September Visa Bulletin Update: USCIS to Honor Employment-Based Final Action Dates Only Next Month
August 10, 2016

Country / Territory
USCIS has determined that, next month, it will only accept employment-based adjustment of status applications from foreign nationals with a priority date that is current for final action according to the State Department’s September Visa Bulletin.
Employer-sponsored foreign nationals with a priority date that makes them eligible for filing, but not final action, will not be able to submit an adjustment application next month.
Employment-Based Final Action Dates for September 2016
To be eligible to file an employment-based adjustment application in September, 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
China: January 1, 2010
India: January 1, 2010
All other countries: Current
EB-2
China: January 1, 2010
India: February 22, 2005
All other countries: February 1, 2014
EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers
China: January 1, 2010
India: February 15, 2005
Philippines: July 1, 2010
All other countries: May 1, 2016
EB-3 Other Workers
China: January 1, 2004
India: February 15, 2005
Philippines: July 1, 2010
All other countries: May 1, 2016
EB-5
China: February 15, 2014
Current for all other countries and subcategories.
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

Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.

Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Nathalie Pimenta and Immigration Programme Manager Frida Sakaj discuss the importance of planning visa applications and document services early to avoid delays and ensure compliance with UK regulations.

Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how new regulations have led Polish companies to adjust their use of work permits.

Media mentions

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the potential implications of the $100,000 H-1B fee for employers, universities and research programs relying on international talent.

Blog post
Partner Natasha Catterson discusses how proposed changes to UK residency and citizenship rules could affect immigration planning and applicant eligibility.

Fragomen news
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised for her work shaping global immigration and workforce mobility.

Awards
Fragomen was recognized by Oasis Legal Services with the Ally in Action Award at their 8th Annual Community Celebration: Liberation Sounds Like Us, which took place on September 12, 2025 in Oakland, California.

Video
Fragomen FC hosts recap major international football transfers and tournaments played this summer.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how careful planning can help international students navigate US visa changes and avoid disruptions to study and travel.

Media mentions

Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.

Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Nathalie Pimenta and Immigration Programme Manager Frida Sakaj discuss the importance of planning visa applications and document services early to avoid delays and ensure compliance with UK regulations.

Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how new regulations have led Polish companies to adjust their use of work permits.

Media mentions

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the potential implications of the $100,000 H-1B fee for employers, universities and research programs relying on international talent.

Blog post
Partner Natasha Catterson discusses how proposed changes to UK residency and citizenship rules could affect immigration planning and applicant eligibility.

Fragomen news
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised for her work shaping global immigration and workforce mobility.

Awards
Fragomen was recognized by Oasis Legal Services with the Ally in Action Award at their 8th Annual Community Celebration: Liberation Sounds Like Us, which took place on September 12, 2025 in Oakland, California.

Video
Fragomen FC hosts recap major international football transfers and tournaments played this summer.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how careful planning can help international students navigate US visa changes and avoid disruptions to study and travel.