2. Look at the “All Chargeability Areas” column – Vietnam does not have its own column.
3. Chart A – Final Action Dates: Priority Date earlier than this date → the visa/green card may be approved. November 2026: Jun 1, 2022.
4. Chart B – Dates for Filing: Priority Date earlier than this date → prepare and submit documents early. November 2026: Jul 1, 2022.
5. “C” = no wait · “U” = visa numbers temporarily unavailable. The schedule can move forward, stand still or move backward.
What is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin (the “visa schedule”) is published every month by the US Department of State, usually around the middle of the previous month. Because the number of green cards each year is limited, the bulletin tells you which cases, by Priority Date, can move forward.
What is the Priority Date?
For EB-3 through PERM, the Priority Date is usually the date the US Department of Labor receives the PERM application. Think of it as your “queue number” in the line. See What is PERM.
Chart A and Chart B
- Chart A – Final Action Dates: the dates that decide when a visa/green card is actually issued. Your priority date must be earlier than the date in this chart.
- Chart B – Dates for Filing: lets you prepare and submit documents earlier. Each month USCIS announces which chart I-485 applicants in the US should use.
- “C” (Current): no wait. “U” (Unavailable): visas temporarily unavailable.
Which column do Vietnamese applicants use?
The queue is based on place of birth (chargeability), not nationality. People born in Vietnam use the “All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed” column. For unskilled workers, look at the “Other Workers” row in the Employment-Based section, under 3rd.
Example with the November 2026 Visa Bulletin
| EB-3 Other Workers – All Chargeability | Date |
|---|---|
| Chart A – Final Action Date | Jun 1, 2022 |
| Chart B – Dates for Filing | Jul 1, 2022 |
A case with a priority date of May 15, 2022 → is current (earlier than Jun 1, 2022). A case with a priority date of Jun 20, 2022 → is not yet current under Chart A, but is already within Chart B. See details: November 2026 Visa Bulletin.
Why does the visa schedule sometimes move backward?
When more people apply than there are visas left, the Department of State may move the date back (retrogression). For example, in October 2026, EB-3 Other Workers moved back from Apr 1, 2022 to Jan 1, 2022. That is why no one can guarantee the waiting time.
Where can I see the original?
On travel.state.gov – Visa Bulletin. The chart USCIS uses each month: uscis.gov – Filing Charts. GJO summarizes it in Vietnamese every month in the News section.
📌 General information, not legal advice for any specific case. Independent information & referral page.