The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for October 2026 notes that with the availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 immigrant visa numbers, dates for filing and final action dates have advanced across various immigrant visa categories. However, some employment-based visa categories for “Rest of World” countries have retrogressed to keep visa issuances within FY 2027 quarterly and annual limits, the bulletin states. “This situation is being continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly.”
The bulletin also notes that H.R. 6500, signed on September 2, 2026, extended the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category through December 11, 2026. “The SR category is subject to the same dates for filing and final action dates as the other Employment Fourth Preference categories per applicable foreign state of chargeability,” the bulletin says.
