US Visa Bulletin October 2026: EB-1 India moves forward, EB-2 becomes available again

The US Department of State has released its October 2026 Visa Bulletin, marking the beginning of fiscal year 2027 with changes across employment-based and family-sponsored green card categories. For Indian applicants, the new bulletin brings movement in several employment-based categories, including the return of availability for EB-2, while EB-1 also advances.

The October bulletin reflects the availability of fresh immigrant visa numbers for the new fiscal year. The State Department said dates have advanced across various categories, although some employment-based categories for applicants from countries other than those specifically listed have retrogressed to keep visa issuances within fiscal-year limits.

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EB-1 India advances, EB-2 becomes available

India's EB-1 Final Action Date has moved forward from October 15, 2022, in September to February 1, 2023, in October. EB-2 India, which had been unavailable at the end of fiscal year 2026, now has a Final Action Date of November 1, 2013.

EB-3 India remains unchanged at January 1, 2014, while EB-4 stands at December 15, 2022. EB-5 unreserved for India is now available with a Final Action Date of December 1, 2023.

Dates for filing also move

The Dates for Filing chart gives Indian employment-based applicants additional movement. EB-1 India advances to July 1, 2024, while EB-2 and EB-3 remain at January 15, 2015. EB-5 unreserved moves to May 1, 2024.

Family green card dates show limited movement

Family-sponsored categories for Indian applicants have seen comparatively limited changes in October. The F2A Final Action Date moved to September 22, 2026, while F4 advanced to December 15, 2006, from November 1, 2006, in September.

The F1 Final Action Date remains January 22, 2020, F2B remains August 22, 2019, and F3 remains October 22, 2014.

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What Indian applicants need to know

The October bulletin marks a reset in visa availability with the beginning of fiscal year 2027. The State Department said the movement will continue to be monitored and that further adjustments may be required depending on demand and visa-number usage.

Applicants should also check the USCIS Visa Bulletin guidance to determine which chart can be used for adjustment-of-status filings in October. The State Department's bulletin distinguishes between Final Action Dates, which govern visa availability for final approval, and Dates for Filing, which indicate when applicants may begin submitting documentation.