August 2026 Visa Bulletin: What International Nurses Need to Know

The August 2026 U.S. Visa Bulletin brings modest but positive movement for some employment-based (EB-3) categories. While retrogression remains in effect, this month's bulletin did not see the additional retrogression many applicants anticipated as the federal fiscal year approaches its end.

For internationally educated nurses pursuing a U.S. nursing career, here are the most important updates.

Watch the Full Visa Bulletin Recap

August 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-3 Updates

EB-3 China: January 1, 2022

EB-3 Rest of World (ROW): September 1, 2024

EB-3 Mexico: September 1, 2024

EB-3 Philippines: August 1, 2023

EB-3 India: January 1, 2014

Although movement was modest, the continued advancement for several categories is encouraging. Just as important, categories that remained unchanged did not experience additional retrogression this month.

What Do These Changes Mean?

If your priority date falls under China, Mexico, or Rest of World, this month's forward movement may bring you one step closer to visa availability.

If your priority date falls under the Philippines or India, there was no change in August. While these categories remain affected by retrogression, they also did not move backward this month, providing stability as applicants continue monitoring future Visa Bulletin updates.

Every month's Visa Bulletin should be viewed independently. Movement—or a lack of movement—does not necessarily predict what will happen in future months, particularly as a new federal fiscal year begins in October.

What Nurses Should Focus on Right Now

Whether your category advanced or remained unchanged, this is an excellent time to continue strengthening your readiness for U.S. nursing opportunities.

We recommend focusing on:

• Maintaining and building recent bedside nursing experience
• Completing licensing and credentialing requirements
• Preparing required immigration and embassy documentation
• Strengthening English communication skills
• Preparing for interviews with U.S. healthcare employers

Being fully prepared allows you to move quickly when your priority date becomes current.

Continue Following Monthly Visa Bulletin Updates

The Visa Bulletin is updated every month and remains the best indicator of when employment-based immigrant visas become available. Because demand continues to exceed the number of available visas, retrogression remains part of the current immigration landscape, and monthly movement may be gradual.

Health Carousel International closely monitors every Visa Bulletin and provides updates to help internationally educated nurses understand what each month's changes mean for their U.S. nursing career plans.

For the latest Visa Bulletin analysis and guidance, continue checking our monthly updates.