Visa Bulletin update — 2026-09

3 min read · September 17, 2026

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

The latest Visa Bulletin shows significant movement across family and employment categories, with some dates advancing while others face retrogression due to high demand and annual limits set by federal law.

Understanding the Monthly Visa Bulletin

Each month, the U.S. Department of State releases a new Visa Bulletin. This document is essential for anyone waiting for a green card because it shows who can move forward with their application. The system exists because Congress sets limits on how many people can get permanent residency each year in specific categories. When more people apply than there are visas available, a waitlist forms. Your place in this line is determined by your priority date, which is usually the day your initial petition was filed with the government.

Navigating these updates can be confusing for those involved in family immigration. The Bulletin is divided into two main charts: Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing. Depending on which chart USCIS chooses to follow for a given month, you may be able to submit your adjustment of status application even if a visa is not yet ready for final approval.

Movement in Family Preference Categories

Family-sponsored categories often see slow but steady movement. The F1 category for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and the F2B category for unmarried adult children of permanent residents frequently have waits lasting several years. One of the most significant areas of movement recently has been the F2A category, which includes spouses and minor children of green card holders. While this category was current for a long time, it now faces a backlog, meaning even close family members of residents must monitor the Bulletin closely.

For those looking at the F4 sibling petition wait 2026 timeline, the news is often less encouraging. This category usually has the longest wait times, often stretching beyond a decade for most countries and even longer for individuals from Mexico or the Philippines. Despite the long waits, maintaining a valid priority date is the only way to eventually secure a visa in these categories.

Trends in Employment Based Immigration

In the realm of employment immigration, movement has been volatile lately. The EB-1 category for individuals with extraordinary ability often remains current, but even this elite group has seen occasional backlogs for applicants from China and India. The EB-2 and EB-3 categories, which cover professionals with advanced degrees and skilled workers, have experienced significant retrogression recently. This happens when the government realizes they have received more applications than the annual limit allows, forcing them to move the priority dates backward to stop new filings.

Applicants interested in the EB-2 NIW Dhanasar eligibility criteria should be aware that even with an approved national interest waiver, you cannot file for a green card until the Visa Bulletin shows your priority date is current. If you are already in the U.S. and your date becomes current, you may be eligible to file for adjustment of status and a work permit while you wait for the final green card interview.

Why Priority Dates Move Backward

It is frustrating when a priority date that was once current moves backward. This is known as retrogression. Retrogression usually occurs toward the end of the government fiscal year, which runs from October to September. If the demand for visas in a certain category is much higher than expected, the Department of State must adjust the dates to stay within the limits mandated by the Immigration and Nationality Act.

If you find yourself stuck in a long delay, you might explore different legal tools to get information. Some people consider a mandamus vs FOIA vs congressional inquiry to see if there is a way to resolve processing stalls that are not related to the Visa Bulletin dates themselves. However, no amount of inquiry can bypass the statutory limits set for visa numbers.

What to Do Once Your Date is Current

When the Visa Bulletin finally shows that your priority date is current, you must act quickly. If you are in the U.S., you may be able to file Form I-485 to adjust your status. One common question during this phase is can I travel while I-485 pending without abandoning the application. Generally, you need a specific travel document called advance parole before you leave the country. Filing at the right time also requires paying the current filing fee (check uscis.gov for the current amount), as these costs are subject to change.

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