【ARCFE News】OCTOBER 2026 VISA BULLETIN
The U.S. Department of State has published the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, the first Visa Bulletin of Fiscal Year 2027. With new fiscal-year visa numbers becoming available, several employment-based categories have advanced.
For EB-5 investors, the key updates are as follows:
Chart A: Final Action Dates
Mainland China – The EB-5 Unreserved category remains unchanged, with a Final Action Date of December 1, 2016.
India – The EB-5 Unreserved category is available again, with a Final Action Date of December 1, 2023, after being listed as Unavailable in September.
All EB-5 set-aside categories remain CURRENT, including High Unemployment Area, Rural, and Infrastructure.
Chart B: Dates for Filing
Mainland China – The EB-5 Unreserved filing date advances significantly to March 1, 2021, from March 1, 2017 in September.
India – The EB-5 Unreserved filing date remains unchanged at May 1, 2024.
All EB-5 set-aside categories remain CURRENT.
Important Update for Indian Investors
One of the most notable changes in the October 2026 Visa Bulletin is the return of visa availability for India’s EB-5 Unreserved category.
After being listed as Unavailable under Chart A during the final months of Fiscal Year 2026, India now has a Final Action Date of December 1, 2023 as the new fiscal year begins.
At the same time, the High Unemployment Area, Rural, and Infrastructure set-aside categories remain Current under both Chart A and Chart B.
For investors considering EB-5 today, this continues to make the distinction between Unreserved and reserved visa categories an important factor when evaluating immigration timing and visa availability.
Applicants pursuing adjustment of status in the United States should also check USCIS monthly filing-chart guidance before filing, since USCIS separately determines whether Chart A or Chart B may be used for adjustment-of-status applications.
A New Fiscal Year Brings New Visa Availability
The Department of State notes that the availability of FY2027 immigrant visa numbers has allowed both Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing to advance across several categories.
However, visa availability can continue to change during the fiscal year as demand and visa-number usage develop. Investors should therefore follow each monthly Visa Bulletin rather than treating any single month’s dates as permanent.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, tax, or investment advice. Visa Bulletin dates and USCIS filing-chart guidance may change. Applicants should confirm current requirements with official government sources and qualified U.S. immigration counsel.
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