The US Department of State released the September 2026 Visa Bulletin, setting the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing for immigrant visa applicants. For Indian nationals in the employment-based first preference category (EB-1), the Final Action Date is October 15, 2022, meaning applicants with priority dates before this can proceed with their green card cases, according to livemint.com.
The bulletin outlines the timeline when Indian applicants can move forward with their green card applications across various categories. While some employment-based categories for most countries are current, several categories remain backlogged for Indian nationals. The bulletin distinguishes between Final Action Dates, which determine when visas can be issued, and Dates for Filing, which indicate when applicants can submit their paperwork.
This update is significant as it affects thousands of Indian professionals seeking permanent residency in the US, particularly in high-demand employment categories. The EB-1 category is often prioritized for individuals with extraordinary abilities or outstanding achievements, making the October 2022 cutoff a key milestone. The bulletin’s mixed status reflects ongoing demand and processing delays in the US immigration system.
The next Visa Bulletin, expected in late September 2026, will provide updated dates that Indian green card applicants will monitor closely to assess their progress in the immigration process, as detailed by livemint.com.