October 2026 Visa Bulletin Reopens India EB-2 as Worldwide EB-2 and EB-3 Retrogress

The October 2026 Visa Bulletin opens fiscal year 2027 with significant changes for employment-based green card applicants. India’s EB-2 and unreserved EB-5 categories are available again after being listed as unavailable in September, while EB-2 and EB-3 dates for many applicants outside India and China have moved backward.

USCIS has also confirmed that employment-based adjustment-of-status applicants may use the more favorable Dates for Filing chart during October 2026. This could allow some F-1, OPT, H-1B, and other eligible workers to submit Form I-485 even though their green cards cannot yet receive final approval. (travel.state.gov)

Major Employment-Based Changes for October 2026

The following table highlights several changes most relevant to international students and professionals pursuing employment-based permanent residence:

India EB-1 advances by approximately three and a half months. More importantly, India EB-2 and unreserved EB-5 become available again with cutoff dates of November 1, 2013, and December 1, 2023, respectively.

The news is less favorable for applicants in the “All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed” column, commonly called Rest of World. EB-2 changes from current to January 1, 2025, while EB-3 retrogresses from September 1, 2024, to May 15, 2024. The Department of State explained that some Rest of World categories moved backward to keep visa issuance within fiscal year 2027 quarterly and annual limits. (travel.state.gov)

USCIS Will Use the Dates for Filing Chart in October

For October 2026, USCIS is allowing employment-based adjustment applicants to use the Visa Bulletin’s Dates for Filing chart.

That distinction is important:

• Dates for Filing determine when an eligible applicant may submit Form I-485 to USCIS.
• Final Action Dates determine when USCIS may approve the adjustment application and issue permanent residence.
• A priority date generally must be earlier than the applicable cutoff date.
• Filing Form I-485 does not mean the green card can be approved immediately.

Key October Dates for Filing include:

China sees especially substantial movement in the filing chart. China EB-1 advances from December 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024; EB-2 advances from January 1, 2022, to January 1, 2023; and EB-3 moves from January 8, 2022, to April 1, 2024. India’s EB-2 and EB-3 filing dates remain January 15, 2015. (travel.state.gov)

What This Means for F-1, OPT, and H-1B Workers

An international student or professional with an employment-based petition should compare three items:

1. Their employment-based preference category;
2. Their country of chargeability, which is normally based on country of birth; and
3. Their priority date.

Applicants whose priority dates are earlier than the applicable October Dates for Filing cutoff may be able to submit Form I-485 beginning October 1, 2026, provided they meet all other adjustment-of-status requirements.

This may be particularly important for China EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 applicants because of the filing-date advances. India EB-2 applicants with priority dates before January 15, 2015, may also have a filing opportunity even though the category’s Final Action Date is only November 1, 2013.

However, submitting Form I-485 does not automatically provide employment authorization. Applicants must continue relying on valid authorization—such as OPT, STEM OPT, H-1B status, or an approved adjustment-based employment authorization document—before working.

F-1 students should also avoid making status or travel decisions based solely on the Visa Bulletin. Filing an immigrant adjustment application can create issues involving nonimmigrant intent, international travel, continued F-1 compliance, and future visa applications. Individual planning may be especially important for students using CPT or OPT while transitioning to an employment-based green card process.

What Applicants Should Watch Next

October is the first month of fiscal year 2027, and its cutoff dates are not a guarantee of continued forward movement. The Department of State specifically stated that it will monitor demand and make adjustments when necessary.

Applicants who are eligible under the October filing chart should confirm the current USCIS chart, their exact priority date, and all filing requirements before submitting Form I-485. Those who are not yet eligible should continue monitoring monthly Visa Bulletins because cutoff dates may advance, remain unchanged, or retrogress as demand becomes clearer. (travel.state.gov)

Sources:

• U.S. Department of State — Visa Bulletin for October 2026
• U.S. Department of State — October 2026 Visa Bulletin PDF
• U.S. Department of State — Visa Bulletin for September 2026
• USCIS — Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin
• AILA — USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing Dates for October 2026