October 2026 Visa Bulletin: What Changed
At a glance
October note: October 1 starts a new government year. The yearly count of green cards restarts, so dates can jump or drop.
- Family: F2A approval moved ahead 1 month for most countries.
- Work-based: Several work-based cutoffs changed this month, as the tables below show.
- Biggest change: EB-2 India approval reopened at Nov 1, 2013 after being paused.
- Which date to use: USCIS hasn't said which date to use yet. We'll update this page as soon as it does.
Read Q&A audio transcript
Overview
Host: What's the big story in the October 2026 bulletin?
Analyst: For families, F2A moved ahead 1 month, to September 22, 2026. For work visas, EB-3 moved back 4 months, to May 15, 2024. USCIS hasn't said yet which date to use this month.
Family
Host: What moved for families, country by country?
Analyst: 1 family approval date moved for most countries. In Mexico, F1 moved ahead 8 months; F2A moved ahead 7 months; F2B moved ahead 15 months; F3 filing moved ahead 17 months; F4 moved ahead 2 weeks. In the Philippines, F1 moved ahead 6 months; F2B moved ahead 4 months; F3 moved ahead 5 months; F4 moved ahead 9 months. In India, F4 moved ahead 1 month. China matched most countries.
Work & India/China
Host: And the work-based queues, especially India and China?
Analyst: For most countries, EB-2 is no longer open to everyone; EB-3 moved back 4 months; EB-3 Other Workers moved back 3 months. EB-1 and EB-5 stay open. For India and China, EB-2 India and EB-5 India reopened; EB-1 India moved ahead 4 months; EB-2 China moved ahead 1 month; EB-3 China moved ahead 1 week; EB-3 Other Workers China moved ahead 5 months.
Outlook
Host: What should people watch for next?
Analyst: The bulletin says the State Department is watching these work-based dates and will adjust them as needed. It gave no forecast. This is general information, not legal advice.
Family green cards
The short version: F2B Mexico approval jumped 15 months (Feb 15, 2009 to May 15, 2010), while F3 Mexico filing jumped 17 months (Jul 15, 2001 to Dec 1, 2002).
Which date do you check this month?
- Inside the U.S.: USCIS hasn't said which date to use yet. We'll update this page as soon as it does. (Outside the U.S.: use the filing date to submit documents and the approval date for visa issuance.)
- Your date: Check your Form I-130 receipt date. If it is earlier than the cutoff shown below, you can move forward.
This month at a glance
| Category | Who it's for | Approval date | Filing date |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Unmarried children (21+) of U.S. citizens | Jan 22, 2020 | Feb 1, 2020 |
| F2A | Spouses and kids (under 21) of green card holders | Sep 22, 2026+1 month ahead | Open to everyone |
| F2B | Unmarried children (21+) of green card holders | Aug 22, 2019 | Sep 1, 2019 |
| F3 | Married children of U.S. citizens | Oct 22, 2014 | Nov 1, 2014 |
| F4 | Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens | Oct 22, 2011 | Nov 1, 2011 |
These are the dates for most countries. India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines can have their own dates.
| Category | Who it's for | Approval date | Filing date |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Unmarried children (21+) of U.S. citizens | Jan 22, 2020 | Feb 1, 2020 |
| F2A | Spouses and kids (under 21) of green card holders | Sep 22, 2026+1 month ahead | Open to everyone |
| F2B | Unmarried children (21+) of green card holders | Aug 22, 2019 | Sep 1, 2019 |
| F3 | Married children of U.S. citizens | Oct 22, 2014 | Nov 1, 2014 |
| F4 | Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens | Dec 15, 2006+1 month ahead | Feb 1, 2007+2 months ahead |
Dates for people born in India. Where India has no date of its own, the most-countries date applies.
| Category | Who it's for | Approval date | Filing date |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Unmarried children (21+) of U.S. citizens | Jan 22, 2020 | Feb 1, 2020 |
| F2A | Spouses and kids (under 21) of green card holders | Sep 22, 2026+1 month ahead | Open to everyone |
| F2B | Unmarried children (21+) of green card holders | Aug 22, 2019 | Sep 1, 2019 |
| F3 | Married children of U.S. citizens | Oct 22, 2014 | Nov 1, 2014 |
| F4 | Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens | Oct 22, 2011 | Nov 1, 2011 |
Dates for people born in China. Where China has no date of its own, the most-countries date applies.
