October Visa Bulletin Update: USCIS to Honor Filing Dates for Most Employment-Based Categories Next Month
September 21, 2016

Country / Territory
Next month, USCIS will accept employment-based adjustment of status applications from foreign nationals with a priority date that is current for filing under the State Department’s October Visa Bulletin. However, the agency will not accept adjustments under the soon-to-expire EB-5 Regional Center program unless it is reauthorized by Congress. If there is legislative action extending the program, USCIS will issue an update on acceptance of these cases.
Since last year’s reform of the monthly Visa Bulletin to reflect two sets of cut-off dates for each backlogged immigrant visa preference category and country – an application final action date and a date for eligibility to file an application – USCIS has honored employment-based eligibility to file dates only once before, in November 2015.
Employment-Based Filing Dates for October 2016
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.
EB-1
Current for all countries.
EB-2
China: March 1, 2013
India: April 22, 2009
All other countries: Current
EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers
China: May 1, 2014
India: July 1, 2005
Philippines: September 1, 2013
All other countries: Current
EB-3 Other Workers
China: August 1, 2009
India: July 1, 2005
Philippines: September 1, 2013
All other countries: Current
EB-5 Non-Regional Center
China: June 15, 2014
Current for all other countries.
EB-5 Regional Center
Unavailable for all countries unless reauthorized by Congress.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Country / Territory
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
Blog post
Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
Blog post
Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
