November 2026 Visa Bulletin Shows Major Advances Across Family-Based Categories

The November 2026 Visa Bulletin brings significant progress for family-sponsored immigration applicants. In the general family-based charts, F1, F2B, F3 and F4 each advance by 12 months, while F2A advances by one month in the Final Action Dates chart.

The Dates for Filing chart also shows a 12-month advancement in F1, F2B, F3 and F4. F2A remains Current, continuing to offer an important opportunity for eligible applicants.

Country-specific dates vary, so applicants from China-mainland born, India, Mexico and the Philippines should review the dates that apply to their country of chargeability.

What Changed in the November 2026 Visa Bulletin?

Final Action Dates

• F1: Advanced 12 months.

• F2A: Advanced 1 month.

• F2B: Advanced 12 months.

• F3: Advanced 12 months.

• F4: Advanced 12 months.

Dates for Filing

• F1: Advanced 12 months.

• F2A: Remains Current.

• F2B: Advanced 12 months.

• F3: Advanced 12 months.

• F4: Advanced 12 months.

Important F2A Opportunity

The F2A category continues to offer an important opportunity for eligible applicants.

• If your I-130 petition has been approved, you may be able to begin consular processing by submitting the required documents to the National Visa Center (NVC).

• If you are in the United States and otherwise eligible, you may be able to file for Adjustment of Status (AOS), along with applications for employment authorization and advance parole, subject to applicable filing requirements.

The F2A Final Action Date advanced to October 22, 2026. Applicants whose priority dates are earlier than this cutoff date may be eligible for final processing, provided they meet the other requirements.

Remember that Visa Bulletin dates can change, including through retrogression. Applicants should check their eligibility and prepare the required documents promptly.

Country-Specific Visa Bulletin Dates

The Visa Bulletin provides separate cutoff dates for certain countries with higher demand for family-sponsored immigrant visas. Applicants chargeable to China-mainland born, India, Mexico and the Philippines may have different cutoff dates from the general family-sponsored chart. These differences can affect when a case may be filed or proceed to final processing.

