Visa Bulletin October 2026: Priority Dates & Category Updates

The U.S. Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for October 2026. This monthly update sets which priority dates are eligible for green card processing this month. Below, our immigration attorneys break down exactly what moved and what it means for your case.

What Changed in October 2026

This month, EB-1, EB-5, EB-5 Rural, EB-5 High Unemployment, and EB-5 Infrastructure are Current for all countries, meaning a visa number is available regardless of priority date. Among the categories with a specific cutoff, F-1 Worldwide shows a Final Action Date of 22 Jan 2020, F-2A Worldwide shows a Final Action Date of 22 Sep 2026, F-2B Worldwide shows a Final Action Date of 22 Aug 2019, and F-3 Worldwide shows a Final Action Date of 22 Oct 2014. Compared with last month, F-2A, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-3 Other Workers shifted from last month and F-1, F-2B, F-3, F-4, EB-1, EB-4, EB-4 Religious Workers, EB-5, EB-5 Rural, EB-5 High Unemployment, and EB-5 Infrastructure held steady.

If you fall under EB-1, EB-5, EB-5 Rural, EB-5 High Unemployment, and EB-5 Infrastructure, a number is available now, so this is the month to confirm your documents are ready and file without delay. If your category shows a specific cutoff date, pull out your Form I-797 notice and compare your priority date to the figure listed for your country; you are eligible only when your priority date falls before that date. Because these dates can advance, hold, or retrogress from one month to the next, checking the bulletin the day it posts is the only reliable way to catch the moment your window opens. If you are unsure which chart applies to your filing or whether your priority date qualifies, our immigration attorneys can review your case and confirm your options before you submit anything to USCIS.

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Employment-Based Preference Categories

Country-Specific Changes

The following country-specific changes were noted in this month's bulletin:

• Mexico: 7 category change(s) - F1: 08 Sep 2008, F2A: 22 Mar 2026, F2B: 15 May 2010, F4: 22 Apr 2001, EB-2: 01 Jan 2025, EB-3: 15 May 2024, EB-3OW: 01 Jan 2022
• Philippines: 8 category change(s) - F1: 01 Nov 2013, F2A: 22 Sep 2026, F2B: 01 Oct 2013, F3: 22 Jul 2006, F4: 15 May 2008, EB-2: 01 Jan 2025, EB-3: 15 Aug 2023, EB-3OW: 01 Jan 2022
• China: 4 category change(s) - F2A: 22 Sep 2026, EB-2: 01 Oct 2021, EB-3: 08 Jan 2022, EB-3OW: 01 Oct 2019
• India: 5 category change(s) - F2A: 22 Sep 2026, F4: 15 Dec 2006, EB-1: 01 Feb 2023, EB-2: 01 Nov 2013, EB-5: 01 Dec 2023

How to Read the Visa Bulletin

Each bulletin publishes two charts. Final Action Dates show when a green card can actually be approved; Dates for Filing show when you may submit paperwork, which is often earlier. Your priority date is your place in line, and you compare it against the date listed for your category and country of chargeability (normally your country of birth). If your priority date is earlier than the listed date, a visa number is available. A "C" means the category is Current, so numbers are available to everyone in it; a "U" means it is Unavailable and no numbers are being issued that month. Most employment-based EB-2 and EB-3 cases also require an approved PERM before filing.

For this month's complete priority-date tables, see our live Visa Bulletin page, which we update as soon as the State Department releases each month's bulletin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a priority date?

Your priority date is the date that establishes your place in line for a green card. It is set by the I-130 filing in most family cases and the PERM or I-140 filing in most employment cases.

What does "Current" mean?

"Current" (shown as "C") means visa numbers are available for everyone in that category regardless of priority date. You may move forward with your green card application right away.

Should I use Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing?

USCIS announces each month which chart applies to adjustment-of-status filings. Dates for Filing usually allows earlier submission, but it does not guarantee that a number is ready for final approval.

Need Help Understanding Your Priority Date?

Our immigration team at Vasquez Law Firm reviews every monthly bulletin and reaches out to clients whose dates have become current. Do not miss your window. Contact us today for a free case evaluation, call 1-844-967-3536, or check your case status online.