Guide2026-09-01Updated 2026-09-011 min read
September 30 Is Not a Magic NIW Filing Deadline
FY2026 visa numbers end on September 30. That is not an official 'file now for easier review' switch for NIW I-140 petitions. File when the evidence is ready.
September 30 Is Not a Magic NIW Filing Deadline #
Key takeaways
- September 30 ends the fiscal year's visa-number books
- It does not change Dhanasar
- There is no official bonus for filing on September 29
- Unavailability warnings affect visa numbers, not a secret I-140 discount
- Weak independent letters are a better reason to wait than the fiscal calendar
See the September 2026 bulletin. This is not legal advice.
Forum claims that October will be stricter are not a substitute for the petition you actually file.
FAQ #
Should I wait for October movement instead of filing I-140?
October may reset numbers. That is not a promise, and it does not finish your letters.
Does premium processing beat the fiscal year?
It buys an action timeline, not approval inside FY2026, and not a stronger case.
If a category goes unavailable, is my I-140 void?
Unavailability is about visa numbers. I-140 filing and visa availability are different steps.
What if a recommender can sign on October 5?
If that letter is core evidence, waiting is often better than filing a hole.