US Visa Bulletin October 2026: Key Dates and What Has Changed
The State Department has published the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, the first of fiscal year 2027. Many dates have advanced, but several employment-based categories for most countries have moved backwards.
For advice on US green card applications and consular processing, speak to one of our immigration advisers. Call us on +1 844 312 4979, or contact us online.
What Is the Latest Immigration News in the Bulletin?
The bulletin says that, with FY 2027 numbers available, dates for filing and final action dates have advanced across various categories. However, some employment-based categories for most countries have retrogressed.
The State Department says this is necessary to keep issuances within quarterly and annual limits, and that it is monitoring the position and will adjust dates if needed. Allocations reflect demand received by 4 September 2026.
Employment-Based Final Action Dates
These are the October final action dates for the main employment categories. An applicant’s priority date must be earlier than the date shown.
| Category | All other countries | China | India |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Current | 1 July 2023 | 1 February 2023 |
| EB-2 | 1 January 2025 | 1 October 2021 | 1 November 2013 |
| EB-3 | 15 May 2024 | 8 January 2022 | 1 January 2014 |
For all other countries, EB-2 moves from current to 1 January 2025, and EB-3 retrogresses from 1 September 2024. India EB-2, unavailable in September, reopens, and India EB-1 advances from 15 October 2022. Unreserved EB-5 for India also reopens, at 1 December 2023.
The Dates for Filing chart is mixed for most countries. EB-2 moves from current to 15 March 2026 and EB-3 from current to 1 August 2024, while EB-1 for China and India advances to 1 July 2024.
Family-Sponsored Final Action Dates
F2A (spouses and children of permanent residents) advances one month to 22 September 2026 for most countries.
For Mexico it moves from 22 August 2025 to 22 March 2026. F1, F2B, F3 and F4 are unchanged for most countries, although Mexico and the Philippines advance in several categories.
The F2A Dates for Filing chart stays current for all countries.
Other Changes
The bulletin gives the FY 2027 worldwide employment-based level as at least 140,000, compared with 186,317 for FY 2026.
The per-country limit is 25,620, down from 28,862. H.R. 6500, signed on 2 September 2026, extends the Certain Religious Workers category to 11 December 2026.
Which Chart Should Applicants Use?
USCIS has confirmed that, for October 2026, applicants for adjustment of status in all family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart, not the Final Action Dates chart.
Applicants with a priority date earlier than the listed date can file Form I-485. Filing does not guarantee approval, which still depends on a visa number being available.
How Can Applicants Prepare?
Applicants close to a cut-off date should keep civil documents and evidence of status up to date, so a case is ready when a date allows filing. Numbers are allocated by priority date from demand reported for documentarily qualified applicants, so an incomplete case is not counted. Delay has costs.
Retrogression can also close a filing window: EB-2 for most countries was current on September’s Dates for Filing chart, but an applicant with a priority date after 15 March 2026 cannot file under October’s chart. Check each monthly bulletin, as further adjustments may follow.
How can IAS Help?
The October 2026 Visa Bulletin affects when green card applicants can file or be approved, and the retrogression in some categories makes early planning important. Mistakes are easy to make.
An applicant can use the wrong chart or file before their priority date allows. An application filed too early can be rejected, and one with missing evidence can be delayed or refused. That can cost months in a system where dates can move backwards.
Our advisers can check your priority date against the new charts and confirm which one applies to your case. We prepare your documents and forms, then review the whole application before it is filed, so it is ready as soon as your date allows. We can also explain each monthly change and what it means for you, so you do not have to read the bulletin alone.
For advice tailored to your circumstances, call us on +1 844 312 4979, or contact us online today.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on October 1st, 2026 at 5:40 am
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