October Visa Bulletin Update: USCIS to Honor Dates for Filing for Employment-Based Categories Next Month
September 24, 2020
At a Glance
USCIS will accept employment-based adjustment applications in October from foreign nationals with a priority date that is earlier than the Dates for Filing listed in the State Department's October Visa Bulletin.
Employment-Based Priority Date Cut-offs for October 2020
To be eligible to file an employment-based adjustment application in October, employer-sponsored foreign nationals must have a priority date that is earlier than the date listed below for their preference category and country.
USCIS has chosen the Dates for Filing chart for employment-based applications.
The State Department released its October Visa Bulletin earlier today.
USCIS Cutoff Dates for October 2020
EB-1
China: September 1, 2020
India: September 1, 2020
All other countries: Current
EB-2
China: October 1, 2016
India: May 15, 2011
All other countries: Current
EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers
China: June 1, 2018
India: January 1, 2015
All other countries: Current
EB-3 Other Workers
China: October 1, 2008
India: January 1, 2015
All other countries: Current
EB-4
El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras: February 1, 2018
All other countries: Current
EB-5
China: December 15, 2015
All other countries: Current
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses China’s EB-5 Unreserved category advancing to September 22, 2026, while India’s dates remain unchanged with potential for retrogression amid sustained demand.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole discusses Middle East-based UHNW clients making short-term moves driven by schooling and timing considerations.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer examines how immigration rules for offshore wind projects in Germany hinge on nautical boundaries and why careful personnel planning is essential to avoid compliance risks.
Media mentions
Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala comments on a draft regulation restricting work for citizens of Georgia, Colombia and Venezuela in Poland during visa-free stays.
Awards
Partners Chris Spentzaris and Sasko Markovski, Practice Leader Sarah Tan and Counsel Robert Walsh are recognized by Best Lawyers in Australia for their work in immigration law.
Awards
Fragomen is shortlisted across multiple categories in the 2026 EMMA Awards, recognizing innovation and impact in global mobility and immigration services.
Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.
Work authorization
Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outlines the current state of Portugal’s Golden Visa programme, examining how recent policy reforms, proposed changes to nationality rules and ongoing processing delays are reshaping the pathway to long‑term residence and EU citizenship.
Media mentions
In an article published in Mens en Migratie magazine, Senior Associate Tugba Ozyakup explains how authorized representatives support employers with recognized sponsor status by managing complex immigration processes, particularly for international companies navigating Dutch requirements.
Media mentions
Video
Manager Mihaela Dumitru highlights key considerations for business travelers entering Switzerland, emphasizing that compliance is determined by activities—not duration of stay or entry status.
Video
Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Mexico entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa processes, documentation requirements and key considerations for travelers.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses China’s EB-5 Unreserved category advancing to September 22, 2026, while India’s dates remain unchanged with potential for retrogression amid sustained demand.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole discusses Middle East-based UHNW clients making short-term moves driven by schooling and timing considerations.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer examines how immigration rules for offshore wind projects in Germany hinge on nautical boundaries and why careful personnel planning is essential to avoid compliance risks.
Media mentions
Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala comments on a draft regulation restricting work for citizens of Georgia, Colombia and Venezuela in Poland during visa-free stays.
Awards
Partners Chris Spentzaris and Sasko Markovski, Practice Leader Sarah Tan and Counsel Robert Walsh are recognized by Best Lawyers in Australia for their work in immigration law.
Awards
Fragomen is shortlisted across multiple categories in the 2026 EMMA Awards, recognizing innovation and impact in global mobility and immigration services.
Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.
Work authorization
Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outlines the current state of Portugal’s Golden Visa programme, examining how recent policy reforms, proposed changes to nationality rules and ongoing processing delays are reshaping the pathway to long‑term residence and EU citizenship.
Media mentions
In an article published in Mens en Migratie magazine, Senior Associate Tugba Ozyakup explains how authorized representatives support employers with recognized sponsor status by managing complex immigration processes, particularly for international companies navigating Dutch requirements.
Media mentions
Video
Manager Mihaela Dumitru highlights key considerations for business travelers entering Switzerland, emphasizing that compliance is determined by activities—not duration of stay or entry status.
Video
Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Mexico entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa processes, documentation requirements and key considerations for travelers.