October 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-1 and EB-2
The new fiscal year reset the EB-2 dates. EB-2 for the rest of the world has a waiting line again, at January 1, 2025, while EB-1 stays current for most countries. India's final action dates are February 1, 2023 for EB-1 and November 1, 2013 for EB-2.
For employment-based green card applications filed in October 2026, USCIS accepts the Dates for filing chart. If your priority date is earlier than the date for your category and country of birth in that chart, you can file your green card application this month. Your country is your country of birth, not your citizenship. "Current" means there is no wait for a visa number.
Final action dates
A green card can be approved only when the applicant's priority date is earlier than this date.
| Category | Rest of world | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Current | Jul 1, 2023 | Feb 1, 2023 | Current | Current |
| EB-2 | Jan 1, 2025 | Oct 1, 2021 | Nov 1, 2013 | Jan 1, 2025 | Jan 1, 2025 |
Dates for filing
The earliest point to submit a green card application, when USCIS accepts this chart.
| Category | Rest of world | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Current | Jul 1, 2024 | Jul 1, 2024 | Current | Current |
| EB-2 | Mar 15, 2026 | Jan 1, 2023 | Jan 15, 2015 | Mar 15, 2026 | Mar 15, 2026 |
Rest of the world
EB-1 stays current, so an approved EB-1A petition can move straight to a green card. EB-2, which includes the NIW, now has a waiting line again: only priority dates before January 1, 2025 can be approved. With USCIS accepting the Dates for filing chart, anyone with an NIW priority date before March 15, 2026 can still file the green card application this month and get work and travel permits while they wait.
India
EB-1 India can be approved for priority dates before February 1, 2023, and EB-2 India for dates before November 1, 2013. That is a gap of more than nine years, so for anyone who qualifies, EB-1A is far faster than EB-2 NIW. EB-1 India applicants with priority dates before July 1, 2024 can file the green card application this month.
China
EB-1 China can be approved for priority dates before July 1, 2023, and EB-2 China for dates before October 1, 2021. The EB-1 China filing date is July 1, 2024, so EB-1A applicants born in China with earlier priority dates can file the green card application this month.
What it means for EB-1A, NIW and O-1
- EB-1A is in the EB-1 row. Your priority date is the date USCIS receives your I-140 petition. EB-1A guide
- EB-2 NIW is in the EB-2 row. A stronger profile can sometimes qualify for EB-1A instead, which has shorter waits for India and China. EB-1A vs EB-2 NIW
- O-1 is a work visa, not a green card, so the Visa Bulletin does not apply. Many people work on an O-1 while they wait for an EB-1A or NIW green card. O-1 guide
This page explains the bulletin in plain words and is not legal advice. Always confirm dates in the official bulletin and on the USCIS website, and ask a licensed immigration attorney about your case.