EB-3 for Taiwan & Hong Kong Applicants: 2026 Dates & Steps
October 2026 EB-3 Other Workers: Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau have a final action date of 1 Jan 2022; November is 1 Jun 2022. How to read it and process abroad.
Short answer: Taiwan- and Hong Kong-born EB-3 applicants are generally charged to the main "all other countries" column (by country of birth, not nationality or residence). In the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, EB-3 Other Workers have a Final Action Date of 1 Jan 2022 and a Dates for Filing date of 1 Jun 2022; the November 2026 Final Action Date is 1 Jun 2022. From Taiwan or Hong Kong you can use the consular path, provided a U.S. employer is willing to complete PERM.
This article covers dates and processing abroad. For the definition of the category, see EB-3 Other Workers, and for the overall steps see the EB-3 process guide.
What are the October 2026 dates?
Other Workers have their own row in the Visa Bulletin, separate from professionals and skilled workers. The October 2026 bulletin shows:
| Country of birth | Final Action Date | Dates for Filing |
| Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and most other countries | 1 Jan 2022 | 1 Jun 2022 |
| Mainland China | 1 Oct 2019 | 1 Oct 2020 |
| India | 1 Jan 2014 | 15 Jan 2015 |
For November 2026, the Final Action Date for most countries is 1 Jun 2022. Dates change every month and can advance, stall or retrogress, so rely on the latest bulletin. Your priority date (for PERM cases, the ETA-9089 filing date) must be earlier than the Final Action Date before you can proceed to the visa stage.
Which column applies to me?
Chargeability follows your country of birth, not your nationality or where you live. For example, someone born in mainland China who lives in Taiwan uses the mainland China column. Spouses can sometimes use cross-chargeability, which an attorney should assess.
Can you process from Taiwan or Hong Kong?
Yes. The employer runs recruitment, PERM and the I-140 in the U.S.; you prepare proof that you meet the job's minimum requirements, police certificates and civil documents overseas. Once your priority date is current, the usual steps are:
- Pay fees through the NVC, complete Form DS-260 online and upload documents.
- Complete the medical exam with a designated panel physician (see the EB-3 medical exam).
- Attend the interview: in Taiwan, at the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Taipei office; in Hong Kong, at the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong. Check the post's latest announcements for arrangements.
Prior H-1B status or U.S. presence is not required.
What should I ask employers?
| Question | Why |
| Permanent full-time role at the prevailing wage? | PERM threshold |
| Does the employer confirm in writing that it pays all PERM costs (required by law; not chargeable to you)? | Real, lawful sponsorship |
| Do the minimum education and experience match you? | Classification and approval odds |
| Stable company; prior immigration sponsorship? | Withdrawal risk |
What else should applicants keep in mind?
- Check that the employer is real before spending on any credential or document evaluation. Other Workers generally do not need a degree evaluation.
- The main column is not "always current"; use the latest bulletin.
- If children are approaching age 21, ask an attorney to calculate their age under CSPA (based on visa availability, minus I-140 pending time).
- Prepare translations and document formats to NVC and post requirements so the case is not held up at filing.
Last updated: 30 October 2026
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Frequently asked questions
I was born in Taiwan but hold another nationality. Which column applies?
Generally the country of birth, not nationality or residence. Special cases, such as spouse cross-chargeability, should be confirmed by an attorney.
What is the Final Action Date for Taiwan EB-3 Other Workers?
1 Jan 2022 in the October 2026 bulletin and 1 Jun 2022 for November 2026. It changes monthly, so check the latest bulletin.
Where is the interview for Hong Kong applicants?
Generally the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong, and for Taiwan the AIT Taipei office. Follow the post's announcements for arrangements.
If my priority date is before the Final Action Date, will I get the visa?
Not automatically. You must still pass the medical exam, background checks and interview, and dates can change.
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.