The U.S. Department of State has officially released the August 2026 Visa Bulletin, bringing another positive update for those following the EB-3 employment-based immigrant visa program. Both the EB-3 Skilled/Professional and EB-3 Other Workers (Unskilled) categories have continued to advance compared to the previous month.
Although the movement is modest, the continued advancement of the Visa Bulletin is encouraging for individuals who are preparing their applications or are already waiting for their cases to be processed.
What's New in the August 2026 Visa Bulletin?
For countries under the All Chargeability Areas, including Vietnam, the Final Action Dates have been updated as follows:
- EB-3 Skilled/Professional: Advanced from August 1, 2024 to September 1, 2024 (forward by one month).
- EB-3 Other Workers (Unskilled): Advanced from March 1, 2022 to April 1, 2022 (forward by one month).
The continued advancement of both EB-3 categories indicates that employment-based immigrant visas are still being processed steadily, although the pace remains cautious.
What Does This Mean for EB-3 Applicants?
The Visa Bulletin is one of the most important factors affecting the timeline of employment-based immigration to the United States.
When the Final Action Date moves forward, applicants whose Priority Dates are earlier than the published date move one step closer to the next stage of visa processing.
For those preparing to begin the EB-3 process, this is another indication that the program continues to operate steadily. Although the monthly advancement is relatively small, maintaining consistent forward movement allows more applications to be processed in priority-date order.
TGA's Two EB-3 Programs
TGA currently offers two employment-based immigration programs:
EB-3 Unskilled – Supermarket Employee in Indiana
This program is designed for applicants who meet the sponsoring employer's requirements in Indiana. Employees work in a supermarket environment with clearly defined procedures, receive training before beginning work, and enjoy employment benefits in accordance with U.S. labor laws.
EB-3 Skilled – Automotive Technician in Georgia
This program is intended for applicants with relevant experience or technical skills in automotive repair and maintenance. The position is located in Georgia and is sponsored directly by a U.S. employer.
Should You Wait for the Visa Bulletin to Move Faster Before Starting Your Application?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions.
In reality, the Visa Bulletin reflects the processing of applications that were filed previously. Whether the Visa Bulletin advances or retrogresses does not change the Priority Date of applications filed in the future.
What matters more is preparing a complete and accurate application and beginning the process as soon as you meet the program requirements.
The earlier your case is filed, the earlier your Priority Date will be established, giving you a better position in the visa processing queue.
Is the Visa Bulletin the Only Factor Determining Processing Time?
The answer is no.
The overall timeline of an EB-3 case depends on several factors, including:
- Labor certification processing.
- Processing times at the relevant U.S. government agencies.
- Annual immigrant visa quotas.
- The Visa Bulletin at different points in time.
Therefore, while the Visa Bulletin is an important indicator, it is not the only factor determining when an EB-3 case will be completed.
TGA's Perspective
The August 2026 Visa Bulletin continues to provide encouraging news, with both EB-3 categories advancing by another month.
Although the pace remains gradual, the consistent forward movement demonstrates that the program continues to be processed in an orderly and stable manner.
For individuals considering the EB-3 program, focusing solely on whether the Visa Bulletin moves quickly or slowly may not be the best strategy. Choosing the right program, preparing a complete application, and maintaining a long-term plan will provide greater advantages throughout the immigration process.
If you are interested in EB-3 Unskilled – Supermarket Employee in Indiana or EB-3 Skilled – Automotive Technician in Georgia, the TGA team is always ready to provide guidance, answer your questions, and support you throughout every stage of your immigration journey.
