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

Blog post
In this blog, Maja Sugui and Priyanka Gadekar explain how to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate in Germany, and the changes for the apostille and final certification request in 2025.

Media mentions
Country Manager María Inés Menvielle outlines Argentina’s updated immigration rules and their implications for business and foreign talent.

Media mentions

Media mentions
Partner Mark Buchanan says governments across Asia-Pacific are tightening visa rules while supporting key industries vital to economic growth.

Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen is recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Germany.

Media mentions
Senior Associate Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline the impact of new visa skill requirements and sponsorship rules on UK construction firms.

Media mentions
This article in Irish Legal News covers the firm's recent announcement of its new office opening in Cork, Ireland.

Media mentions
Director Audrey Morew outlines how US retirees may apply for Finnish residency under the “residence permit on other grounds” route.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock explains how the UK’s decision to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain is creating uncertainty for international talent and increasing pressure on employers.

Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Partner Daniel Brown to the position of Chief Executive Officer of WorkRight U.S., the firm’s I-9 employee verification technology.

Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top rankings in Chambers USA 2025, with Band 1 recognition nationally.

Blog post
In this blog, Maja Sugui and Priyanka Gadekar explain how to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate in Germany, and the changes for the apostille and final certification request in 2025.

Media mentions
Country Manager María Inés Menvielle outlines Argentina’s updated immigration rules and their implications for business and foreign talent.

Media mentions

Media mentions
Partner Mark Buchanan says governments across Asia-Pacific are tightening visa rules while supporting key industries vital to economic growth.

Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen is recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Germany.

Media mentions
Senior Associate Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline the impact of new visa skill requirements and sponsorship rules on UK construction firms.

Media mentions
This article in Irish Legal News covers the firm's recent announcement of its new office opening in Cork, Ireland.

Media mentions
Director Audrey Morew outlines how US retirees may apply for Finnish residency under the “residence permit on other grounds” route.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock explains how the UK’s decision to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain is creating uncertainty for international talent and increasing pressure on employers.

Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Partner Daniel Brown to the position of Chief Executive Officer of WorkRight U.S., the firm’s I-9 employee verification technology.

Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top rankings in Chambers USA 2025, with Band 1 recognition nationally.