Visa Bulletin · October 2026

How to read these tables

• A date (like 22 Jan 2020): only people whose priority date is earlier than it can go ahead.
• Current: numbers are available for everyone in that category.
• Unavailable: no numbers can be issued right now.
• Final action dates are when a green card can actually be issued. Dates for filing are when people can send their papers in; the government says each month which chart to use for adjusting status inside the U.S. (see uscis.gov/visabulletininfo).
• Columns: “All other” means every country not listed. China means born in mainland China.
• Green ▲ and red ▼ show what changed since September 2026, in days: ▲ +10 days means the date moved forward by 10 days, ▼ −10 days means it went back.

What the categories mean

• 1st: Priority workers (extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, multinational managers)
• 2nd: Professionals with advanced degrees, or people of exceptional ability
• 3rd: Skilled workers, professionals and other workers
• Other Workers: Unskilled workers (part of the 3rd category)
• 4th: Certain special immigrants
• Certain Religious Workers: Religious workers (part of the 4th category)
• 5th Unreserved: Investors (employment creation), not in a set-aside
• 5th Set Aside: Rural (20%): Investors in a rural area
• 5th Set Aside: High Unemployment (10%): Investors in a high-unemployment area
• 5th Set Aside: Infrastructure (2%): Investors in infrastructure projects
• F1: Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
• F2A: Spouses and children of green card holders
• F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of green card holders
• F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
• F4: Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens

Notes from the October 2026 bulletin

B. Availability of Family-Sponsored and Employment-Based Visas for FY 2027

With the availability of FY 2027 immigrant visa numbers, dates for filing and final action dates have advanced across various immigrant visa categories. However, some employment-based visa categories for “Rest of World” countries have retrogressed, and t hese retrogressions are necessary to keep visa issuances within FY 2027 quarterly and annual limits. This situation is being continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly.

C. Extension of the Employment Fourth Religious Workers (SR) Category

H.R. 6500, signed on September 2, 2026, extends the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category through December 11, 2026. The SR category is subject to the same dates for filing and final action dates as the other Employment Fourth Preference categories per applicable foreign state of chargeability.

D. U.S. Government Employee Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs)

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, signed into law on December 22, 2023, may affect certain current and former employees of the U.S. Government abroad, as well as certain surviving spouses and children of deceased employees of the U.S. government abroad, applying for SIVs or adjustment of status, as described in section 101(a)(27)(D) of the INA. This does not affect certain Iraqis and Afghans applying for SQ and SI SIVs. Applicants should contact the consular section at which they filed their Form DS-1884 for further information on the impact of that law on their case.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Visa Bulletin. Unofficial site; not legal advice. Always check the official bulletin for your case.