Policy Updates

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2026-03)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-06-01 to 2023-10-01 in the 2026-03 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Vietnamese EB-3 applicants will experience the standardized integration of CHRI into their background checks. This is expected to marginally increase processing times during the consular interview stage.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2026-02)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-04-22 to 2023-06-01 in the 2026-02 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Vietnam has seen a rise in EB-3 utilization; the Minnesota fraud investigation will likely lead to stricter verification of job offers and employer financial records for Vietnamese nationals. This could lead to a temporary slowdown in visa issuance for this group.

Vietnam typically falls under the 'Rest of World' category for EB-3, meaning visas are usually available. The fee hike represents a standard cost adjustment for those choosing to expedite their petition.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2026-01)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-04-15 to 2023-04-22 in the 2026-01 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

USCIS will likely increase its focus on the bona fides of the job offer and the applicant's ability to meet the specific labor certification requirements, leading to slower approvals.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2025-12)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-04-01 to 2023-04-15 in the 2025-12 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Vietnamese applicants generally follow the 'Rest of World' timeline, but the FY 2026 fee hike increases the total cost of the green card process. This may impact small to mid-sized enterprises sponsoring Vietnamese talent.

Vietnamese applicants are subject to standard I-140 filing requirements. The court order on the fee rule affects the total cost of sponsorship for employers, though visa availability remains relatively stable compared to backlogged nations.

The mandate simplifies the fee collection process for Vietnamese nationals. While it requires a shift from traditional check-based filings, it aligns with broader USCIS modernization efforts to speed up initial intake processing.

Vietnamese applicants in the EB-3 category will face the same increased audit risks as other ROW countries. This policy change necessitates greater diligence in proving the legitimacy of professional qualifications and employer sponsorship.

Vietnam has seen growth in EB-3 applicants, but the new policy's focus on high-salary prioritization will likely favor applicants from more established economies. The increased prevailing wage levels will make it more difficult for US employers to justify the cost of sponsoring Vietnamese workers for entry-level EB-3 roles.

Vietnamese EB-3 applicants have seen rising interest in recent years; new enforcement measures will likely target the validity of the underlying job offers to prevent 'pay-to-play' permanent residency schemes.

Vietnam has seen fluctuating EB-3 demand; modernized payments ensure that filings are processed without the delays associated with physical checks. This provides more certainty for applicants during the initial petition phase.

Vietnamese applicants in the EB-3 category will face stricter audits of their previous employment records. USCIS is focusing on ensuring that the work experience claimed matches the actual duties performed in Vietnam.

Vietnamese applicants, particularly those in the 'Other Workers' sub-category of EB-3, will face additional scrutiny regarding their background and potential ideological affiliations during the I-485 stage.

Vietnam has historically seen specific backlogs in other categories, and while EB-3 is currently more fluid, this policy change offers a permanent safeguard for families during the green card application process.

As part of the 'Rest of World' category for EB-3, Vietnamese applicants will see a direct increase in the cost of filing immigrant worker petitions. This change is purely administrative and affects the financial planning of employers and employees.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2025-07)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-02-08 to 2023-04-01 in the 2025-07 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

The guidance ensures that Vietnamese EB-3 petitioners are informed of adverse information before a decision is made. This transparency is beneficial for navigating the complex adjudication process and ensuring that all evidence is properly considered.

Vietnamese applicants benefit from the removal of the two-year medical exam window, ensuring that any unforeseen USCIS processing backlogs do not result in additional out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2025-06)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-01-01 to 2023-02-08 in the 2025-06 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2025-04)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-12-01 to 2023-01-01 in the 2025-04 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Vietnamese nationals currently in the U.S. on non-immigrant visas will find the transition to EB-3 permanent residency easier without the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. This removes a logistical step in the mandatory civil surgeon examination.

The update changes how I-140 forms are handled by USCIS, affecting Vietnamese professionals and skilled workers. Compliance is necessary to maintain standard processing speeds in a category that is currently relatively current for this country.

Vietnamese applicants with appointments on Jan. 9, 2025, will face rescheduling. This impacts the local processing component of the EB-3 visa track for those currently in the United States.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2025-01)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-11-15 to 2022-12-01 in the 2025-01 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-10)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2020-12-01 to 2022-11-15 in the 2024-10 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Retrogression: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-09)

The Department of State retrogressed the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2021-12-01 to 2020-12-01 in the 2024-09 bulletin. Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.

Visa Bulletin Retrogression: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-07)

The Department of State retrogressed the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-11-22 to 2021-12-01 in the 2024-07 bulletin. Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-04)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-09-08 to 2022-11-22 in the 2024-04 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-03)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-09-01 to 2022-09-08 in the 2024-03 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-02)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-08-01 to 2022-09-01 in the 2024-02 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-01)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2021-12-01 to 2022-08-01 in the 2024-01 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2023-10)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2020-05-01 to 2021-12-01 in the 2023-10 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Retrogression: EB-3 Rest of World (2023-08)

The Department of State retrogressed the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-02-01 to 2020-05-01 in the 2023-08 bulletin. Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.

Visa Bulletin Retrogression: EB-3 Rest of World (2023-07)

The Department of State retrogressed the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-06-01 to 2022-02-01 in the 2023-07 bulletin. Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.