The U.S. Department of State has released the November 2026 Visa Bulletin, and several family-sponsored lines moved forward. Two other changes also matter to families: USCIS naturalization approvals fell sharply, and a new rule changed how some filing deadlines are counted. Here is what changed and what to do about it.
November 2026 Visa Bulletin: family final action dates
Family-sponsored preferences are set by section 203(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. For most countries (China included), the November Visa Bulletin lists these final action dates:
- F1 (unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens): January 22, 2021
- F2A (spouses and children of green card holders): October 22, 2026
- F2B (unmarried sons and daughters age 21 or older of green card holders): August 22, 2020
- F3 (married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens): October 22, 2015
- F4 (brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens): October 22, 2012
Mexico, the Philippines and India have different dates in some categories. For example, F2A for Mexico is April 22, 2026, and F4 for India is December 15, 2006. Check your country's column in the bulletin.
For F2A, a priority date earlier than April 22, 2026 qualifies in every country. Dates from April 22 to October 22, 2026 qualify in every country except Mexico.
Dates for Filing: what changed
The Dates for Filing chart is further ahead. F2A is current in every country. For most countries, F1 is February 1, 2021, F2B is September 1, 2020, F3 is November 1, 2015 and F4 is November 1, 2012.
The bulletin says people applying for adjustment of status use the Final Action Dates chart unless USCIS announces on its website that the filing chart may be used. Check USCIS's filing charts page before you file. Dates can also move backward as well as forward, so do not wait if your date is current.
Not sure how to read your priority date? See our guide on how to read the Visa Bulletin. If you are a U.S. citizen sponsoring a brother or sister, read can a U.S. citizen sponsor a sibling. Our I-130 petition, adjustment of status and green card pages explain the next steps, and our adjustment of status guide and adjustment of status vs. consular processing post help you choose a route.
Naturalization approvals fell sharply
USCIS approved 57,697 naturalization applications (Form N-400) from April to June 2026, compared with 241,326 in the same period of 2025, according to CitizenPath's weekly immigration news report. Denials rose to 18% of decisions, and pending cases grew 40% to 742,138.
Applicants must still meet the residence, physical presence and good moral character requirements. Read our guide on proving good moral character and our naturalization process guide, and see our citizenship and naturalization services before you file.
New rule on weekend and holiday deadlines
A rule effective October 23, 2026 changes how filing deadlines that fall on a weekend or holiday are treated. For paper filings, the next-business-day extension now applies only to deadlines counted in days. Event-based deadlines, such as filing before a child's 21st birthday, no longer roll forward, according to CitizenPath's report. Treat these dates as firm and file early. Our guide on getting a green card for your child is a good starting point for families with children.
Related changes we are tracking
- Public charge: for Form I-485 applications filed on or after September 18, 2026, officers weigh age, health, family status, finances and education case by case, and the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) carries weight. Read our public charge news post and our guide to the Affidavit of Support.
- 75-country immigrant visa pause: on August 21, 2026, a federal judge ruled in CLINIC v. Rubio that the State Department's pause was unlawful because public charge must be assessed individually, and vacated denials made solely under it. Read our news post.
- USCIS fees: inflation increases apply to filings postmarked on or after October 16, 2026. The notice names work permit, TPS and parole filings, not the main family forms, so confirm your fee before mailing. Read our news post.
What to do next
- Compare your priority date with the chart for your category and country.
- List any deadline tied to an age or an event, and plan to file early.
- Check the current USCIS fee schedule before you mail a form.
- Collect travel, tax and address records before you file an N-400.
Talk to an attorney before you file or let a date pass. Call SimVisa at (312) 298-9766 or book a free consultation. SimVisa helps families with marriage green cards, I-130 petitions, adjustment of status and citizenship. This article is general information, not legal advice, and dates, fees and rules change.
References
- U.S. Department of State, Visa Bulletin for November 2026
- CitizenPath, Weekly Immigration News, week ending October 23, 2026
- SimVisa, USCIS public charge rule changes
- SimVisa, Judge Vargas strikes down 75-country immigrant visa pause
- SimVisa, USCIS FY 2027 inflation increase for immigration fees
