The U.S. State Department has officially commenced the new federal fiscal year with the release of its October Visa Bulletin, signaling significant adjustments to immigration procedures. These updates, which took effect on October 1, include revised priority dates for employment-based green card applicants, new restrictions on Medicaid and CHIP eligibility, and expanded social media screening requirements for specific visa categories.
For many applicants, the bulletin serves as a critical indicator of when they may proceed with their permanent residency paperwork. The latest report highlights a mix of progress and retrogression, as the government works to align visa issuance with established annual and quarterly allocation caps.
Employment-Based Visa Adjustments and Retrogression
The October bulletin brings notable changes for Indian applicants, particularly with the reopening of two employment-based categories that were unavailable in September. The EB-2 category, intended for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, now lists a Final Action Date of November 1, 2013. Additionally, the unreserved EB-5 category for immigrant investors has reopened with a cutoff date of December 1, 2023. The EB-1 category for priority workers has also seen movement, shifting forward to February 1, 2023.
While some categories have advanced, others have experienced retrogression—a backward movement in priority dates that limits the number of applicants eligible for immediate approval. For most countries, including Mexico and the Philippines, the EB-2 Final Action Date has shifted from being "current" to January 1, 2025. Similarly, the EB-3 category for most nations and Mexico has regressed to May 15, 2024. The State Department noted that these adjustments are necessary to ensure that the total number of visas issued remains within mandated limits.
In contrast, family-sponsored categories have seen modest progress. The F2A category for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents has advanced by one month for most countries, while Mexico’s F2A priority date moved forward by seven months. Applicants are advised to consult the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine whether they should reference the "Final Action Date" chart or the "Dates for Filing" chart to assess their current status.
New Restrictions on Healthcare and Digital Screening
Beyond green card processing, the start of the fiscal year introduces stricter eligibility criteria for federally financed Medicaid and CHIP programs. Coverage is now primarily restricted to lawful permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and individuals residing under Compacts of Free Association. Certain refugees and asylees who have not yet secured permanent resident status may find their access to these programs curtailed. While emergency Medicaid remains available, the Congressional Budget Office estimates these changes could lead to approximately 100,000 additional uninsured individuals by 2034.
The State Department has also expanded its digital-presence evaluation protocols. Effective October 1, international journalists applying for I visas, as well as professionals from Canada and Mexico seeking TN or TD visas, are now subject to enhanced social media screening. Applicants in these categories are required to ensure their social media accounts are set to public. The department stated that this measure is intended to assist in verifying applicant qualifications and identifying potential national security or public safety concerns.
