October 2026 Visa Bulletin Alert: EB-3 Priority Dates Retreat as F2A Advances

The U.S. Department of State has officially published the Visa Bulletin for October 2026 (Volume XI, Number 19), marking the start of the new federal fiscal year. This edition carries significant implications for employment-based immigration applicants, particularly those in the EB-3 category. EB-3 priority dates have regressed in the October 2026 bulletin, meaning some applicants who were previously current may no longer be eligible to file or receive their immigrant visa this month. This retrogression is consistent with high demand patterns seen at the start of new fiscal years when annual visa quotas reset and previously unused visas from family categories are redistributed. In contrast, the F2A category (spouses and children of Lawful Permanent Residents) has seen forward movement, offering some relief to family-based applicants in that preference category. Applicants in this category should verify their priority dates against the updated Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing charts. EB-3 applicants are strongly advised to check both the 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing' charts in the October bulletin. USCIS will separately confirm which chart is in effect for adjustment of status filings. Those with consular interviews scheduled should confirm their priority date remains current before their appointment date. Immigration attorneys and petitioners should review the full bulletin available via the Department of State to assess downstream impacts on pending I-485 filings, National Visa Center case processing, and employer-sponsored petition timelines.