History, predictions & alerts
What changes in the October Visa Bulletin?
Updated · Not legal advice
October 1 starts the federal fiscal year, so every category gets a new year of visa numbers. Categories that were "U" at the end of September can return, and cutoffs can jump forward or be reset, but the 27% limit for each of the first three quarters still keeps early-year movement in check.
| September (end of FY) | October (start of FY) | |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers left | Few or none in busy categories | A new annual allocation |
| Typical cells | More "U" and retrogressions | U categories return; dates may jump |
| Limits in force | Annual limit nearly reached | 27% cap on each of the first three quarters |
| Employment limit | Last year's | 140,000 plus last year's unused family numbers |
Why October is not always good news
If demand is high, the State Department can open October with dates earlier than the previous summer's to keep use within the quarterly limit. Read the October notes: they often explain the plan for the year.
Quick answers
- When is the October bulletin published?
- During September, like any bulletin published in the month before.
- Why did my category go U in September?
- Usually because the annual limit was reached; see September unavailability.
- Will October make my date current?
- No guarantee. Look at the new bulletin and notes.
What to do next: get your Visa Bulletin alert
October is the biggest month of the year. Get your category's change by email the day the bulletin is out.
Free: 1 category, checked daily, email. Pro $5/month: checks every 4 hours, SMS + push, movement history and estimates. Compare plans.
Sources
- INA 201, 8 U.S.C. 1151: worldwide levels (Cornell LII)
- U.S. Department of State: Visa Bulletin (current, upcoming and archive)
- USCIS: Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin
Checked: November 12, 2026