October could reopen adjustment filing opportunities for some employment-based green card applicants, making September an important preparation period for workers whose priority dates are near current cutoffs. The October 2026 Visa Bulletin has not yet been released, so applicants should prepare without assuming that any category will advance.
Why October Matters
The federal government’s 2027 fiscal year begins on October 1, 2026, when annual immigrant visa limits reset. A new allocation can allow the State Department to move certain employment-based cutoff dates forward, although actual movement depends on demand, country limits and the number of available visas.
As of September 12, 2026, the State Department listed the September 2026 Visa Bulletin as current and the next bulletin as coming soon. September’s bulletin also warned that high demand could require retrogression or make some categories unavailable before the end of the fiscal year.
No applicant should assume that October will bring favorable movement. Cutoff dates may advance, remain unchanged or move backward as agencies assess demand.
Confirm Your Filing Position
Employment-based applicants should locate their Form I-140 approval notice and confirm the priority date, preference category and country of chargeability. They should also identify any spouse or child who may qualify to file as a derivative applicant, because each family member generally submits a separate Form I-485 package.
The State Department publishes both Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing. For adjustment applications submitted inside the United States, USCIS separately announces which chart employment-based applicants must use each month. A priority date generally must be earlier than the applicable cutoff listed under the chart selected by USCIS.
Applicants whose cases require a continuing job offer should also coordinate with the sponsoring employer. Depending on how the underlying petition and adjustment application are filed, Form I-485 Supplement J may be required to confirm that the permanent position remains available. Different rules can apply to self-petitioners and classifications that do not require a specific job offer.
Prepare Documents Carefully
Potential filers can begin organizing passports, visa records, Forms I-94, approval notices, birth and marriage certificates, certified translations and records concerning prior immigration filings. A complete history of addresses, employment, education, travel and any arrests or citations can also reduce last-minute delays.
Most adjustment applicants must complete an immigration medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Because form editions and validity rules can change, applicants should verify current Form I-693 requirements and coordinate the timing of the examination with their legal representative.
Applicants should also review current filing fees and consider whether to request employment authorization or advance parole. International travel while Form I-485 or Form I-131 is pending can have serious consequences in some circumstances, particularly for people without another valid basis for returning to the United States.
Being eligible to file does not guarantee approval. Status violations, unauthorized employment, inadmissibility issues and changes in the sponsoring job may require individualized review.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Immigration eligibility and filing strategy depend on individual circumstances and current agency guidance.
Sources
- Could Your Priority Date Become Current in October? What to Consider Now — Reddy Neumann Brown PC (September 9, 2026)
- Visa Bulletin For September 2026 — U.S. Department of State (August 2026)
- Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (accessed September 12, 2026)
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