COUNTRY SPECIFIC: CHINA-MAINLAND BORN
A. FINAL ACTION DATES - CHINA-MAINLAND BORN
Family-Sponsored	October 2026	November 2026	Changes	Estimated Wait Time
F1	01/22/2020	01/22/2021	12 months	5 years, 9 months
F2A	09/22/2026	10/22/2026	1 month	0 months
F2B	08/22/2019	08/22/2020	12 months	6 years, 2 months
F3	10/22/2014	10/22/2015	12 months	11 years
F4	10/22/2011	10/22/2012	12 months	14 years
B. DATES FOR FILING - CHINA-MAINLAND BORN
Family-Sponsored	October 2026	November 2026	Changes	Estimated Wait Time
F1	02/01/2020	02/01/2021	12 months	5 years, 9 months
F2A	Current	Current	Current	Current
F2B	09/01/2019	09/01/2020	12 months	6 years, 2 months
F3	11/01/2014	11/01/2015	12 months	11 years
F4	11/01/2011	11/01/2012	12 months	14 years
COUNTRY SPECIFIC: INDIA
A. FINAL ACTION DATES - INDIA
Family-Sponsored	October 2026	November 2026	Changes	Estimated Wait Time
F1	01/22/2020	01/22/2021	12 months	5 years, 9 months
F2A	09/22/2026	10/22/2026	1 month	0 months
F2B	08/22/2019	08/22/2020	12 months	6 years, 2 months
F3	10/22/2014	10/22/2015	12 months	11 years
F4	12/15/2006	12/15/2006	0 days	19 years, 10 months
B. DATES FOR FILING - INDIA
Family-Sponsored	October 2026	November 2026	Changes	Estimated Wait Time
F1	02/01/2020	02/01/2021	12 months	5 years, 9 months
F2A	Current	Current	Current	Current
F2B	09/01/2019	09/01/2020	12 months	6 years, 2 months
F3	11/01/2014	11/01/2015	12 months	11 years
F4	02/01/2007	02/01/2007	0 days	19 years, 9 months
COUNTRY SPECIFIC: MEXICO
A. FINAL ACTION DATES - MEXICO
Family-Sponsored	October 2026	November 2026	Changes	Estimated Wait Time
F1	09/08/2008	09/22/2008	14 days	18 years, 1 month
F2A	03/22/2026	04/22/2026	1 month	6 months
F2B	05/15/2010	05/15/2010	0 days	16 years, 5 months
F3	07/01/2001	07/15/2001	14 days	25 years, 3 months
F4	04/22/2001	04/22/2001	0 days	25 years, 6 months
B. DATES FOR FILING - MEXICO
Family-Sponsored	October 2026	November 2026	Changes	Estimated Wait Time
F1	12/01/2008	12/01/2008	0 days	17 years, 11 months
F2A	Current	Current	Current	Current
F2B	03/22/2011	03/22/2011	0 days	15 years, 7 months
F3	12/01/2002	12/01/2002	0 days	23 years, 11 months
F4	04/30/2001	04/30/2001	0 days	25 years, 6 months
COUNTRY SPECIFIC: PHILIPPINES
A. FINAL ACTION DATES - PHILIPPINES
Family-Sponsored	October 2026	November 2026	Changes	Estimated Wait Time
F1	11/01/2013	11/01/2013	0 days	13 years
F2A	09/22/2026	10/22/2026	1 month	0 months
F2B	10/01/2013	10/01/2013	0 days	13 years, 1 month
F3	07/22/2006	07/22/2006	0 days	20 years, 3 months
F4	05/15/2008	05/15/2008	0 days	18 years, 5 months
B. DATES FOR FILING - PHILIPPINES
Family-Sponsored	October 2026	November 2026	Changes	Estimated Wait Time
F1	04/22/2015	04/22/2015	0 days	11 years, 6 months
F2A	Current	Current	Current	Current
F2B	10/01/2014	10/01/2014	0 days	12 years, 1 month
F3	10/22/2006	10/22/2006	0 days	20 years
F4	03/22/2009	03/22/2009	0 days	17 years, 7 months

What Are the Family-Based Preference Categories?

Family-based green cards are divided into preference categories based on the relationship between the petitioner and the applicant:

• F1 – Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of U.S. citizens

• F2A – Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents

• F2B – Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of lawful permanent residents

• F3 – Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens

• F4 – Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens

Each category has yearly visa limits, and depending on the country of birth, the wait can be many years. The Visa Bulletin tells you when your case can move forward.

The Two Key Charts in the Visa Bulletin

The Visa Bulletin has two main charts for family-sponsored cases:

1. Final Action Dates – This chart shows when a green card (visa number) is actually available. If your priority date is earlier than the date in this chart, your case is ready for final processing — for example, a visa interview at a U.S. consulate abroad or green card approval if you’re in the U.S.

2. Dates for Filing – This chart is used to determine when you can submit your documents to the National Visa Center (for consular processing) or file your Adjustment of Status application (if USCIS allows it for that month). This is often earlier than the Final Action Date, allowing you to prepare in advance so your case can be decided quickly once your Final Action Date becomes current.

How to Read the Visa Bulletin

If you have a pending family-based petition, follow these steps to see how the update affects you:

1. Find your priority date This is the date USCIS received your I-130 petition, shown on your receipt notice.

2. Check your category and country of chargeability Use the Family-Sponsored Preferences chart in the Visa Bulletin.

3. Compare your priority date

• If your date is earlier than the Final Action Date, your visa is ready for final processing.

• If your date is earlier than the Date for Filing, you may be able to send in your paperwork.

4. For Adjustment of Status applicants inside the U.S. Check USCIS’s monthly update to confirm whether to use the “Dates for Filing” chart or the “Final Action Dates” chart.

We Can Help You Take the Next Step

At Tran Flores Law, we help families understand how Visa Bulletin changes affect their specific cases and guide them through the next steps in the immigration process. Call (512) 894-9984 to schedule a consultation and find out whether the September 2026 Visa Bulletin allows your case to move forward.