Visa Bulletin — 2026-10

3 min read · October 16, 2026

Legally reviewed by Attorney Elias G. Mendoza — WSBA #43857 · Arizona Bar #036789

The Visa Bulletin determines when applicants can process their permanent residency. This summary explains the progress in family and employment categories, the impact of date retrogression, and how these changes affect your adjustment of status or consular process.

Updated Guide on the Visa Bulletin and Priority Dates

The Visa Bulletin is a document published by the Department of State every month. This report is vital for anyone seeking permanent residency in the United States. The bulletin indicates when a visa is available for you based on your category and country of origin. If you understand how to read it, you will be able to better prepare for the final step of your case.

The immigration system has annual limits for almost all categories. For this reason, waiting lines are formed. Your place in that line is known as a priority date. This date is usually the day you or your sponsor submitted the initial application to the government.

Progress in Family Immigration Categories

Family petitions are usually divided into several preferences. The F1 category is for unmarried children of citizens. The F2A category includes spouses and minor children of permanent residents. Many clients inquire about family immigration because dates can change drastically from one month to another.

Recently, we have seen that the F2A category has shown constant movement. This allows the families of legal residents to be reunited sooner. However, other categories such as F4, which is for siblings of U.S. citizens, continue to have very long waits. If you have a petition in this category, it is useful to learn about the wait for siblings of citizens to adjust your timing expectations.

When the bulletin states that a category is current, it means there is no wait. You can submit your application immediately. If a date is written, you must wait until your priority date is earlier than the one published by the bulletin.

Movements in Employment-Based Categories

The labor sector also has its own rules and limits. The EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories are the most common. Employment-based petitions often depend on the demand for foreign workers and limits by country. Mexico usually has its own dates due to the high volume of applicants.

In recent months, the EB-2 category has had some retrogressions. This happens when the government receives more applications than it can legally process in a year. In contrast, the EB-1 category for people with extraordinary abilities usually advances faster. It is essential to review both tables of the bulletin: the final action dates table and the dates for filing applications table.

Why does date retrogression occur?

Retrogression occurs when the priority date in the bulletin moves backward in time. This can be frustrating for you and your family. It happens mainly at the end of the government's fiscal year. When the available visas for that period are exhausted, the dates must retrogress to stop the entry of new applications.

If your priority date was current and suddenly retrogresses, you can no longer finalize your process until the date advances again. Therefore, we recommend having all your documents ready. If the date becomes current, you must act quickly to send your adjustment of status package or complete your consular process.

Final Action Dates vs. Dates for Filing

The bulletin contains two important tables. The first table indicates when a visa can finally be approved. The second table indicates when you can send your documents, even though the visa cannot yet be issued. Generally, the date for filing documents is further ahead than the final action date.

You should check the USCIS website every month. They confirm which of the two tables you should use for filings within the United States. If you submit your application using the wrong table, the government could reject your package and return your documents.

Tips for monitoring your case

You should check the bulletin around the middle of each month. Do not be discouraged if your date does not move for several months. The immigration system is complex and demand changes constantly. Keep a copy of your original receipt to always verify your exact priority date. If you change your address, always notify the government so you do not miss important notices about your turn in line.

Remember that each case is different. Wait times for a person from Mexico are not the same as for someone from other countries. Patience and preparation are your best tools on this path to legal residency.

This page is general legal information for the U.S., not legal advice. Speak with a licensed attorney about your case.