This USCIS Visa Bulletin lists the “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications” for January, outlining when immigrant visa applicants should be informed to gather and submit necessary evidence to the National Visa Center.
The visa notice is a month to month update that the U.S. government gives to keep green card candidates who need to sit tight for visas informed about whether all is good and well to present their green card applications.
The endorsed I-130 request implies that USCIS has affirmed you have a passing relationship and you’ve laid out your place in line for a visa. The visa notice lets you know when the visa is really free to utilize. Truth be told, it is the need date that determines your particular spot in line.
The U.S. Division of State delivered its Visa Announcement for February 2026. That is no joking matter assuming you’re hanging tight for your need date to be current so your green card application can push ahead. On the off chance that you don’t have any idea what a “visa release” or a “need date” is, we take care of you
Assuming that USCIS decides there are more settler visas accessible for a financial year than there are known candidates for such visas, we will state on this page that you might involve the Dates for Recording outline. Any other way, we will show on this page that you should utilize the Last Activity Dates diagram to decide when you might record your change of status application. Nonetheless, assuming a specific migrant visa class is “current” on the Last Activity Dates outline or the end date on the Last Activity Dates graph is later than the date on the Dates for Recording diagram, candidates in that settler visa class might document utilizing the Last Activity Dates outline during that month.
We expect to assign one of the two outlines every month and connecting to the applicable graph underneath in something like multi week of DOS’s distribution of the Visa Announcement.
Current Month’s Change of Status Documenting Outlines
For Family-Supported Filings:
For all family-supported inclination classifications, you should involve the Dates for Documenting graph in the Branch of State Visa Release for January 2026.
For Business Based Inclination Filings:
For all business based inclination classes, you should involve the Dates for Documenting outline in the Branch of State Visa Announcement for January 2026.
USCIS January 2026 Change of Status Recording Outlines
The following Month’s Change of Status Recording Outlines
For Family-Supported Filings:
For all family-supported inclination classifications, you should involve the Dates for Documenting graph in the Branch of State Visa Release for February 2026.
For Work Based Inclination Filings:
For all work based inclination classes, you should involve the Dates for Documenting diagram in the Division of State Visa Notice for February 2026.
USCIS February 2026 Change of Status Documenting Outlines
The visa release is given consistently by the Branch of State. It shows which green card applications can push ahead, in light of when the I-130 request that begins the green card process was initially documented. It likewise allows you to gauge what amount of time it can require before you will get your green card, in light of how rapidly the “line” is moving at this point. When your I-130 appeal has been recorded, you’ll have the option to check the visa notice and watch your place in line push ahead.
Here is the main concern for relatives looking for green cards:
- In the event that you’re the mate, parent, or unmarried youngster (under age 21) of a U.S. resident, you don’t for a moment even need to peruse the visa release — there’s no green card build-up or sit tight time for you!
- In the event that you’re the companion or unmarried youngster (under age 21) of a U.S. green card holder, you’ll need to stand by additional 12-year and a half for your green card to open up.
- On the off chance that you’re in an alternate classification, your green card stand by time might change — from years to many years.
The visa announcement exists since Congress covers the quantity of green cards that can be given every year. The quantity of individuals who are looking for green cards has reliably surpassed this yearly breaking point, making an overabundance — truth be told, a few excesses.
There are presently 366,000 green cards accessible every year, except that all out is separated into a mind boggling classification framework, with a particular share for every class. The two broadest classes are family-based green cards (226,000), which incorporate marriage-based green cards, and business based green cards (140,000).
As well as drawing a general line on the quantity of green cards that can be given each year, Congress likewise restricts the quantity of accessible green cards in view of nation of beginning. Under this yearly “country cap,” no single nation of beginning can represent over 7% of the green cards in a specific classification.
That is not a problem for a nation like, say, Belgium (populace 11 million) — as a matter of fact, no European or African nations create sufficient green card interest to knock facing the nation cap. In any case, there are significant accumulations confronting the many green card searchers from China (populace 1.4 billion), India (populace 1.3 billion), Mexico (populace 129 million), and the Philippines (populace 105 million).
The most effective method to peruse the Visa Notice
The covers on family-based green cards are separated into four essential “inclination classifications”.
F1 (first inclination): Unmarried grown-ups (over the age of 21) who are offspring of U.S. residents. The cap for this class is 23,400 green cards each year.
F2 (second inclination): Mates and unmarried offspring of green card holders. The general cap for this class is 114,200 green cards each year, yet it’s parted into two sub-classes:
F2A: Life partners and unmarried minor youngsters (under age 21) of green card holders. In the event that you are a green card holder who has applied for a green card for your life partner, this is the classification you’ll have to watch when you check the visa notice. 77% of the second classification portion goes towards this F2A sub-classification (that is 87,934 green cards each year).
F2B: Unmarried grown-up kids (over the age of 21) of green card holders. 23% of the second class portion goes towards this F2B sub-class (that is 26,266 green cards each year).
F3 (third inclination): Wedded offspring of U.S. residents, paying little mind to progress in years. The cap for this class is 23,400 green cards each year.
F4 (fourth inclination): Family of U.S. residents. The cap for this classification is 65,000 green cards each year.
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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
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Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
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Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
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Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
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Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
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Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.