September 2026 Visa Bulletin Brings Major Family Based Green Card Movement for Many Asian Applicants

Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Department of State’s September 2026 Visa Bulletin brings notable movement in several family-sponsored green card categories, offering new hope to many families waiting for immigrant visa numbers. The biggest changes appear in the Family-Sponsored Final Action Dates chart, which determines when an immigrant visa may be issued or, for some applicants in the United States, when a green card case may move toward final approval.

The changes are especially important for Asian immigrant families because several high-demand countries, including India, China-mainland born applicants and the Philippines, have long family-based backlogs. Most other Asian countries fall under the “All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed” column.

For September, the State Department moved several family-sponsored final action dates forward sharply for most countries, including many Asian nations.

Major Movement for Most Asian Countries

For most Asian countries other than India, China-mainland born and the Philippines, several family-sponsored categories advanced significantly from August to September.

The F1 category, for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, moved from December 15, 2018 to January 22, 2020.

The F2A category, for spouses and children of lawful permanent residents, moved from July 22, 2026 to August 22, 2026.

The F2B category, for unmarried adult sons and daughters of lawful permanent residents, moved from January 1, 2018 to August 22, 2019.

The F3 category, for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, moved from May 15, 2012 to October 22, 2014.

The F4 category, for brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens, moved from September 1, 2009 to October 22, 2011.

That F3 and F4 movement is especially meaningful because these categories often involve very long waits for families hoping to reunite siblings, adult children, spouses and grandchildren.

India Sees Big Movement in Several Categories, But F4 Remains Stuck

For India, the September bulletin also brings strong movement in F1, F2A, F2B and F3.

India’s final action dates are:

• F1: January 22, 2020

• F2A: August 22, 2026

• F2B: August 22, 2019

• F3: October 22, 2014

• F4: November 1, 2006

The major exception is India F4, the sibling category. India F4 remains at November 1, 2006, unchanged from August. This means Indian families waiting in the sibling category continue to face one of the longest family-based backlogs.

For Indian American families in Arizona and across the United States, the September bulletin is positive for several categories, but the lack of movement in F4 remains disappointing.

China-Mainland Born Applicants See Similar Gains

For China-mainland born applicants, the September family-sponsored final action dates largely mirror the movement seen in the general worldwide category.

China-mainland born applicants moved to:

• F1: January 22, 2020

• F2A: August 22, 2026

• F2B: August 22, 2019

• F3: October 22, 2014

• F4: October 22, 2011

This is a significant improvement for Chinese family-sponsored applicants in F1, F2B, F3 and F4.

Philippines Sees Limited Movement

The Philippines, another high-demand family immigration country, saw more limited movement.

The September final action dates for the Philippines are:

• F1: May 1, 2013

• F2A: August 22, 2026

• F2B: June 1, 2013

• F3: February 22, 2006

• F4: August 22, 2007

The main movement for the Philippines is in F2A, which advanced by about one month, and F4, which moved slightly from August 1, 2007 to August 22, 2007. Other major family categories for the Philippines remained unchanged.

Dates for Filing Also Improve

The bulletin also includes a separate Dates for Filing chart, which tells certain applicants when they may begin submitting documents to the National Visa Center. For adjustment of status applicants inside the United States, USCIS decides each month whether the Dates for Filing chart or Final Action Dates chart may be used.

For September, the F2A Dates for Filing category is current for all countries, including India, China-mainland born applicants and the Philippines. This means eligible spouses and children of lawful permanent residents may generally begin the document process regardless of priority date, subject to USCIS and State Department rules.

Other Dates for Filing categories also moved forward for many Asian applicants, especially in F1, F2B, F3 and F4 for most countries and China-mainland born applicants.

Why the Dates Moved

The State Department said immigrant visa issuance rates for people from certain countries have decreased due to administration actions related to national security, public safety and U.S. interests. As a result, the department advanced various final action and filing dates in recent months to make available visa numbers to applicants from other countries.

However, the bulletin also includes an important warning: if more demand appears, or if administration actions change, the government may need to retrogress dates in upcoming months. Some categories could also become unavailable before the end of the fiscal year if annual or per-country limits are reached.

That means families who become eligible in September should not assume the same dates will remain available indefinitely.

What Families Should Do Now

Families with approved or pending family-based petitions should review their priority dates carefully against the September 2026 Visa Bulletin.

Applicants should confirm:

• Their family category, such as F1, F2A, F2B, F3 or F4

• Their country of chargeability

• Their priority date

• Whether they are using consular processing or adjustment of status

• Whether USCIS allows use of the Dates for Filing chart for September adjustment filings

Applicants whose priority dates are now earlier than the listed final action date may be closer to visa issuance or final green card approval. Those whose priority dates are earlier than the Dates for Filing chart may be able to begin document submission, depending on the process and USCIS monthly guidance. Because visa bulletin movement can change quickly, families should consult an experienced immigration attorney or accredited representative before making filing decisions.