Many people begin the EB-3 process expecting a clear timeline. However, in reality, the process isn't determined by emotion or promises, but depends on many factors, including: Visa Bulletin This plays a crucial role in determining when your application will be processed and when your visa will be granted.
What is Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly information bulletin published by the US Department of State, used to determine:
🔹 When will your immigration application be processed next?
🔹 When can you expect to be granted a visa or have an interview?
When you follow the Visa Bulletin published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, you will see two important tables:
- Table A – Final Action Dates (Visa Issuance Dates)
- Table B – Dates for Filing
Each table has a different function and directly affects the processing of your immigration application.
✨ Table A – Final Action Dates (Visa Issuance Dates)
This table is crucial in determining the issuance of a permanent residency visa.
- If your Priority Date is on or before the date in Table A: Your application is considered current: You may be granted a visa or proceed to the final step.
- If it's not your turn yet: You need to continue waiting according to the general process.
- For applicants in the United States
(Submit Form I-485 – Adjustment of Status): USCIS can only approve a green card when the priority date is "current" according to Schedule A. - For applicants outside the United States (e.g., in Vietnam) (consular processing via Form DS-260): The NVC will schedule an interview when your case comes up under Schedule A.
✨ Table B – Dates for Filing
Table B allows applicants to submit their applications earlier than the visa issuance date: If your priority date is on or before the date in Table B: You can begin completing and submitting the necessary application steps.
❗However, this does not mean the visa will be granted immediately, but is merely a preparatory step before the application is actually processed under Schedule A.
🔹 Applicable:
- For applicants in the United States: USCIS maybe Allows the use of Table B to file Form I-485 early.
⚠️ Important note:
- USCIS does not always allow the use of Schedule B.
- Each month, USCIS will notify you whether or not you can use Form B to file your application.
✔ If permitted: You may file your application early if your priority date matches Table B.
✔ Otherwise: You must wait until the priority date.“soldier”according to Table A
📌Check the official Visa Bulletin from the U.S. Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html?
👉 Understanding the correct roles of these two tables will not only help you accurately track your application progress, but also allow you to proactively prepare documents and avoid common misunderstandings about waiting times during the immigration process.
“The processing time for EB-3 applications is not dependent on a single step, but rather consists of multiple stages managed by different agencies of the U.S. government, including the Department of Labor, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Department of State. Among these, the Visa Bulletin waiting time is a crucial factor determining the immigration process.”