The U.S. Department of State has released the October 2026 Visa Bulletin (Volume XI, Number 19), marking the official start of Fiscal Year 2027. October is one of the most critical months of the year for immigrant visa applicants because it resets the annual allocation of green cards (at least 140,000 for employment-based and 226,000 for family-sponsored categories).
Whether you are seeking an employment-based adjustment of status or sponsoring a family member, understanding these updated dates is essential for your immigration strategy.
Understanding the October 2026 Visa Bulletin: Start of Fiscal Year 2027
Why the October Visa Bulletin Matters Most
Each October, the federal government replenishes the annual quota for preference immigrant visas. While new visa numbers advance cut-off dates across several categories, the Department of State notes that temporary retrogressions have been implemented in select “Rest of World” employment categories to keep issuances within quarterly limits.
Final Action Dates vs. Dates for Filing
- Final Action Dates: Determine when a visa is immediately available and an application can be approved.
- Dates for Filing: Indicate when applicants may submit their documentation to the National Visa Center (NVC) or USCIS (when authorized).
Important: Always check USCIS Visa Bulletin Info each month to confirm whether USCIS is accepting the Dates for Filing chart or requiring the Final Action Dates chart for Form I-485 filings.
Employment-Based (EB) Preference Categories: October 2026 Movement
Final Action Dates Summary
| Category | All Chargeability Areas | China-mainland born | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| 1st (Priority Workers) | Current (C) | 01 JUL 23 | 01 FEB 23 | Current (C) | Current (C) |
| 2nd (Advanced Degree/NIW) | 01 JAN 25 | 01 OCT 21 | 01 NOV 13 | 01 JAN 25 | 01 JAN 25 |
| 3rd (Skilled & Professionals) | 15 MAY 24 | 08 JAN 22 | 01 JAN 14 | 15 MAY 24 | 15 AUG 23 |
| Other Workers | 01 JAN 22 | 01 OCT 19 | 01 JAN 14 | 01 JAN 22 | 01 JAN 22 |
| 4th (Special Immigrants) | 15 DEC 22 | 15 DEC 22 | 15 DEC 22 | 15 DEC 22 | 15 DEC 22 |
| 5th Unreserved | Current (C) | 01 DEC 16 | 01 DEC 23 | Current (C) | Current (C) |
| 5th Set-Aside (Rural, High Unemp., Infra.) | Current (C) | Current (C) | Current (C) | Current (C) | Current (C) |
Dates for Filing Summary
| Category | All Chargeability Areas | China-mainland born | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| 1st | Current (C) | 01 JUL 24 | 01 JUL 24 | Current (C) | Current (C) |
| 2nd | 15 MAR 26 | 01 JAN 23 | 15 JAN 15 | 15 MAR 26 | 15 MAR 26 |
| 3rd | 01 AUG 24 | 01 APR 24 | 15 JAN 15 | 01 AUG 24 | 01 JAN 24 |
| 5th Set-Aside (All) | Current (C) | Current (C) | Current (C) | Current (C) | Current (C) |
Family-Sponsored (F) Preference Categories: Key Dates
Final Action Dates Summary
| Category | All Chargeability Areas | China-mainland born | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| F1 (Unmarried Adult Children of Citizens) | 22 JAN 20 | 22 JAN 20 | 22 JAN 20 | 08 SEP 08 | 01 NOV 13 |
| F2A (Spouses & Minor Children of LPRs) | 22 SEP 26* | 22 SEP 26 | 22 SEP 26 | 22 MAR 26 | 22 SEP 26 |
| F2B (Unmarried Adult Children of LPRs) | 22 AUG 19 | 22 AUG 19 | 22 AUG 19 | 15 MAY 10 | 01 OCT 13 |
| F3 (Married Children of Citizens) | 22 OCT 14 | 22 OCT 14 | 22 OCT 14 | 01 JUL 01 | 22 JUL 06 |
| F4 (Siblings of Adult Citizens) | 22 OCT 11 | 22 OCT 11 | 15 DEC 06 | 22 APR 01 | 08 JUN 04 |
*Note on F2A: Numbers exempt from per-country limits are authorized for priority dates earlier than 22MAR26.
Dates for Filing Summary (Family-Sponsored)
For October 2026, the F2A preference category is listed as Current (C) across all countries in the Dates for Filing chart.
Legislative & Special Immigrant Updates
- Religious Workers (SR Category) Extension: H.R. 6500, signed September 2, 2026, extends the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers category through December 11, 2026.
- U.S. Government Employee SIVs: Amendments under the FY 2024 NDAA continue to impact certain current/former U.S. government employees abroad applying for SIVs (excluding SQ/SI Afghan/Iraqi programs).
Strategic Steps if Your Priority Date Is Current
If your priority date is earlier than the date listed in the applicable October chart:
- Assemble Required Documentation: Prepare civil records, financial documents, and medical evaluations.
- File Form I-485 or Complete NVC Processing: Submit your Adjustment of Status packet with USCIS or finalize DS-260 consular processing.
- Address Retrogression Proactively: If your category retrogressed, work with legal counsel to maintain lawful status while waiting for priority dates to re-advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file Form I-485 using the “Dates for Filing” chart this month?
Check uscis.gov/visabulletininfo. USCIS confirms each month whether applicants inside the U.S. may use the Dates for Filing chart or must stick to Final Action Dates. Applicants are eligible to file under the Dates for Filing chart only when USCIS allows that chart and their priority date is earlier than the applicable cutoff date.
What happens if my priority date retrogressed in FY 2027?
If USCIS has already received your Form I-485 before retrogressing, your application will remain pending, and work/travel permits (EAD/AP) remain valid while you await a visa allocation. You may also have to wait for your priority date to become current again under the applicable cutoff before final green card issuance can occur.
Schedule a Visa Strategy Consultation with Miranda & Maldonado Law Firm
Navigating Visa Bulletin shifts requires experienced legal guidance to help with the immigration process, visa-bulletin strategy, and citizenship matters. Contact Miranda & Maldonado Law Firm today to evaluate your priority date and create an effective immigration plan for FY 2027. This content is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.