How to Read the Visa Bulletin for China-Born EB-3 Other Workers (2026)
China EB-3 Other Workers backlog 2026: how to read the Visa Bulletin, Final Action, priority date, number wait.
Short answer: Mainland China-born EB-3 Other Workers has a separate line on the Visa Bulletin. As of the second half of 2026, Final Action is around 2019. A green card (consular visa or I-485 approval) is only possible when the priority date is earlier than that month’s cutoff. Always read Other Workers + China—not only the main EB-3 row.
What do the two charts control?
| Chart | Role |
|---|---|
| Final Action Dates | Whether a visa can be issued or an I-485 approved (numbers truly available) |
| Dates for Filing | When USCIS allows it, whether you may file I-485 early (approval still needs Final Action) |
Adjustment applicants must also check which chart USCIS is using that month. See US EB-3.
Which line do you compare the priority date to?
1. Confirm chargeability is mainland China.
2. Confirm the case is Other Workers (not the main Skilled/Professional EB-3 row).
3. Compare the PERM filing date (usually the priority date) to that month’s Other Workers – China Final Action.
4. The priority date must be earlier than the cutoff (the cutoff date itself is generally not yet current).
What does a ~2019 Final Action mean in late 2026?
- Priority dates set in 2018–2019 are more likely to fall in range in 2026;
- Cases that only filed PERM in 2022 or later usually cannot finish in 2026;
- The line can advance, stall, or retrogress—never treat “average months per year” as a promise.
Global Immigrate’s recommendation
- Before starting, test the priority date against the current bulletin and an acceptable wait horizon.
- Through a long wait, archive PERM, I-140 and priority-date proof and plan status/document validity.
- Derivatives and CSPA are separate—do not assume “when the principal is current, the family is automatically current.”
FAQ
Q: Main EB-3 is at 2022 but Other Workers is at 2019—which applies?
A: Other Workers cases use the Other Workers row only.
Q: If Dates for Filing is current, do I get the green card?
A: No. Filing may allow an I-485 submission; approval still needs Final Action.
Q: Can the backlog jump forward suddenly?
A: It can advance or retrogress. Only the official monthly bulletin counts—not forecasts.
Data current as of November 2026. General information only; not legal advice. Individual results vary.
Frequently asked questions
Main EB-3 and Other Workers cutoffs differ—which do I use?
Other Workers cases use only the Other Workers row (including the China column).
PERM filed in 2022—can I finish in 2026?
If Final Action is still around 2019, usually not; follow that month’s bulletin.
What day is the priority date?
For most employment cases it is the PERM filing date; rely on the approval notice and case record.
Official sources
General information only, not legal advice. Immigration rules and the Visa Bulletin change; check the official sources above before you decide. Petitions are prepared and filed by the sponsoring employer’s licensed U.S. immigration attorney.