May 2026 Visa Bulletin Update for EB-3 Nurse Visas

The latest Visa Bulletin update for May 2026 brings an important reminder for nurses pursuing a US nursing career: progress is not always linear. After several months of encouraging forward movement, this month shows no change in priority dates across all categories.

Watch the Full Visa Bulletin Recap

While this may feel like a pause, it is a normal part of the immigration process—and a valuable time to prepare for what comes next.

Elizabeth from our immigration team shared key insights during the recent broadcast to help you better understand what this means and how to stay ready.

Key takeaways:

• No movement across all visa categories compared to April
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• Recent months showed strong progress, making this pause expected]
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• Priority dates still determine your place in line for a visa
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• Preparation during waiting periods is critical for success
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• Progress can resume or retrogress at any time—staying ready is key
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What This Means for Nurses Waiting on Priority Dates

Even though there is no movement this month, this does not mean progress has stopped. The Visa Bulletin often moves in cycles, with periods of advancement followed by pauses.

For nurses, this is a reminder to stay patient and focused. Your priority date—assigned when your I-140 petition is received—continues to secure your place in line.

How to Use This Time to Prepare

While waiting for your priority date to become current, it’s important to stay proactive:

• Prepare and organize your civil documents
• Practice English communication skills
• Continue building bedside experience
• Get ready for interviews with US healthcare employers

Using this time effectively will help you move quickly when your opportunity arrives.

Stay Prepared and Keep Moving Forward

Visa Bulletin movement can change month to month. While May shows no change, future updates may bring new progress.

The most important thing you can do now is stay ready. Continue preparing, stay informed, and trust that your time to start your US nursing career is coming.

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