that negatively affect a future J-1 extension or visa renewal? In particular:
• If I remain in valid J-1 status while the I-485 is pending or eventually denied, can I still extend my program in the U.S.?
• If I later need to renew the J-1 visa stamp at a consulate, could the prior I-485 filing lead to a denial based on immigrant intent?
I am not subject to the 212(e) two-year home residency requirement. I’m trying to understand the practical risks before submitting I485 during the pause.
February 19, 2026 at 23:22
Filing a DS260 can increase suspicion of immigrant intent. However, I cannot tell you with certainty whether it would affect any future NIV application.
February 20, 2026 at 10:12
Got it!
How does the process work now with the pause? Say I have the I-485 ready. If I file it now, what would happen?
February 20, 2026 at 10:23
Even if under the pause they will do all the processing, just not approve the case to issue the greencard.
February 19, 2026 at 17:15
My name is Alex mensah from Ghana Africa I’m skills worker for construction work I have my own company for construction work I can provide you my documents and bank statements please let the team know everything about me thanks again
February 19, 2026 at 18:15
Alex – I’m not sure why you tell me this – but please keep your information private.
February 19, 2026 at 16:26
How you know april’s bulletin ?
February 19, 2026 at 16:47
The “March” bulletin was published today and gives numbers for April interviews.
February 19, 2026 at 16:12
So what’s the move for those who have case number current ?
Also, should those currently present in the US switch to consular processing so they can at least attend the interview abroad and get a 221g isssued ?
February 19, 2026 at 16:51
AOS is a better process as long as you can stay in status.
February 19, 2026 at 16:56
Thanks, so for those whose CN is current. What should they do ?
February 19, 2026 at 17:04
Wait for a 2NL or file if they are doing AOS
February 19, 2026 at 15:38
Why the website does not show the April visa bulletin ? https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html
February 19, 2026 at 15:33
Hi Simon, any movement on the service to receive US mail? We really need to submit DS260
February 19, 2026 at 15:37
I emailed you.
February 19, 2026 at 17:19
Looks like there was a good progress for SA. Does your crystal ball forsee it getting to 3500?
February 19, 2026 at 18:14
The crystal ball is broken at the moment, but there are 5 months left….