Why did EB-3 rest of world retrogress for nurses?

Retrogression happens when demand in a category exceeds the annual numbers. Nurses file in EB-3 (or EB-2), so heavy demand in that category moves everyone's cutoff, including nurses'. Check the notes in the bulletin for the State Department's explanation that month.

F2A final action date keeps going back, why?

F2A demand has exceeded the numbers available, so the cutoff moved back. F2A is partly exempt from the per-country limit, which is why Mexico can differ from other countries.

Will my approved I-140 or I-130 be affected by retrogression?

No. The petition stays approved and your priority date stays the same. Only the timing of the final step changes.

Visa Bulletin

What does it mean when the Visa Bulletin retrogresses?

Updated November 12, 2026 · Not legal advice

Retrogression means a cutoff date moves backward (to an earlier date) because more people are applying than there are visa numbers left. If your priority date was current and is no longer, your case can still be pending, but it cannot be approved until your date becomes current again.

If you already filed

A pending I-485 generally stays pending; USCIS holds it until a visa number is available.
You can generally keep renewing work and travel permits based on the pending I-485.
Keep your address current with USCIS (AR-11) and respond to any request for evidence.

Why it happens

Each category and country has an annual limit. If demand early in the fiscal year uses up numbers faster than expected, the State Department moves the cutoff back to hold demand within the limit. It often happens late in the fiscal year (summer), and the October bulletin can bring dates forward again with a new year's numbers.

Quick answers

Why did EB-3 rest of world retrogress for nurses?: Retrogression happens when demand in a category exceeds the annual numbers. Nurses file in EB-3 (or EB-2), so heavy demand in that category moves everyone's cutoff, including nurses'. Check the notes in the bulletin for the State Department's explanation that month.
F2A final action date keeps going back, why?: F2A demand has exceeded the numbers available, so the cutoff moved back. F2A is partly exempt from the per-country limit, which is why Mexico can differ from other countries.
Will my approved I-140 or I-130 be affected by retrogression?: No. The petition stays approved and your priority date stays the same. Only the timing of the final step changes.

What to do next

Get an email the day your category moves in the Visa Bulletin.

Set up a free alert

Sources

Checked: November 12, 2026