October Visa Bulletin Released: India Remains Stalled
The U.S. State Department released the October 2026 Visa Bulletin on September 30—the first bulletin of fiscal year 2027. This announcement directly impacts tens of thousands of foreign nationals pursuing employment-based green cards.
Bad news: India EB-2 remains frozen at November 1, 2013 for Final Action Date and January 15, 2015 for Filing Date. This means Indian nationals have been waiting over 10 years with no processing in sight.
Good news: India EB-1 advances approximately 3.5 months, from October 15, 2022 to February 1, 2023. Family-sponsored visa category F4 from India advances about 7 weeks, from December 15, 2006 to February 1, 2007.
China Gains Significantly, Rest of World Falls Back
China EB-1 and India EB-1 will advance 7 months. China EB-2 advances 1 year, while India EB-2 remains frozen, and EB-2 for other countries moves backward 6.5 months.
This is significant: The U.S. is prioritizing processing applications from China, while Rest of World (including nationals from Vietnam and other countries) faces backward movement. The State Department states that the backward movement is necessary to keep immigrant visa numbers within quarterly and annual caps.
India: Two Categories Reopen, But Still Insufficient
The most dramatic change affects Indian nationals. Two categories that were unavailable in September have reopened, and the cutoff for India EB-1 has advanced. However, the backward movement for Rest of World means no surplus visas will flow to India. This has eliminated any hope for visa date movement after months of unavailability.
Warning for Foreign Nationals
Applicants pursuing EB-2 or EB-3 need to prepare for extended delays. The bulletin is not entirely positive. Several employment-based categories covering most countries, Mexico, and the Philippines have moved backward as the State Department works to keep visa use within annual caps.
If you are at the I-485 stage (adjustment of status), check the Filing Date chart. USCIS has announced that the agency will accept adjustment of status applications based on the Visa Bulletin Dates for Filing chart in October. This may allow you to file even if the Final Action Date has not been reached.
A Word of Caution: Do Not Be Overly Optimistic
Previous bulletins also promised progress, only to move backward later. Monitor the November bulletin (released in October) to assess actual trends. If you are waiting, prepare your documentation and verify the validity of certificates and credentials to avoid rejection when your turn comes.
