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 September: Employment-Based Categories (EB-1A and EB-2 NIW)
1/ Important Note:
For September 2026, USCIS has confirmed that applicants in employment-based categories must use the Final Action Dates chart for Adjustment of Status filings.
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 2023 (no change)
- India: 15 Oct 2022 (no change)
- 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: Current (no change)
- China: 01 Sep 2021 (no change)
- India: Unavailable (no change)
- Mexico: Current (no change)
- Philippines: Current (no change)
What This Means for You
There are no changes to the EB-1 or EB-2 cutoff dates in September. The dates remain unchanged from August, and USCIS will use the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based filings.
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 August 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.
