The November 2026 Visa Bulletin delivered the kind of movement family sponsored applicants wait years to see. For All Chargeability Areas, the F1, F2B, F3 and F4 categories each advanced one full year on both the Final Action Dates chart and the Dates for Filing chart. Because USCIS has determined that family sponsored applicants must use the Dates for Filing chart in November 2026, these advances translate directly into new eligibility to file Form I-485 for applicants already inside the United States.
The new family filing cutoffs (All Chargeability Areas and China)
- F1, unmarried adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens: Date for Filing February 1, 2021 (from February 1, 2020). Final Action January 22, 2021.
- F2B, unmarried adult sons and daughters of permanent residents: Date for Filing September 1, 2020 (from September 1, 2019). Final Action August 22, 2020.
- F3, married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens: Date for Filing November 1, 2015 (from November 1, 2014). Final Action October 22, 2015.
- F4, brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens: Date for Filing November 1, 2012 (from November 1, 2011). Final Action October 22, 2012.
India shares the All Chargeability Areas dates for F1, F2B and F3. F4 India remains at February 1, 2007 for filing and December 15, 2006 for final action. Mexico saw two week Final Action advances in F1 (to September 22, 2008) and F3 (to July 15, 2001) with no change to its filing dates. The Philippines family dates were unchanged.
What a one year jump means in practice
Consider a U.S. citizen who filed Form I-130 for a married daughter in October 2015. Last month that family was outside the filing window. This month, with F3 at November 1, 2015, the daughter and her own spouse and children may file for adjustment of status if in the United States in lawful status, or begin National Visa Center processing if abroad. For F4, siblings with priority dates earlier than November 1, 2012 are newly eligible to file.
Derivative family members and the Child Status Protection Act
Spouses and children of these beneficiaries may accompany or follow to join the principal. For children approaching 21, CSPA age is calculated using the Final Action Dates chart, so a child who qualifies to file may not yet qualify to be approved.
Next steps
Ahluwalia Law Offices represents sponsoring families and beneficiaries in I-130 petitions, adjustment of status and consular processing nationwide. If your family petition carries a priority date that is now earlier than a Dates for Filing cutoff, schedule a consultation at ahluwalialaw.com/consultations or call our Dallas office at (972) 361 0606 or our Houston office at (713) 600 4338.
Frequently asked questions
What is the F4 priority date for November 2026?
November 1, 2012 on the Dates for Filing chart and October 22, 2012 on the Final Action chart for All Chargeability Areas and China. F4 India is February 1, 2007 for filing and F4 Mexico is April 30, 2001.
Can F3 applicants file I-485 in November 2026?
Yes, for All Chargeability Areas, China and India, if the priority date is earlier than November 1, 2015 and the applicant is otherwise eligible, because USCIS is using the Dates for Filing chart.
Did F2B move in November 2026?
Yes. F2B advanced one year to September 1, 2020 on the Dates for Filing chart and August 22, 2020 on the Final Action chart for All Chargeability Areas, China and India.
Which chart is used for CSPA age calculation?
Under current USCIS policy, CSPA age is calculated using the Final Action Dates chart, not the Dates for Filing chart.
Attorney Advertising. This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney client relationship. Immigration law changes frequently and outcomes depend on individual facts. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Responsible attorney: [Pallavi Ahluwalia], Ahluwalia Law Offices, PC, 14180 Dallas Parkway, Suite 720, Dallas, Texas 75254.
Sources: Visa Bulletin for November 2026 | USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing Charts | USCIS Child Status Protection Act
