What are the main changes in the September 2026 Visa Bulletin?
The September 2026 Visa Bulletin brings significant advances in several family-based immigration categories for most countries, including Colombia, Cuba, Peru, Venezuela, and much of Latin America.
In the Final Action Dates chart, several family-based categories moved forward substantially compared with August. However, the applicable date for each individual depends on the immigration category, country of birth, and priority date.
How much did the family-based categories advance in September 2026?
For the general chargeability areas, excluding countries with separate cut-off dates, the main advances are:
- F1: Unmarried sons and daughters age 21 or older of U.S. citizens. The date moved from December 2018 to January 2020, an advance of approximately 13 months.
- F2A: Spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents. The date advanced by approximately one month.
- F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters age 21 or older of permanent residents. The date moved from January 2018 to August 2019, an advance of almost 20 months.
- F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens. The date moved from May 2012 to October 2014, an advance of approximately two years and five months.
- F4: Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens. The date moved from September 2009 to October 2011, an advance of more than two years.
These advances represent substantial movement in several family-based categories during the final month of fiscal year 2026.
What does it mean when a visa category advances?
An advancing priority date does not automatically mean that every applicant in that category can file for permanent residence or that the green card can be approved immediately.
Eligibility depends on several factors, including:
- The preference category.
- The applicant’s country of birth or chargeability.
- The priority date.
- Whether the case is processed through adjustment of status inside the United States or through consular processing.
Therefore, looking only at the movement of a category is not enough to determine what an applicant can do.
Can I file adjustment of status using the Dates for Filing chart in September?
Yes. In September 2026, USCIS allows the Dates for Filing chart to be used for family-sponsored categories.
This is particularly important for F2A, which is listed as “C” (Current) for all chargeability areas in that chart. Subject to the other eligibility requirements, certain spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents may therefore be in a position to file for adjustment of status.
USCIS explains that the chart applicants must use to determine whether they may file Form I-485 depends on the agency’s monthly determination regarding visa availability.
What does the September Visa Bulletin mean for Mexico?
The outlook for Mexico remains considerably different.
Although some categories also show movement, Mexico continues to have significantly later cut-off dates than most other countries because of the applicable per-country limits. Mexican applicants should therefore consult the Mexico column rather than assume that advances for the general chargeability areas apply to their cases.
Did employment-based immigration categories also advance?
Movement in the employment-based categories is more limited than in the family-based categories.
For September, EB-3 for the general chargeability areas advances to September 1, 2024 in the Final Action Dates chart. In the Dates for Filing chart, EB-3 is listed as “C” for the general chargeability areas, although the ability to file adjustment of status depends on USCIS rules and all other eligibility requirements being satisfied.
Can visa dates move backward after these advances?
Yes. The Department of State expressly warns that visa retrogression may become necessary if demand increases or annual visa limits are reached.
This is particularly relevant because September is the final month of the federal fiscal year. Categories may also become “Unavailable” if the applicable annual limits are reached.
What should I do if my priority date is now current?
The first step is to determine exactly which chart applies to your situation and verify your priority date.
If you may be eligible to file Form I-485, it is advisable to review the case before filing to confirm that you meet all adjustment-of-status requirements and that there are no inadmissibility issues or other obstacles.
In this context, consulting with a Miami immigration attorney can help determine whether the Visa Bulletin movement actually allows you to file and what strategy is appropriate.
A Miami immigration attorney can also review your category, priority date, country of birth, and immigration history before you make a decision based solely on the movement of visa dates.
What is the bottom line for the September 2026 Visa Bulletin?
The bulletin brings significant advances in several family-based categories, particularly F1, F2B, F3, and F4, while F2A remains especially favorable under the Dates for Filing chart.
However, these advances should be interpreted cautiously. A favorable date may create an opportunity to file an application, but it does not guarantee approval of permanent residence.
Every case should be evaluated individually based on the immigration category, country of birth, priority date, and type of processing.
Source: U.S. Department of State, Visa Bulletin for September 2026; USCIS information regarding the applicable charts for adjustment of status.