October 2026 Visa Bulletin Brings Key Changes for Indian Green Card Applicants
The October 2026 Visa Bulletin has introduced significant updates that will affect Indian applicants seeking Green Cards. These changes involve shifts in employment-based categories and a broader review of public charge rules by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Understanding these adjustments is important for anyone navigating the Green Card application process.
India’s Employment-Based Categories See Movement
The October bulletin shows forward movement in several employment-based Green Card categories for India. This means some applicants may now be eligible to file their adjustment of status applications sooner than before.
EB-1 India Advances
The Final Action Date for EB-1 India has moved forward to February 1, 2023. This is an advancement from the previous cutoff of October 15, 2022. This change allows priority workers born in India with earlier priority dates to become eligible for their Green Cards sooner.
EB-2 India Reopens
The EB-2 category for India has returned to availability. Its Final Action Date is now November 1, 2013. This category was unavailable in September, so this reopening provides a new opportunity for applicants with priority dates before this new cutoff to proceed with their applications.
EB-5 Unreserved Category Reopens for India
The unreserved EB-5 immigrant investor category has also reopened for Indian applicants. The Final Action Date is set at December 1, 2023. This creates a filing window for certain Indian investors who meet the program’s investment and job creation requirements.
Family-Sponsored F2A Category Advances
In addition to employment-based changes, the family-sponsored F2A category has also seen progress. This category is for spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of lawful permanent residents. For most countries, including India, the cutoff date has moved to September 22, 2026. This advancement is tied to the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, 2026, and the updated visa allocations for FY 2027.
USCIS Expands Public Charge Review
Beyond the Visa Bulletin updates, USCIS began a broader public charge review for certain adjustment of status applications on September 18, 2026. This expanded assessment means immigration officers can consider a wider range of personal, financial, educational, and employment factors when evaluating an applicant’s likelihood of becoming a public charge. This review can include an applicant’s age, health, family status, assets, resources, financial status, education, skills, and employment history. The use of certain means-tested public benefits, such as cash aid, housing aid, or food assistance, may also be considered, though using a benefit does not automatically result in denial. This updated review applies to Indian applicants filing their adjustment of status applications after September 18, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main changes in the October 2026 Visa Bulletin for Indian applicants?
The bulletin shows movement in employment-based categories like EB-1 and EB-2, and the EB-5 unreserved category has reopened for Indian applicants.
How has the EB-1 category changed for India?
The Final Action Date for EB-1 India has moved forward to February 1, 2023, allowing more applicants to file sooner.
What is the new Final Action Date for EB-2 India?
The EB-2 category for India is now available with a Final Action Date of November 1, 2013.
How does the USCIS public charge review affect Indian applicants?
USCIS is conducting a broader public charge review, considering more personal, financial, and employment factors for adjustment of status applications filed after September 18, 2026.
Conversation
0 Comments