Every month, the U.S. Department of State releases the Visa Bulletin. It outlines which priority dates are eligible to move forward and when applicants can file for Adjustment of Status with USCIS, or pursue the immigrant visa through consular processing abroad.
We strongly recommend monitoring the Visa Bulletin charts regularly, as even small monthly changes can significantly affect your immigration timeline and overall strategy.
Key Updates for October: Employment-Based Categories (EB-1A and EB-2 NIW)
1/ Important Note:
October 2026 marks the start of fiscal year 2027. For October 2026, USCIS has confirmed that applicants in employment-based categories must use the Dates for Filing chart for Adjustment of Status filings. In September, the Final Action Dates chart was used, so the changes below compare the October Dates for Filing chart with the September Dates for Filing chart.
2/ First Preference: EB-1 (Aliens of Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors and Researchers, Certain Multinational Managers or Executives)
- All Chargeability: Current (no change)
- China: 01 Jul 2024 (advanced 7 months)
- India: 01 Jul 2024 (advanced 7 months)
- Mexico: Current (no change)
- Philippines: Current (no change)
3/ Second Preference: EB-2 (including NIW) Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Aliens of Exceptional Ability
- All Chargeability: 15 Mar 2026 (retrogression from Current)
- China: 01 Jan 2023 (advanced 1 year)
- India: 15 Jan 2015 (no change)
- Mexico: 15 Mar 2026 (retrogression from Current)
- Philippines: 15 Mar 2026 (retrogression from Current)
What This Means for You
October brings movement in both directions. EB-1 China and India advanced by 7 months, and EB-2 China advanced by a full year. At the same time, EB-2 is no longer current for All Chargeability, Mexico and the Philippines. EB-2 NIW applicants from these countries now need a priority date earlier than March 15, 2026 to file for Adjustment of Status.
If you have a pending or upcoming I-140 approval, this is a good time to review your priority date and immigration strategy with your attorney.
Not sure how the October Visa Bulletin affects your case? Our team can help review your situation and connect you with an immigration attorney if needed. Schedule a free consultation.
