US Visa Bulletin September 2026: Family Green Card Gains

The September 2026 US Visa Bulletin is a positive development for Indians waiting for family-sponsored green cards, as several categories have seen substantial improvements in their Final Action Date and Dates for Filing. The most significant shifts are seen in the F1, F2B, and F3 classes, and F2A is progressing to the current class for India.

But for those who are applying for employment, things aren't quite as bright, as India's EB-1 and EB-3 dates are still the same, and EB-2 and unreserved EB-5 are listed as unavailable. The September bulletin, which is published by the U.S. Department of State, is especially significant as it represents the last month of fiscal year 2026, during which immigrant visa numbers are allocated based on the annual limits.

September 2026 US Visa Bulletin: Major Changes for Indians

The new bulletin reveals a strong separation between family-sponsored and employment-based immigration. Priority-date cut-off for several family categories has moved up by months or years for Indian applicants.

The most significant changes for family-sponsored applicants are:

• F1: Final Action Date moved from December 15, 2018, to January 22, 2020.

• F2A: Final Action Date changed from July 22nd, 2026, to August 22nd, 2026, and is now current for the category.

• F2B: Final Action Date moved from January 1, 2018, to August 22, 2019.

• F3: Final Action Date moved from May 15, 2012, to October 22, 2014.

The final action date on F4 was not changed and is set for November 1, 2006.

The F1, F2B, and F3 Dates for Filing were also improved, and F2A was kept current, and F4 was not changed.

For many Indian applicants, this movement would enable them to advance to the next stage in their immigration process promptly, depending on their priority date and the process they are following, whether at a US consulate or in the United States to adjust their status.

Also Read: Best State to Live in USA: Top Picks for Indians

Family-Sponsored Green Card Dates for India

There are 4 main preference categories for family-sponsored immigration – F1, F2, F3, and F4. There are specific limits for each family category, and each has its own annual numerical limits.

F1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters of US Citizens

The September 2026 Final Action Date was moved to Jan 22, 2020, from Dec 15, 201,8 for Indian applicants. This is an improvement of over one year and is one of the most significant changes in the September bulletin.

The Dates for Filing also advanced to February 1, 2020, from June 15, 2019.

This movement may be meaningful for applicants who have priority dates before the relevant priority date cutoff because it suggests that older cases will be closer to visa issuance or adjustment of status.

F2A: Spouses and Children of Green Card Holders

F2A is for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents.

The September Final Action Date for India was pushed up to 22 August 2026 from 22 July 2026. The category is also listed as current in the Dates for Filing chart.

This is especially relevant for those families that are separated due to immigration backlogs, as F2A applicants are part of those who are looking to reunite with spouses or parents who are already U.S. permanent residents.

But applicants should be aware of the difference between being eligible to advance and getting a green card right away. Visa availability, document completion, and immigration requirements for scheduling interviews remain in effect.

F2B: Unmarried Adult Children of Green Card Holders

Unmarried F2B: Sons and daughters 21 years of age or older who are permanent residents.

The most significant change in the September bulletin was that the Final Action Date for Indian applicants was moved from January 1, 2018 to August 22, 2019.

The Dates for filing were also increased from January 1, 2019, to September 1, 2019.

This could take these applicants' cases to the next step if they have been waiting since the last priority date period.

F3: Married Sons and Daughters of US Citizens

Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens are in the F3 category.

The Final Action Date for Indians went from May 15, 2012, to October 22, 2014. In addition, the Dates for Filing were also pushed forward, from March 1, 2013, to November 1, 2014.

This movement is meaningful because annual numerical restrictions and demand for F3 cases have been high, causing long waiting periods.

F4: Brothers and Sisters of Adult US Citizens

Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens are in the F4 category.

There was no movement in F4 in India as compared to F1, F2B and F3. The Final Action Date was unchanged at November 1, 2006, and the Dates for Filing were extended to December 15, 2006.

That doesn't imply that the general family-sponsored advances will simply ensure that the specific cases will get better.

Employment-Based Green Card Applicants See Limited Relief

While the family-sponsored categories saw substantial advances, employment-based immigration remains challenging for Indian applicants.

The September 2026 bulletin shows:

EB-1 for India remained at October 15, 2022, while EB-3 remained at January 1, 2014. EB-2 and unreserved EB-5 were listed as unavailable. EB-4 and Certain Religious Workers, however, advanced from October 15 to December 15, 2022.

The Dates for Filing also remained unchanged across the employment-based categories.

Also Read: Cost of Transit Visa for USA: New Fees & Process Guide

Why Are EB-2 and Unreserved EB-5 Unavailable?

U” in the Visa Bulletin indicates that there are no immigrant visas available or that the visas are unauthorised for that chargeability area and immigrant category.

