The first preference employment category, EB-1, covers individuals of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and certain multinational executives and managers. The EB-1 India visa bulletin for October 2026 shows forward movement, and applicants born in both India and China gain a filing cutoff well ahead of their Final Action Dates.
Final Action Dates
The EB-1 Final Action Date for India advances from October 15, 2022 to February 1, 2023. For China, the Final Action Date holds at July 1, 2023. EB-1 remains Current for Rest of World, Mexico, and the Philippines.
Dates for Filing
The EB-1 Dates for Filing cutoff for both India and China is July 1, 2024, up from December 1, 2023 in September. USCIS has confirmed that employment based applicants may use the Dates for Filing chart for Form I-485 in October 2026.
October Snapshot
| Country | Final Action Date | Dates for Filing |
|---|---|---|
| India | February 1, 2023 | July 1, 2024 |
| China | July 1, 2023 | July 1, 2024 |
| Rest of World | Current | Current |
Who Benefits This Month
An EB-1 applicant born in India or China with a priority date earlier than July 1, 2024 may file Form I-485 in October, if otherwise eligible and the underlying I-140 has been filed or approved. For EB-1A and EB-1B petitions, which do not require a labor certification, the priority date is generally the date USCIS received the I-140.
Filing opens access to interim benefits, including requests for employment authorization and advance parole. Final approval requires the priority date to be earlier than the Final Action Date.
Building a Strong EB-1 Record
Because EB-1 cutoffs for India and China remain well behind Rest of World, the strength and timing of the I-140 petition matters. EB-1A petitions require evidence meeting regulatory criteria and a final merits determination. EB-1C petitions depend on qualifying multinational employment. Current USCIS evidentiary practice makes a complete, well documented record at filing especially important.
Planning Considerations for Employers
Employers sponsoring EB-1C managers and executives or EB-1B researchers should review which beneficiaries were born in India or China, whether their I-140s are filed or approved, and whether their priority dates fall before July 1, 2024. For eligible employees, filing Form I-485 this month may provide interim work and travel authorization and, after 180 days, job portability for a same or similar position. Because USCIS can revisit its chart determination, prompt preparation is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EB-1 India Final Action Date for October 2026?
February 1, 2023.
Did EB-1 China move?
The Final Action Date holds at July 1, 2023, but the Dates for Filing cutoff advanced to July 1, 2024.
Can EB-1 India or China applicants file I-485 this month?
Yes, if their priority date is earlier than July 1, 2024 and they are otherwise eligible.
Is EB-1 current for other countries?
Yes. EB-1 is Current for Rest of World, Mexico, and the Philippines on both charts.
