The U.S. Department of State has released the September 2026 Visa Bulletin—the final bulletin of Fiscal Year 2026—and it tells a tale of two immigration systems.
The September 2026 Visa Bulletin delivers its most significant progress in the family-sponsored categories, while employment-based movement remains largely frozen.
For millions of immigrants waiting for green cards, the September bulletin carries both encouraging news and stark warnings as the fiscal year draws to a close on September 30.
Family-Based Categories: Historic Advances
The family-sponsored preference categories saw their largest forward movement of the entire fiscal year, building on gains already made in August.
Family-based final action dates advanced sharply for the second month in a row.
Here is a breakdown of the Final Action Dates movement for most chargeability areas (worldwide, China, and India):
- F-1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens):
- F-2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents):
- F-2B (Unmarried Adult Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents):
- F-3 (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens):
- F-4 (Siblings of Adult U.S. Citizens):
Mexico and the Philippines remain unchanged
in most categories, reflecting separate country-specific backlogs.
On the Dates for Filing chart—which USCIS has designated for family-based applicants in September—the advances were also notable, though less dramatic:
F3 advanced 20 months, F4 about 16 months, F2B eight months, and F1 roughly 7.5 months for all areas except Mexico and the Philippines.
F2A remains Current (C) across all countries, allowing eligible applicants to file regardless of their priority date.
Employment-Based Categories: A Different Picture
The contrast with employment-based categories could not be sharper.
EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 final action dates are unchanged from August across every chargeability area.
Here are the key employment-based Final Action Dates for September:
- EB-1:
- EB-2:
- EB-3:
- EB-4:
- EB-5:
The employment-based Dates for Filing chart remains unchanged.
Which Chart Should You Use?
USCIS determined that, for September 2026, applicants in all family-sponsored preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart, while applicants in all employment-based preference categories must use the Final Action Dates chart.
This distinction is critical. Family-based applicants can take advantage of the more favorable Dates for Filing chart to submit adjustment of status applications earlier, while employment-based applicants must wait until their priority date is current under the more restrictive Final Action Dates chart before filing.
Why the Dramatic Family Movement?
The September Bulletin provides an unusually direct explanation. DOS states that immigrant visa issuance rates for nationals of certain countries have decreased because of Administration actions affecting visa processing.
The official bulletin from the State Department elaborates further:
immigrant visa issuance rates have decreased in FY 2026, in part due to policies the President has put in place since January 2025, as well as the impact of posts that have faced limited or suspended visa operations.
To maximize use of available FY 2026 visa numbers, DOS has advanced Final Action Dates and, in some categories, Dates for Filing.
However, immigration practitioners have raised concerns about timing.
Movement of September dates may have come much too late, since the September processing capacity at consular posts may be insufficient to fully utilize the required numbers to reach the annual limits.
Year-End Retrogression Warnings
Applicants should also be aware that September brings heightened risk.
The State Department notes that as demand increases, retrogression or unavailability may be necessary in some employment-based categories before the fiscal year ends on September 30, 2026.
Specifically,
EB-1 India may become unavailable in the coming weeks due to high demand, and the EB-2 and EB-5 unreserved categories may retrogress or become unavailable before the end of September due to sustained demand and increased immigrant visa number use.
FY2026 By the Numbers
The FY 2026 worldwide employment-based preference limit is 186,317.
The FY 2026 family-sponsored preference limit is 226,000.
The employment-based figure is substantially above the statutory base of 140,000, reflecting carryover adjustments from prior years.
Practical Takeaways for Applicants
If you are a family-based applicant: Check whether your priority date is now current under the Dates for Filing chart. The dramatic advances in F-1, F-2B, F-3, and F-4 mean that thousands of applicants who were previously years from eligibility may now be able to file adjustment of status applications or have their consular interviews scheduled.
For families who have spent years watching the Visa Bulletin move by weeks—or not at all—these advances are remarkable.
If you are an employment-based applicant: Confirm your eligibility under the Final Action Dates chart. Be prepared for the possibility that categories like EB-1 India, EB-2, and EB-5 Unreserved could become unavailable mid-month.
Foreign nationals with pending or upcoming cases should be prepared for this possibility and file when eligible.
Looking ahead:
DOS itself warns that recent forward movement may need to be reversed as additional demand materializes. September's family advances therefore should not be read as a commitment to equal or further movement in October.
The October 2026 Visa Bulletin—the first of Fiscal Year 2027—will set new baselines, and applicants should not assume the current pace of advancement will continue.
As always, applicants should consult with a qualified immigration attorney to assess their individual circumstances and ensure timely filings. With the fiscal year ending September 30, the window for action is narrow, and preparation is essential.