| Category | Who it's for | Approval date | Filing date |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Unmarried children (21+) of U.S. citizens | Sep 8, 2008+8 months ahead | Dec 1, 2008 |
| F2A | Spouses and kids (under 21) of green card holders | Mar 22, 2026+7 months ahead | Open to everyone |
| F2B | Unmarried children (21+) of green card holders | May 15, 2010+15 months ahead | Mar 22, 2011+10 months ahead |
| F3 | Married children of U.S. citizens | Jul 1, 2001 | Dec 1, 2002+17 months ahead |
| F4 | Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens | Apr 22, 2001+2 weeks ahead | Apr 30, 2001 |
Dates for people born in Mexico. Where Mexico has no date of its own, the most-countries date applies.
| Category | Who it's for | Approval date | Filing date |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Unmarried children (21+) of U.S. citizens | Nov 1, 2013+6 months ahead | Apr 22, 2015 |
| F2A | Spouses and kids (under 21) of green card holders | Sep 22, 2026+1 month ahead | Open to everyone |
| F2B | Unmarried children (21+) of green card holders | Oct 1, 2013+4 months ahead | Oct 1, 2014+12 months ahead |
| F3 | Married children of U.S. citizens | Jul 22, 2006+5 months ahead | Oct 22, 2006+2 months ahead |
| F4 | Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens | May 15, 2008+9 months ahead | Mar 22, 2009+12 months ahead |
Dates for people born in the Philippines. Where the Philippines has no date of its own, the most-countries date applies.
Unmarked dates are unchanged from last month.
Country differences
- Mexico:
- F1: Approval: Jan 1, 2008 to Sep 8, 2008 (8 months ahead) | Filing: Dec 1, 2008
- F2A: Approval: Aug 22, 2025 to Mar 22, 2026 (7 months ahead) | Filing: Open to everyone
- F2B: Approval: Feb 15, 2009 to May 15, 2010 (15 months ahead) | Filing: May 15, 2010 to Mar 22, 2011 (10 months ahead)
- F3: Approval: Jul 1, 2001 | Filing: Jul 15, 2001 to Dec 1, 2002 (17 months ahead)
- F4: Approval: Apr 8, 2001 to Apr 22, 2001 (2 weeks ahead) | Filing: Apr 30, 2001
All other Mexico categories held steady (select Mexico in the table above to view dates).
- Philippines:
- F1: Approval: May 1, 2013 to Nov 1, 2013 (6 months ahead) | Filing: Apr 22, 2015
- F2B: Approval: Jun 1, 2013 to Oct 1, 2013 (4 months ahead) | Filing: Oct 1, 2013 to Oct 1, 2014 (12 months ahead)
- F3: Approval: Feb 22, 2006 to Jul 22, 2006 (5 months ahead) | Filing: Aug 8, 2006 to Oct 22, 2006 (2 months ahead)
- F4: Approval: Aug 22, 2007 to May 15, 2008 (9 months ahead) | Filing: Mar 22, 2008 to Mar 22, 2009 (12 months ahead)
All other Philippines categories held steady or match most countries (select Philippines in the table above to view dates).
- India:
- F4: Approval: Nov 1, 2006 to Dec 15, 2006 (1 month ahead) | Filing: Dec 15, 2006 to Feb 1, 2007 (2 months ahead)
All other India categories held steady or match most countries (select India in the table above to view dates).
- China: Same as most countries this month.
What this means for you
- If your date moved ahead: Check whether your receipt-notice date is now earlier than the new cutoff.
- If nothing moved: No change this month for your category.
Why it moved
October starts the 2027 government year, so a new yearly supply of green cards is available. The bulletin says that is why dates moved ahead in many categories.
The bulletin didn't say what to expect next.
Viewing Family only · Show Work-based green cards · Show both
Work-based green cards
The short version: EB-2 India approval reopened at Nov 1, 2013, while EB-2 filing is no longer open to everyone (now Mar 15, 2026).
Which date do you check this month?
- Inside the U.S.: USCIS hasn't said which date to use yet. We'll update this page as soon as it does. (Outside the U.S.: use the filing date to submit documents and the approval date for visa issuance.)
- Your date: Check your PERM or Form I-140 date. If it is earlier than the cutoff shown below, you can move forward.
