October 2026 Visa Bulletin Delay: Community Asks If It's Ever Been This Late

Members of the r/greencard community are expressing frustration over the delayed release of the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, with one user asking whether the bulletin has ever been this late in recent memory. The October bulletin is particularly significant as it marks the start of the new federal fiscal year (FY2027), when fresh annual visa quotas become available for all employment-based categories including EB-3. The delay is drawing heightened attention because the start of FY2027 is a critical planning window for EB-3 applicants from backlogged countries. Any movement — or lack thereof — in the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing can directly affect when applicants can submit adjustment of status applications or expect interview scheduling. While the Department of State has not issued an official explanation for the delay, late bulletin releases at the start of a fiscal year have historically been linked to internal quota recalculations, policy reviews, or inter-agency coordination challenges. EB-3 applicants are advised to monitor the travel.state.gov website and community forums closely for the official release.