EB-3 & EB-5 Green Card Categories Reopen Oct 1: Registrations Begin Now with June 2026 Priority Date Changes

The United States has announced the reopening of major employment-based immigrant visa categories — EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-5 — effective October 1, marking the start of the new federal fiscal year. This annual reset is a critical milestone for hundreds of thousands of applicants worldwide, as the government allocates a fresh batch of approximately 140,000 employment-based green card numbers. For EB-3 applicants, the fiscal year reset can bring meaningful movement in priority dates, particularly for nationals from oversubscribed countries. The reopening signals a new cycle of visa number availability and may unlock movement in the Visa Bulletin's Final Action Dates chart, which directly determines when applicants can proceed to the final stages of their green card process. Registrations for eligible applicants were set to begin the day following the announcement, allowing those who have been waiting in the backlog to take action. Applicants with approved I-140 petitions and current priority dates should verify their status and prepare required documentation for adjustment of status or consular processing. EB-5 investor visa applicants also benefit from the reset, with new allocations under both the Regional Center and Direct Investment pathways. Given recent legislative changes to EB-5, the new fiscal year may bring additional clarity on set-aside visa categories. Applicants are advised to monitor the Department of State's monthly Visa Bulletin closely, particularly the June 2026 edition which is anticipated to reflect these changes. Consulting with an immigration attorney before filing is recommended to avoid procedural errors during this high-demand period.