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March Visa Bulletin: China and India Advance Across EB-1, 2, & 3 Categories

Feb 25, 2021 | Permanent Immigration Visas

Following the release of the latest visa bulletin by the U.S. Department of State, March has shaped up as a favorable month for filing an adjustment of status. All countries are current across EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories except for China and India who advance moderately, opening the door wide for AOS filings.

Employment-Based Adjustments

USCIS will accept employment-based adjustment applications in March from foreign nationals with a priority date that is earlier than the Final Action Dates (Chart A) listed in the State Department’s March Visa Bulletin.

Family-Based Adjustments

USCIS has announced that F2A applicants may file adjustments using the Final Action Dates chart. Please note, however, that the F2A category is now backlogged on the Dates for Filing chart.  Applicants in all other family-sponsored preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart.

Employment Based Final Action Dates (Chart A)

Preference Category All Other China El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras		 India Mexico Philippines Vietnam
1st C 01AUG20 C 01AUG20 C C C
2nd C 15JUL16 C 15JAN10 C C C
3rd C 08FEB18 C 01JUL10 C C C
Other Workers C 01MAY09 C 01JUL10 C C C
4th C C 01JUN18 C 01JAN19 C C
Certain Religious Workers C C 01JUN18 C 01JAN19 C C
5th Non-Regional Center
(C5 and T5)		 C 15AUG15 C C C C 22OCT17
5th Regional Center
(I5 and R5)		 C 15AUG15 C C C C 22OCT17

 

Insights on Final Action Dates (Chart A)

  • EB-1 China and EB-1 India final action dates jump forward by seven months to August 1, 2020.
  • EB-2 China advances one month to July 15, 2016 and EB-3 India advances three months to January 15, 2010.
  • EB-3 China advances five weeks to February 8, 2018, and EB-3 India advances three months to July 1, 2010.

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