Policy Updates

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2026-03)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2026-03 Visa Bulletin: - Philippines: moved from 2023-06-01 to 2023-08-01 - Mexico: moved from 2023-06-01 to 2023-10-01 - Rest of World: moved from 2023-06-01 to 2023-10-01 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

DHS immigration authorities are now directed to access DOJ criminal history records to the maximum extent permitted by law. For EB-3 applicants, this means that background checks will draw from a more centralized and comprehensive pool of domestic and international law enforcement data.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2026-02)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2026-02 Visa Bulletin: - Philippines: moved from 2023-04-22 to 2023-06-01 - Mexico: moved from 2023-04-22 to 2023-06-01 - Rest of World: moved from 2023-04-22 to 2023-06-01 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers under the EB-3 category will be subject to higher premium processing fees. This increase affects the Form I-907 filing used to secure faster decisions on employment-based petitions.

DHS has launched a significant investigation into fraudulent USCIS filings in Minnesota, targeting irregularities in employment-based petitions. EB-3 petitioners should anticipate increased oversight, including more stringent audits of labor certifications and employer credentials. This may lead to longer adjudication times for pending petitions associated with the region.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2026-01)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2026-01 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2013-09-22 to 2013-11-15 - China: moved from 2021-04-01 to 2021-05-01 - Philippines: moved from 2023-04-15 to 2023-04-22 - Mexico: moved from 2023-04-15 to 2023-04-22 - Rest of World: moved from 2023-04-15 to 2023-04-22 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

EB-3 immigrant visa processing and entry are suspended for nationals of the listed countries. The proclamation cites high overstay rates and poor document verification in these countries as the basis for the suspension of all immigrant categories.

The memo signals a shift toward more comprehensive background checks for EB-3 applicants. This may result in more frequent Requests for Evidence (RFEs) to verify employment history and educational credentials.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2025-12)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2025-12 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2013-08-22 to 2013-09-22 - China: moved from 2021-03-01 to 2021-04-01 - Philippines: moved from 2023-04-01 to 2023-04-15 - Mexico: moved from 2023-04-01 to 2023-04-15 - Rest of World: moved from 2023-04-01 to 2023-04-15 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

The cost of filing Form I-140 for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers will rise due to the USCIS inflation adjustment. This is part of a broader fee update across several immigration forms intended to recover operational costs.

A partial stay on the 2024 USCIS Fee Rule affects how filing fees are calculated for employment-based petitions. This includes potential changes to the $600 Asylum Program Fee and the base filing fee for Form I-140. Petitioners should verify the current fee schedule to avoid immediate rejection of filings due to incorrect payment.

This procedural change requires petitioners to use electronic payment methods for Form I-140 and Form I-907 filings. Legal representatives and employers must update their internal accounting and submission workflows to comply with the new digital payment requirements to avoid filing rejections.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2025-10)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2025-10 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2013-05-22 to 2013-08-22 - China: moved from 2020-12-01 to 2021-03-01 - Philippines: moved from 2023-02-08 to 2023-04-01 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Following the crackdown on immigration fraud, EB-3 petitions will likely face stricter background checks on sponsoring employers to prevent 'pay-to-play' schemes and ensure compliance with Department of Labor regulations.

The directive to revise prevailing wage levels under Section 4(a) will impact the EB-3 category by raising the minimum wage requirements for Labor Certifications. This may make it more difficult for employers to sponsor workers in roles that do not meet the new, higher wage standards, particularly in the IT and outsourcing sectors mentioned in the proclamation.

Special Agents are expected to focus on identifying 'job shops' and fraudulent recruitment practices associated with the EB-3 process. This initiative likely leads to an increase in audits, site visits, and criminal investigations for suspicious employment-based filings.

EB-3 petitions for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers can now utilize electronic payment methods for USCIS fees. This change is part of a broader effort to digitize and modernize the immigration benefit request process.

USCIS is targeting fraud related to the EB-3 category, specifically regarding the falsification of skilled or unskilled work experience. Providing false information during the recruitment or filing phase will lead to severe immigration consequences.

Applicants in the EB-3 category will have their benefit requests, including adjustment of status (I-485), reviewed for evidence of 'Anti-Americanism.' This adds a subjective element to the final stages of the permanent residency process.

The policy change allows EB-3 workers to use the earlier 'Dates for Filing' chart to calculate their child's CSPA age. This provides much-needed relief for families in categories with extended wait times, ensuring children do not lose their dependent status due to administrative processing delays or visa retrogression.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2025-08)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2025-08 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2013-04-22 to 2013-05-22 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

The cost for filing Form I-140 for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers has changed. Incorrect fee payments will result in the return of the petition package.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2025-07)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2025-07 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2013-04-15 to 2013-04-22 - China: moved from 2020-11-22 to 2020-12-01 - Mexico: moved from 2023-02-08 to 2023-04-01 - Rest of World: moved from 2023-02-08 to 2023-04-01 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

This update ensures that EB-3 employers are notified of any derogatory information discovered by USCIS that might impact the validity of the job offer or the petitioner's ability to pay. It standardizes the issuance of Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID) in such scenarios.

