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Final action date vs. date for filing

The final action date is when your green card can be approved; the date for filing is when you can start the paperwork. Since October 2015 every Visa Bulletin has both charts.

Gap between the two charts in November 2026

CategoryFinal actionDate for filingFiling date ahead by
EB-5 Unreserved ChinaDec 1, 2016Mar 1, 202151 months
EB-3 ChinaJan 22, 2022Apr 1, 202426.3 months
EB-4 (all countries)Dec 15, 2022Jan 1, 202524.6 months
EB-4 ChinaDec 15, 2022Jan 1, 202524.6 months
EB-4 IndiaDec 15, 2022Jan 1, 202524.6 months
EB-4 MexicoDec 15, 2022Jan 1, 202524.6 months
EB-4 PhilippinesDec 15, 2022Jan 1, 202524.6 months
F1 PhilippinesNov 1, 2013Apr 22, 201517.6 months
EB-1 IndiaFeb 1, 2023Jul 1, 202417 months
F3 MexicoJul 15, 2001Dec 1, 200216.6 months
EB-2 ChinaOct 1, 2021Jan 1, 202315 months
EB-2 IndiaNov 1, 2013Jan 15, 201514.5 months
EB-3 Other Workers ChinaOct 1, 2019Oct 1, 202012 months
F2B PhilippinesOct 1, 2013Oct 1, 201412 months
EB-3 IndiaJan 22, 2014Jan 15, 201511.8 months

Example: EB-3 India since 2015

EB-3 India: final action date and date for filing 20032005200720092011201320152017 20152017201920202022202420252026 2015 Date for filing 2014 Final action
The date for filing usually runs ahead of the final action date; the gap is the head start for preparing a case.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the final action date and the date for filing?

The final action date decides when a green card or immigrant visa can actually be approved. The date for filing is usually later and decides when you can start: submit documents to the National Visa Center and, in months when USCIS allows it, file Form I-485 inside the United States.

Which chart does USCIS use this month?

USCIS decides every month, separately for family and employment cases, whether I-485 filings follow the Dates for Filing chart or the Final Action Dates chart. It announces this on its filing charts page.

What do I get if I file early with the date for filing?

A pending I-485 lets you apply for a work permit (EAD) and travel document (advance parole) and can protect children from aging out under the Child Status Protection Act. The green card itself is still approved only when the final action date reaches your priority date.