India and China cutoffs
| Category | India | China |
|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Approval Feb 1, 2023+4 months aheadFiling Jul 1, 2024+7 months ahead | Approval Jul 1, 2023Filing Jul 1, 2024+7 months ahead |
| EB-2 | Approval Nov 1, 2013reopenedFiling Jan 15, 2015 | Approval Oct 1, 2021+1 month aheadFiling Jan 1, 2023+12 months ahead |
| EB-3 | Approval Jan 1, 2014Filing Jan 15, 2015 | Approval Jan 8, 2022+1 week aheadFiling Apr 1, 2024+2 years 3 months ahead |
| EB-3 Other Workers | Approval Jan 1, 2014Filing Jan 15, 2015 | Approval Oct 1, 2019+5 months aheadFiling Oct 1, 2020+12 months ahead |
| EB-5 | Approval Dec 1, 2023reopenedFiling May 1, 2024 | Approval Dec 1, 2016Filing Mar 1, 2021+4 years ahead |
This month at a glance
| Category | Who it's for | Approval date | Filing date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Top talent, researchers, and executives | Open to everyone | Open to everyone |
| EB-2 | Advanced degrees or exceptional ability | Jan 1, 2025 Wait added | Mar 15, 2026 Wait added |
| EB-3 | Skilled workers and professionals | May 15, 2024−4 months back | Aug 1, 2024 Wait added |
| EB-3 Other Workers | Jobs needing under 2 years of training | Jan 1, 2022−3 months back | Jun 1, 2022−2 months back |
| EB-4 | Special groups, including religious ministers | Dec 15, 2022 | Jan 1, 2025+2 years ahead |
| EB-4 Religious Workers | Religious workers who aren't ministers | Dec 15, 2022 | Jan 1, 2025+2 years ahead |
| EB-5 | Investors | Open to everyone | Open to everyone |
These are the dates for most countries. India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines can have their own dates.
| Category | Who it's for | Approval date | Filing date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Top talent, researchers, and executives | Feb 1, 2023+4 months ahead | Jul 1, 2024+7 months ahead |
| EB-2 | Advanced degrees or exceptional ability | Nov 1, 2013reopened | Jan 15, 2015 |
| EB-3 | Skilled workers and professionals | Jan 1, 2014 | Jan 15, 2015 |
| EB-3 Other Workers | Jobs needing under 2 years of training | Jan 1, 2014 | Jan 15, 2015 |
| EB-4 | Special groups, including religious ministers | Dec 15, 2022 | Jan 1, 2025+2 years ahead |
| EB-4 Religious Workers | Religious workers who aren't ministers | Dec 15, 2022 | Jan 1, 2025+2 years ahead |
| EB-5 | Investors | Dec 1, 2023reopened | May 1, 2024 |
Dates for people born in India. Where India has no date of its own, the most-countries date applies.
| Category | Who it's for | Approval date | Filing date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Top talent, researchers, and executives | Jul 1, 2023 | Jul 1, 2024+7 months ahead |
| EB-2 | Advanced degrees or exceptional ability | Oct 1, 2021+1 month ahead | Jan 1, 2023+12 months ahead |
| EB-3 | Skilled workers and professionals | Jan 8, 2022+1 week ahead | Apr 1, 2024+2 years 3 months ahead |
| EB-3 Other Workers | Jobs needing under 2 years of training | Oct 1, 2019+5 months ahead | Oct 1, 2020+12 months ahead |
| EB-4 | Special groups, including religious ministers | Dec 15, 2022 | Jan 1, 2025+2 years ahead |
| EB-4 Religious Workers | Religious workers who aren't ministers | Dec 15, 2022 | Jan 1, 2025+2 years ahead |
| EB-5 | Investors | Dec 1, 2016 | Mar 1, 2021+4 years ahead |
Dates for people born in China. Where China has no date of its own, the most-countries date applies.
| Category | Who it's for | Approval date | Filing date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Top talent, researchers, and executives | Open to everyone | Open to everyone |
| EB-2 | Advanced degrees or exceptional ability | Jan 1, 2025 Wait added | Mar 15, 2026 Wait added |
| EB-3 | Skilled workers and professionals | May 15, 2024−4 months back | Aug 1, 2024 Wait added |
| EB-3 Other Workers | Jobs needing under 2 years of training | Jan 1, 2022−3 months back | Jun 1, 2022−2 months back |
| EB-4 | Special groups, including religious ministers | Dec 15, 2022 | Jan 1, 2025+2 years ahead |
| EB-4 Religious Workers | Religious workers who aren't ministers | Dec 15, 2022 | Jan 1, 2025+2 years ahead |
| EB-5 | Investors | Open to everyone | Open to everyone |
Dates for people born in Mexico. Where Mexico has no date of its own, the most-countries date applies.
| Category | Who it's for | Approval date | Filing date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Top talent, researchers, and executives | Open to everyone | Open to everyone |
| EB-2 | Advanced degrees or exceptional ability | Jan 1, 2025 Wait added | Mar 15, 2026 Wait added |
| EB-3 | Skilled workers and professionals | Aug 15, 2023+2 weeks ahead | Jan 1, 2024 |
| EB-3 Other Workers | Jobs needing under 2 years of training | Jan 1, 2022+1 month ahead | Jun 1, 2022−2 months back |
| EB-4 | Special groups, including religious ministers | Dec 15, 2022 | Jan 1, 2025+2 years ahead |
| EB-4 Religious Workers | Religious workers who aren't ministers | Dec 15, 2022 | Jan 1, 2025+2 years ahead |
| EB-5 | Investors | Open to everyone | Open to everyone |
Dates for people born in the Philippines. Where the Philippines has no date of its own, the most-countries date applies.
Unmarked dates are unchanged from last month.
Country differences
- India:
- EB-2: Approval: Paused to Nov 1, 2013 (reopened) | Filing: Jan 15, 2015
- EB-5: Approval: Paused to Dec 1, 2023 (reopened) | Filing: May 1, 2024
- EB-1: Approval: Oct 15, 2022 to Feb 1, 2023 (4 months ahead) | Filing: Dec 1, 2023 to Jul 1, 2024 (7 months ahead)
All other India categories held steady or match most countries (see the India and China table above for cutoff dates).
- China:
- EB-1: Approval: Jul 1, 2023 | Filing: Dec 1, 2023 to Jul 1, 2024 (7 months ahead)
- EB-2: Approval: Sep 1, 2021 to Oct 1, 2021 (1 month ahead) | Filing: Jan 1, 2022 to Jan 1, 2023 (12 months ahead)
- EB-3: Approval: Jan 1, 2022 to Jan 8, 2022 (1 week ahead) | Filing: Jan 8, 2022 to Apr 1, 2024 (2 years 3 months ahead)
- EB-3 Other Workers: Approval: May 1, 2019 to Oct 1, 2019 (5 months ahead) | Filing: Oct 1, 2019 to Oct 1, 2020 (12 months ahead)
- EB-5: Approval: Dec 1, 2016 | Filing: Mar 1, 2017 to Mar 1, 2021 (4 years ahead)
All other China categories held steady or match most countries (see the India and China table above for cutoff dates).
- Mexico: Same as most countries this month.
- Philippines:
- EB-3: Approval: Aug 1, 2023 to Aug 15, 2023 (2 weeks ahead) | Filing: Jan 1, 2024
All other Philippines categories held steady or match most countries (select Philippines in the table above to view dates).
Religious workers who aren't ministers
Congress renewed the program for religious workers who aren't ministers through Dec 11, 2026.
Investors (EB-5)
The rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure set-asides are still open to everyone. The main EB-5 date for China held at Dec 1, 2016. The main EB-5 date for India went from Paused to Dec 1, 2023 (reopened).
What this means for you
- If your category reopened: You may be able to move forward again. Check your date to see where you stand.
- If your date moved ahead: Check whether your date is now earlier than the new cutoff. If it is, talk to your attorney or your employer's attorney.
- If your category moved backward: If you already filed, you stay in line. Your case pauses until your date is reached again.
- If nothing moved: No change this month for your category.
Why it moved
The bulletin says some work-based dates for most countries moved back to keep green cards within the limits for each quarter and for the year. The new yearly supply let other dates move ahead.
Looking ahead
The bulletin says the State Department is watching these work-based dates and will adjust them as needed. It gave no forecast.
Viewing Work-based only · Show Family green cards · Show both
What to do now
- Check your date to see where you stand in your category.
- If you can move forward, talk to an immigration attorney, or your employer's attorney, about your next step.
- Get an email when the next bulletin posts: sign up for the digest.