EB-3 Alert: October 2026 Visa Bulletin Brings Retrogression & FY2027 Priority Date Updates

The U.S. Department of State has released the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, marking the beginning of Fiscal Year 2027. USCIS has confirmed it will accept employment-based Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications using the Dates for Filing chart for October, which is significant for applicants who are ready to file but waiting on visa number availability. For EB-3 Third Preference applicants, the bulletin brings mixed news. EB-3 Worldwide (including Mexico) retrogresses to a filing cutoff of August 1, 2024—a notable step back that will affect applicants from non-oversubscribed countries who may have recently become eligible. This retrogression is attributed to the need to keep visa issuances within FY2027 quarterly and annual limits. On the positive side, country-specific EB-3 dates show advancement. EB-3 China advances to April 1, 2024; EB-3 India advances to January 15, 2015; and EB-3 Philippines advances to January 1, 2024. These movements provide relief for applicants from high-demand countries who have faced lengthy backlogs. The EB-2 category also sees significant movement: EB-2 Worldwide retrogresses from current to a cutoff of March 15, 2026, while EB-2 India becomes available again with a cutoff of January 15, 2015. EB-1 Worldwide remains current, and EB-1 China and India both advance to July 1, 2024. Employers are strongly advised to work with immigration counsel to identify employees who may have become newly eligible to file AOS applications based on the updated dates. The Department of State has indicated it will continue to monitor visa availability and make further adjustments as needed throughout FY2027.