For EB-3 applicants, the indefinite validity of Form I-693 signed on or after Nov. 1, 2023, simplifies the path to permanent residency. Given the frequent backlogs and retrogression in the EB-3 category, this policy prevents the need for multiple medical examinations during the multi-year wait for green card approval.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2025-06)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2025-06 Visa Bulletin: - China: moved from 2020-11-01 to 2020-11-22 - Philippines: moved from 2023-01-01 to 2023-02-08 - Mexico: moved from 2023-01-01 to 2023-02-08 - Rest of World: moved from 2023-01-01 to 2023-02-08 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2025-05)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2025-05 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2013-04-01 to 2013-04-15 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2025-04)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2025-04 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2013-02-01 to 2013-04-01 - China: moved from 2020-08-01 to 2020-11-01 - Philippines: moved from 2022-12-01 to 2023-01-01 - Mexico: moved from 2022-12-01 to 2023-01-01 - Rest of World: moved from 2022-12-01 to 2023-01-01 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2025-03)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2025-03 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2012-12-15 to 2013-02-01 - China: moved from 2020-07-01 to 2020-08-01 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2025-02)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2025-02 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2012-12-01 to 2012-12-15 - China: moved from 2020-06-01 to 2020-07-01 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

EB-3 professionals, skilled workers, and other workers applying for adjustment of status are no longer required to provide COVID-19 vaccination records. This update simplifies the medical clearance process necessary for the final step of the green card journey.

USCIS has issued new guidance on the submission of Form I-140 for the EB-3 category. Stakeholders should review the updated instructions to ensure compliance with new mailing and form version requirements.

EB-3 applicants undergoing the Adjustment of Status process will see their appointments rescheduled if they were set for January 9, 2025. This closure affects field offices and ASCs, which are critical for the final adjudication of employment-based green cards.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2025-01)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2025-01 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2012-11-08 to 2012-12-01 - China: moved from 2020-04-01 to 2020-06-01 - Philippines: moved from 2022-11-15 to 2022-12-01 - Mexico: moved from 2022-11-15 to 2022-12-01 - Rest of World: moved from 2022-11-15 to 2022-12-01 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2024-12)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2024-12 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2012-11-01 to 2012-11-08 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2024-10)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2024-10 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2012-10-22 to 2012-11-01 - China: moved from 2020-09-01 to 2020-04-01 - Philippines: moved from 2020-12-01 to 2022-11-15 - Mexico: moved from 2020-12-01 to 2022-11-15 - Rest of World: moved from 2020-12-01 to 2022-11-15 Mixed movement — check individual country pages for impact.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2024-09)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2024-09 Visa Bulletin: - Philippines: moved from 2021-12-01 to 2020-12-01 - Mexico: moved from 2021-12-01 to 2020-12-01 - Rest of World: moved from 2021-12-01 to 2020-12-01 Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2024-08)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2024-08 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2012-09-22 to 2012-10-22 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2024-07)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2024-07 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2012-08-22 to 2012-09-22 - Philippines: moved from 2022-11-22 to 2021-12-01 - Mexico: moved from 2022-11-22 to 2021-12-01 - Rest of World: moved from 2022-11-22 to 2021-12-01 Mixed movement — check individual country pages for impact.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2024-06)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2024-06 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2012-08-15 to 2012-08-22 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2024-04)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2024-04 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2012-07-01 to 2012-08-15 - Philippines: moved from 2022-09-08 to 2022-11-22 - Mexico: moved from 2022-09-08 to 2022-11-22 - Rest of World: moved from 2022-09-08 to 2022-11-22 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2024-03)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2024-03 Visa Bulletin: - Philippines: moved from 2022-09-01 to 2022-09-08 - Mexico: moved from 2022-09-01 to 2022-09-08 - Rest of World: moved from 2022-09-01 to 2022-09-08 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2024-02)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2024-02 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2012-06-01 to 2012-07-01 - Philippines: moved from 2022-08-01 to 2022-09-01 - Mexico: moved from 2022-08-01 to 2022-09-01 - Rest of World: moved from 2022-08-01 to 2022-09-01 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2024-01)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2024-01 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2012-05-01 to 2012-06-01 - China: moved from 2020-01-22 to 2020-09-01 - Philippines: moved from 2021-12-01 to 2022-08-01 - Mexico: moved from 2021-12-01 to 2022-08-01 - Rest of World: moved from 2021-12-01 to 2022-08-01 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2023-12)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2023-12 Visa Bulletin: - China: moved from 2020-01-01 to 2020-01-22 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2023-10)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2023-10 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2009-01-01 to 2012-05-01 - China: moved from 2019-09-01 to 2020-01-01 - Philippines: moved from 2020-05-01 to 2021-12-01 - Mexico: moved from 2020-05-01 to 2021-12-01 - Rest of World: moved from 2020-05-01 to 2021-12-01 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2023-09)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2023-09 Visa Bulletin: - China: moved from 2019-06-01 to 2019-09-01 This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2023-08)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2023-08 Visa Bulletin: - China: moved from 2019-04-01 to 2019-06-01 - Philippines: moved from 2022-02-01 to 2020-05-01 - Mexico: moved from 2022-02-01 to 2020-05-01 - Rest of World: moved from 2022-02-01 to 2020-05-01 Mixed movement — check individual country pages for impact.

Visa Bulletin Update: EB-3 (2023-07)

The Department of State updated EB-3 Final Action Dates in the 2023-07 Visa Bulletin: - India: moved from 2012-06-15 to 2009-01-01 - Philippines: moved from 2022-06-01 to 2022-02-01 - Mexico: moved from 2022-06-01 to 2022-02-01 - Rest of World: moved from 2022-06-01 to 2022-02-01 Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.