September's EB-2 category is available for Indian applicants, but the unreserved EB-5 category is not available. Meanwhile, the rural area, high-unemployment area, and infrastructure project set-aside categories for the EB-5 visa are active.

This is where it is important to remember that not all employment-based green card opportunities are the same. The number of visas available is based on the country's annual numerical limits, demand and allocation rules, and the number of applicants bidding for visas.

What Are Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing?

There are two important charts to be aware of when reading the Visa Bulletin: Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing.

All other eligibility requirements aside, an immigrant visa is finally issued, or a green card case is approved on the Final Action Date. Typically, a case must be filed with a priority date that is earlier than the date listed for the relevant category and country.

The Dates for Filing chart, on the other hand, tells the applicant when he or she can start submitting the necessary documents to USCIS or, if USCIS allows it, when he or she can file an application for adjustment of status.

The Department of State advises the applicant to refer to the Final Action Dates chart when applying for adjustment of status, unless USCIS expressly states that the Dates for Filing chart may be used for that month.

This is an important distinction. If a person moves to a different country, it does not automatically lead to his receiving a Green Card status.

What September's Changes Mean for Indian Families?

The family-sponsored advances may have a tangible effect on the families who have been waiting for years to have their priority dates.

The F1 move to January 2020 could indicate that those applicants with earlier priority dates may be closer to final action. Likewise, the significant advances in F2B and F3 might help those who have had their cases pending for a long time.

Another significant change for the spouses and children of permanent residents is their move to August 22, 2026. As the category is current, applicants may have significantly more flexibility depending on their circumstances and processing path.

However, applicants are advised not to consider the bulletin as an automatic approval. But becoming current by priority date is just one step in the green card process. Applicants are still required to meet eligibility criteria, submit necessary documentation, and go through pertinent processing.

Why September Is an Important Month for Green Card Applicants?

September is particularly important because it's the last month of the US government's fiscal year. The Department of State distributes immigrant visas during the fiscal year, and September is the final month of FY2026.

The September bulletin states that the fiscal-year 2026 family-sponsored preference limit is 226,000, while the worldwide employment-based preference level is 186,317. The overall cap for preference immigrants is 7% of the annual family-sponsored and employment-based preference caps per country. India is one of the countries that fall under the provisions of oversubscription and prorating.

September is the end of the fiscal year, so it's important to keep in mind that visa availability may shift for the next bulletins. A favourable movement should be considered as a chance to evaluate the case and take action as soon as possible if appropriate, not as a certainty that the same cut-off will be there in the future.

What Indian Green Card Applicants Should Do Now?

Applicants with priority dates that are current or fast approaching the September cut-off dates for India should check their applications.

The first step in the process is to verify the priority date and immigration category. They should then compare it with the appropriate September 2026 Visa Bulletin date.

Consular processing applicants are advised to keep an eye on the communications from the National Visa Centre and submit all necessary documentation. According to the Department of State, those with priority dates before the relevant Dates for Filing may be able to prepare and file the necessary paperwork as directed.

If you are already in the United States, you should also verify in the USCIS instructions for the month you are interested in whether you can file Form I-485 based on the Dates for Filing chart. USCIS will decide which chart(s) applicants may use for adjustment-of-status applications.

Lastly, applicants should continue to check future Visa Bulletins as cut-off dates may move up, stay the same, or move back due to demand and availability of visas.

Also Read: How Many Types of Visa in USA? New Full Expert Guide

September 2026 Visa Bulletin: Key Takeaways for Indians

There are four big developments that can be summarised in the September bulletin.

The first thing to be relieved was that family-sponsored applicants had ample relief. F1, F2B, and F3 all made significant progress.

Second, F2A advanced to August 22, 2026 and is scheduled to be current, especially good news for spouses and children of permanent residents.

Thirdly, the F4 applicants did not get the same benefit, as India's FAD was kept at November 1, 2006.

Fourth, there were significant backlogs of employment-based applicants. EB-1 and EB-3 didn't go forward, and EB-2 and unreserved EB-5 were not available for India.

The outcome of the mixed September bulletin: good news for some Indian family-sponsored applicants and bad news for employment-based green card applicants.

Conclusion

The US Visa Bulletin for September 2026 is good news for Indian families stuck in the long US green card queues, especially in the categories F1, F2B and F3. The significant improvements in these areas, together with F2A being current, may offer the opportunity for many applicants to get closer to permanent residency after years of waiting. But the good news is not for everyone: employment-based applicants from India are still stuck in long lines for EB-2 and are seeing no movement for the unreserved EB-5, and EB-1 is still the same.

As FY26 is coming to an end in September, applicants should pay close attention to their priority dates, determine which Visa Bulletin chart their case falls under, and keep an eye out for any changes announced. While the new movement is a welcome boost for family-sponsored applicants, each person's eligibility and visa availability will determine when each person is able to finish the green card process.

Contact TerraTern for more information.