US State Department Releases September 2026 Visa Bulletin Update
The September 2026 Visa Bulletin confirms static employment-based categories and a reduced annual limit for the Diversity Visa program.
Traveller Impact
Applicants for US employment-based green cards should expect no forward movement in priority dates for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Why This Matters
The U.S. Department of State released its September 2026 Visa Bulletin, confirming that there is no forward movement in the Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing for key employment-based preference categories. This stagnation reflects the exhaustion of annual visa quotas as the fiscal year draws to a close. Furthermore, the bulletin highlights that the annual limit for the Diversity Visa (DV-2026) program has been adjusted to approximately 52,101, impacting the total number of immigrant visas available for the current cycle.
For employment-based applicants, particularly those in the EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories, the lack of movement means that many individuals will remain in a holding pattern until the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2026. At that time, annual limits will reset, potentially allowing for the advancement of priority dates. The bulletin serves as a critical indicator for legal immigration planning, as it dictates when USCIS will accept adjustment of status applications.
Who Is Affected
This update primarily affects foreign nationals currently in the United States or abroad who are awaiting the processing of employment-based immigrant visas (green cards) and participants in the Diversity Visa program.
What Travellers Should Do
Check the official U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin website to verify the current priority date status for your specific visa category.
If you are an employment-based applicant, prepare your documentation for potential filing when the new fiscal year begins in October.
Monitor the USCIS website for any supplemental guidance on whether they will accept adjustment of status applications based on the latest bulletin.
Contact your immigration counsel to discuss how the static priority dates impact your long-term residency strategy.
Makutet Insight
Makutet analysis suggests that the current stagnation is a direct result of high demand exceeding the statutory annual caps for employment-based categories. We anticipate that while some movement may occur in October 2026, the overall backlog for applicants from high-demand countries will remain a significant challenge for the foreseeable future.
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