October 2026 Visa Bulletin Released; New Fiscal Year Brings Fresh Green Card Availability
The State Department released the October 2026 Visa Bulletin on October 2, marking the start of fiscal year 2027 with fresh allocations of green card numbers. Applicants should now use the "Dates for Filing" chart for both family-based and employment-based categories, signaling a shift in processing strategy for the new fiscal year.
The U.S. Department of State released the October 2026 Visa Bulletin at the start of the new fiscal year, bringing renewed opportunities for green card applicants. October marks the start of fiscal year 2027, bringing a new allocation of immigrant visa numbers, with the State Department saying this led to forward movement in several categories, while some employment-based categories for most countries retrogressed to keep visa issuance within annual limits.
Filing Instructions for October
For October, applicants must follow the "Dates for Filing" chart for both family-based and employment-based categories. This shift from the Final Action Dates chart used in September signals that the government has sufficient visa numbers available and applicants may file earlier in the process.
What the New Fiscal Year Means
The transition from fiscal year 2026 to 2027 resets the annual allocation of green cards across all categories. Individuals seeking to file applications for adjustment of status with USCIS must use the "Final Action Dates" charts unless USCIS determines that there are more immigrant visas available for the fiscal year than there are known applicants, in which case applicants may instead use the "Dates for Filing Visa Applications" charts.
If you are a family-sponsored or employment-based green card applicant with a priority date, check the October 2026 bulletin on travel.state.gov to see which chart to use for your category and country of birth. The shift to the Dates for Filing chart in many categories may allow you to file your adjustment of status application sooner than in previous months. Monitor your National Visa Center case number or consular post notifications for interview scheduling.
Sources
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