September 2026 Visa Bulletin EB3 F4 Big Move: Family PDs Jump 1-2 Years

The September 2026 visa bulletin has drawn significant attention from the immigration community, with observers reporting that family-based preference category priority dates have advanced by an unusually large margin of one to two years. Such dramatic single-month movements are considered rare in the history of the visa bulletin system. For EB-3 and family-based applicants, priority date movement is a critical factor determining when they can file adjustment of status applications or proceed with consular processing. A jump of this magnitude could mean thousands of applicants suddenly become current or near-current, potentially triggering a surge in filing activity. Large forward movements in priority dates can occur when USCIS and the Department of State estimate lower-than-expected demand in a given category, or when prior months saw reduced usage of available visa numbers. Fiscal year-end adjustments in September—the final month of the U.S. government's fiscal year—can also contribute to unusual bulletin movements as agencies attempt to use remaining visa number allocations. Applicants whose priority dates fall within the newly advanced ranges should consult with an immigration attorney promptly to assess their eligibility to file. Those monitoring NVC processing times should also note that increased filings resulting from bulletin advances may affect wait times in the coming months.