10/01/2026
🇺🇸 OCTOBER 2026 FAMILY-SPONSORED IMMIGRANT VISA UPDATE
📌 FY 2027 Begins — F2A Moves Forward, Most Family Categories Hold Steady
The U.S. Department of State has released the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, officially opening Fiscal Year 2027.
After the major movement seen in September, October begins at a steadier pace. The biggest family-based highlight is F2A, which advances another month in Final Action Dates to September 22, 2026, while remaining Current for Dates for Filing.
For F1, F2B, F3, and F4, the worldwide family-sponsored cut-off dates remain unchanged from September.
ℹ️ First, which family preference category applies to you?
F1: Unmarried sons and daughters, age 21 or older, of U.S. citizens
F2A: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders
F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters, age 21 or older, of green card holders
F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
F4: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, when the U.S. citizen petitioner is at least 21 years old
📌 Once you know your category, compare your Priority Date with the October cut-off dates below.
🔴 Final Action Dates
These dates indicate when immigrant visa numbers may be available for final action on eligible cases.
For All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed:
F1: Remains at Jan 22, 2020
F2A: Advances 1 month to Sep 22, 2026
F2B: Remains at Aug 22, 2019
F3: Remains at Oct 22, 2014
F4: Remains at Oct 22, 2011
🟢 Dates for Filing
These dates indicate when qualifying immigrant visa applicants may be able to begin submitting required documents to NVC.
For All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed:
F1: Remains at Feb 1, 2020
F2A: Current
F2B: Remains at Sep 1, 2019
F3: Remains at Nov 1, 2014
F4: Remains at Nov 1, 2011
For applicants filing Adjustment of Status in the U.S., always check which Visa Bulletin chart USCIS allows applicants to use for that month before filing Form I-485.
⚠️ What this means for your case
✔ F2A moves forward another month in Final Action Dates
✔ F2A remains Current for Dates for Filing
✔ F1, F2B, F3, and F4 remain unchanged for worldwide cases
✔ No October retrogression in these worldwide family-sponsored categories
✔ If your Priority Date is earlier than the applicable cut-off date, your case may be eligible to move forward depending on visa availability and your individual case status
✔ Applicants chargeable to China-mainland, India, Mexico, or the Philippines should check the specific country column
✔ Visa Bulletin dates can advance, remain unchanged, or retrogress from month to month
The Department of State notes that FY 2027 immigrant visa numbers are now available, and future date adjustments may still be made as visa demand and annual limits are monitored.
📌 Not sure how to read your Priority Date?
Comment your category below — F1, F2A, F2B, F3, or F4 — and Pacific Immigration can help you better understand what the October update may mean for your case.
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Pacific Immigration Services
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🌟 Serving clients in all 50 states
Source: U.S. Department of State – Visa Bulletin October 2026. This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
