The November 2026 Visa Bulletin brought modest movement for applicants born in mainland China. EB-1 China advanced one month to August 1, 2023 and EB-3 China advanced two weeks to January 22, 2022 on the Final Action Dates chart. EB-2 China held at October 1, 2021.
Because USCIS has determined that all employment based applicants use the Dates for Filing chart in November 2026, the more important question for many China born applicants is the filing cutoff, and China’s Dates for Filing sit well ahead of its Final Action Dates in every category.
Employment based dates for China, November 2026
- EB-1: Final Action August 1, 2023 (up from July 1, 2023). Date for Filing July 1, 2024.
- EB-2: Final Action October 1, 2021 (unchanged). Date for Filing January 1, 2023.
- EB-3: Final Action January 22, 2022 (up from January 8, 2022). Date for Filing April 1, 2024.
- EB-3 Other Workers: Final Action October 1, 2019 (unchanged). Date for Filing October 1, 2020.
- EB-5 unreserved: Final Action December 1, 2016 and Date for Filing March 1, 2021, both unchanged.
The filing window is wider than the approval window
Take EB-3 China as an example. An applicant with a priority date in 2023 cannot yet be approved, since the Final Action Date is January 22, 2022. But that same applicant may file Form I-485 this month because the Date for Filing is April 1, 2024 and USCIS is honoring that chart. Filing brings eligibility for employment authorization and advance parole, and greater flexibility to change employers once the I-485 has been pending 180 days.
The same logic applies to EB-1 China (file with a priority date earlier than July 1, 2024) and EB-2 China (file with a priority date earlier than January 1, 2023).
EB-1 as the leading category for China
EB-1 China is now at August 1, 2023 for approvals, more than a year ahead of EB-2 China. Researchers, senior engineers and multinational managers who entered EB-2 years ago may now have the record to support EB-1A, EB-1B or EB-1C. A priority date earned in EB-2 can be retained on an approved EB-1 petition.
Family categories for China
China born family applicants share the All Chargeability Areas dates this month. F1, F2B, F3 and F4 each advanced a full year on both charts, and F2A remains Current for filing.
Next steps
Ahluwalia Law Offices represents China born professionals and families nationwide in EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 petitions and adjustment of status. Schedule a consultation at ahluwalialaw.com/consultations or call our Dallas office at (972) 361 0606 or our Houston office at (713) 600 4338.
Frequently asked questions
What is the EB-1 China priority date for November 2026?
The Final Action Date is August 1, 2023 and the Date for Filing is July 1, 2024.
Can EB-3 China applicants file I-485 in November 2026?
Yes, if the priority date is earlier than April 1, 2024 and the applicant is otherwise eligible, because USCIS is using the Dates for Filing chart for employment categories this month.
Did EB-2 China move in November 2026?
No. The EB-2 China Final Action Date remains October 1, 2021 and the Date for Filing remains January 1, 2023.
Did family categories move for China in November 2026?
Yes. F1, F2B, F3 and F4 for China advanced one full year on both charts, matching All Chargeability Areas.
Attorney Advertising. This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney client relationship. Immigration law changes frequently and outcomes depend on individual facts. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Responsible attorney: [Pallavi Ahluwalia], Ahluwalia Law Offices, PC, 14180 Dallas Parkway, Suite 720, Dallas, Texas 75254.
Sources: Visa Bulletin for November 2026 | USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing Charts | USCIS Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants
