October 2026 Visa Bulletin: What a New Fiscal Year Means for Your Green Card Plans
Santos Lloyd Team • October 15, 2026
October begins a new federal fiscal year, but that does not mean every green card applicant moves to the front of the line. The Department of State’s October 2026 Visa Bulletin sets out the visa availability that applicants in family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories need to review this month.
For families, professionals, and employers, the practical question is specific: does the applicable chart allow the next step in this particular case? The answer depends on the category, priority date, country of chargeability, and whether the case is proceeding through a consulate or through adjustment of status in the United States.
Two charts answer different questions
“Final Action Dates” concern when a visa number may be available for final action on an otherwise eligible case. “Dates for Filing” concern when applicants may begin a designated filing or document-submission step. Reaching a filing date does not mean the government can immediately approve permanent residence.
For adjustment of status, applicants must also check USCIS’s monthly chart selection. The Department of State’s filing chart, standing alone, is not permission to submit Form I-485. All other eligibility requirements still apply.
Read the correct row and country column
For October, the EB-2 Final Action Date is January 1, 2025, for the “All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed” column, Mexico, and the Philippines. Separate dates apply to mainland China and India. Country of chargeability generally follows birthplace, although exceptions can apply; it should not be assumed from the language you speak or your current residence.
If your applicable cutoff is January 1, 2025, your priority date must be earlier than that date. A priority date falling exactly on the cutoff does not meet that test. A “C” means the category is current; it does not waive the remaining requirements. A “U” means visa numbers are unavailable for that category.
A new allocation does not guarantee forward movement
The October bulletin explains that some employment-based categories for countries in the “Rest of World” grouping have retrogressed to manage quarterly and annual limits. Retrogression means a cutoff moves backward. This is why a new fiscal year should not be treated as a promise of an interview or approval date.
Before making a relocation or employment commitment, collect your petition notice, priority date, category, and relevant immigration records. Ask your attorney to confirm which chart applies and whether other requirements affect the next step. These are planning suggestions, not additional filing requirements.
For a consular case, follow the National Visa Center’s instructions rather than assuming that a current date automatically produces an interview appointment. For adjustment of status, confirm the USCIS chart selection again when preparing the filing.
Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C. can help you review how the bulletin fits into your family or employment immigration strategy. Schedule a consultation before making decisions based on a cutoff date alone.
This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.
Santos Lloyd Team
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