October 2026 Visa Bulletin Shows Limited Movement in Most Family-Based Categories

The October 2026 Visa Bulletin has been released, and unlike the major advancements seen in recent months, this month's general family-based categories show very little movement.

The only change in the general family-sponsored charts is a 1-month advancement for F2A in the Final Action Dates chart. All other categories remain unchanged from September.

The F2A category also remains Current in the Dates for Filing chart, which continues to provide an important opportunity for eligible applicants.

What Changed in the October 2026 Visa Bulletin?

Final Action Dates

There is very little movement in the general family-sponsored categories this month:

• F1: No change

• F2A: Advanced 1 month

• F2B: No change

• F3: No change

• F4: No change

Dates for Filing

There are no changes in the general Dates for Filing chart:

• F1: No change

• F2A: Remains Current

• F2B: No change

• F3: No change

• F4: No change

The F2A category continues to be listed as Current, meaning there is no cutoff date in the Dates for Filing chart for F2A applicants this month.

Country-Specific Visa Bulletin Dates

The Visa Bulletin provides separate cutoff dates for certain countries with higher demand for family-sponsored immigrant visas.

For October 2026, applicants chargeable to China-mainland born, India, Mexico, and the Philippines may have different dates from the general family-sponsored chart.

These differences can be significant, particularly for Mexico and the Philippines. Therefore, applicants should always check the dates that apply specifically to their country of chargeability.

COUNTRY SPECIFIC: CHINA-MAINLAND BORN
A. FINAL ACTION DATES - CHINA-MAINLAND BORN
Family-Sponsored	September 2026	October 2026	Changes	Estimated Wait Time
F1	01/22/2020	01/22/2020	0 days	6 years, 8 months
F2A	08/22/2026	09/22/2026	1 month	0 months
F2B	08/22/2019	08/22/2019	0 days	7 years, 1 month
F3	10/22/2014	10/22/2014	0 days	11 years, 11 months
F4	10/22/2011	10/22/2011	0 days	14 years, 11 months
B. DATES FOR FILING - CHINA-MAINLAND BORN
Family-Sponsored	September 2026	October 2026	Changes	Estimated Wait Time
F1	02/01/2020	02/01/2020	0 days	6 years, 8 months
F2A	Current	Current	Current	Current
F2B	09/01/2019	09/01/2019	0 days	7 years, 1 month
F3	11/01/2014	11/01/2014	0 days	11 years, 11 months
F4	11/01/2011	11/01/2011	0 days	14 years, 11 months
COUNTRY SPECIFIC: INDIA
A. FINAL ACTION DATES - INDIA
Family-Sponsored	September 2026	October 2026	Changes	Estimated Wait Time
F1	01/22/2020	01/22/2020	0 days	6 years, 8 months
F2A	08/22/2026	09/22/2026	1 month	0 months
F2B	08/22/2019	08/22/2019	0 days	7 years, 1 month
F3	10/22/2014	10/22/2014	0 days	11 years, 11 months
F4	11/01/2006	12/15/2006	1 month, 14 days	19 years, 9 months
B. DATES FOR FILING - INDIA
Family-Sponsored	September 2026	October 2026	Changes	Estimated Wait Time
F1	02/01/2020	02/01/2020	0 days	6 years, 8 months
F2A	Current	Current	Current	Current
F2B	09/01/2019	09/01/2019	0 days	7 years, 1 month
F3	11/01/2014	11/01/2014	0 days	11 years, 11 months
F4	12/15/2006	02/01/2007	1 month, 17 days	19 years, 8 months
COUNTRY SPECIFIC: MEXICO
A. FINAL ACTION DATES - MEXICO
Family-Sponsored	September 2026	October 2026	Changes	Estimated Wait Time
F1	01/01/2008	09/08/2008	8 months, 7 days	18 years
F2A	08/22/2025	03/22/2026	7 months	6 months
F2B	02/15/2009	05/15/2010	15 months	16 years, 4 months
F3	07/01/2001	07/01/2001	0 days	25 years, 3 months
F4	04/08/2001	04/22/2001	14 days	25 years, 5 months
B. DATES FOR FILING - MEXICO
Family-Sponsored	September 2026	October 2026	Changes	Estimated Wait Time
F1	12/01/2008	12/01/2008	0 days	17 years, 10 months
F2A	Current	Current	Current	Current
F2B	05/15/2010	03/22/2011	10 months, 7 days	15 years, 6 months
F3	07/15/2001	12/01/2002	16 months, 16 days	23 years, 10 months
F4	04/30/2001	04/30/2001	0 days	25 years, 5 months
COUNTRY SPECIFIC: PHILIPPINES
A. FINAL ACTION DATES - PHILIPPINES
Family-Sponsored	September 2026	October 2026	Changes	Estimated Wait Time
F1	05/01/2013	11/01/2013	6 months	12 years, 11 months
F2A	08/22/2026	09/22/2026	1 month	0 months
F2B	06/01/2013	10/01/2013	4 months	13 years
F3	02/22/2006	07/22/2006	5 months	20 years, 2 months
F4	08/22/2007	05/15/2008	8 months, 23 days	18 years, 4 months
B. DATES FOR FILING - PHILIPPINES
Family-Sponsored	September 2026	October 2026	Changes	Estimated Wait Time
F1	04/22/2015	04/22/2015	0 days	11 years, 5 months
F2A	Current	Current	Current	Current
F2B	10/01/2013	10/01/2014	12 months	12 years
F3	08/08/2006	10/22/2006	2 months, 14 days	19 years, 11 months
F4	03/22/2008	03/22/2009	12 months	17 years, 6 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.