Employment-based immigration to the United States remains an option for people who wish to work and build a long-term life in the country. However, the October 2026 Visa Bulletin shows that different immigration categories have different cut-off dates. The important thing is to choose a suitable category, understand the job requirements, and prepare the application according to the Priority Date, rather than focusing only on the program name or reports that “visa availability has opened.”
The October Visa Bulletin Shows Differences Between Immigration Categories
The first Visa Bulletin of fiscal year 2027 lists different Final Action Dates. For the general visa allocation group applicable to people born in Vietnam, EB-1 is Current; EB-2 has a cut-off date of January 1, 2025; EB-3 Skilled/Professional has a cut-off date of May 15, 2024; and Other Workers has a cut-off date of January 1, 2022.
EB-4 has a cut-off date of December 15, 2022. For EB-5, both the Unreserved category and the Set-Aside categories are Current in this column. When reading the chart, applicants must select the correct visa chargeability category rather than determining it solely by nationality or place of residence.
Current means that there is no cut-off date in the corresponding chart; it does not mean that an application will automatically be approved. When exploring U.S. immigration, clients still need to review the eligibility requirements of the relevant category and the associated processing steps.
Employment-Based Immigration Must Match the Applicant's Qualifications
Employment-based immigration categories have different requirements for applicants and job positions. A program with favorable visa availability at the time of reading the news may not necessarily match an applicant's education, experience, or circumstances.
EB-2 is commonly associated with individuals holding advanced degrees or possessing exceptional ability. For cases involving sponsorship based on educational qualifications, both the applicant's education and the job requirements must be evaluated, rather than focusing solely on whether the applicant holds a master's degree.
EB-3 includes Professionals, Skilled Workers, and Other Workers. Therefore, people exploring U.S. immigration must identify the correct category before comparing visa cut-off dates. The choice should be based on job requirements and the evidence the applicant can provide.
EB-3 Skilled and Unskilled Have Different Cut-Off Dates
Skilled Workers are associated with positions requiring at least two years of training or experience. Professionals are associated with positions requiring an appropriate bachelor's degree. Other Workers include positions requiring less than two years of training or experience.
In the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, Skilled/Professional and Other Workers have different cut-off dates. Applicants under the Unskilled category should not use the Skilled category's cut-off date to estimate their next steps or assume that their case has become eligible for further processing.
When considering EB-3 immigration to the United States, you should clearly record your specific category in your tracking table.
Both the Employer and Job Information Are Important
For many employer-sponsored cases, the process includes PERM Labor Certification when required, the I-140 immigrant petition, and either Adjustment of Status in the United States or consular visa processing when eligible.
Finding a sponsoring employer is one part of preparing for U.S. immigration. The application must also be evaluated against the job requirements, the applicant's education and experience, and the employer's ability to pay the offered wage.
Clients should clarify the actual job duties, work location, hiring conditions, and the responsibilities of each party. Employment information must accurately reflect the applicant's work history, and any inconsistencies should be clarified from the beginning.
Do Not Choose an Immigration Category Solely Because It Is Current
EB-1C, which applies to certain multinational managers or executives, has specific requirements regarding corporate relationships and employment. Holding the title of “director” or “manager” does not automatically satisfy these requirements.
Similarly, EB-4 is not a general alternative for everyone exploring employment opportunities. Clients must first determine whether they belong to an eligible group before considering the visa availability of this category.
For EB-5 investment-based immigration, a Current status must also be considered alongside the program requirements and investment documentation. Different immigration categories have different legal bases, so applicants cannot choose a category based solely on the cut-off date displayed.
Filing Dates Are Different From Approval Dates
The Visa Bulletin contains two charts: Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates. Applicants filing Form I-485 in the United States must also check which chart USCIS designates each month and meet the filing requirements applicable to their individual cases.
In October 2026, USCIS uses the Dates for Filing chart for employment-based preference categories. Applicants undergoing consular processing for U.S. immigration should follow NVC notices and instructions rather than applying I-485 information to procedures conducted in Vietnam.
When a chart lists a cut-off date, the Priority Date must be earlier than the corresponding date. Being eligible to submit documents does not mean that an application will be approved immediately; family planning should take this distinction into account.
Explore U.S. Immigration With TGA
TGA offers two exclusive EB-3 job opportunities: a Supermarket Employee position in Indiana and an Automotive Technician position in Georgia. The company works directly with U.S. employers to discuss information related to these programs.
If you are considering U.S. immigration, you can share your professional experience, level of preparedness, and family plans. Leave your phone number or call 0815 999 221 so TGA can understand your needs and provide consultation on a suitable option.
