Attorney Jerry Zhang (02/14/2025)

With the release of the March 2025 Visa Bulletin by the U.S. Department of State, many green card applicants awaiting immigration visas have turned their attention to their priority dates. The modest advancement in the EB-3 category offers a glimmer of hope for some applicants. This article explores how changes in visa bulletin dates may impact strategies for filing Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status). 

1. Understanding the EB-3 Visa Bulletin Advancement

According to the latest March 2025 Visa Bulletin, the EB-3 category has seen slight progress. Specifically, the cutoff date for EB-3 applicants from mainland China advanced from July 1, 2020, to August 1, 2020—a 31-day improvement. While seemingly minor, this advancement brings some long-waiting applicants closer to eligibility for filing Form I-485. 

2. Impact of Visa Bulletin on I-485 Filings

In Visa Bulletin (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-for-march-2025.html), there are usually two key charts: Chart A and Chart B. Final Action Dates refer to the situation where if an applicant's priority date is earlier than the date on Chart A, it means that their schedule has been reached and a immigrant visa number can be issued to the applicant. At this point, the immigration office will conduct a final review of the immigration application and decide whether to issue a green card. However, if the applicant's priority date is equal to or later than the date on Chart A, it indicates that the applicant's schedule has not arrived and there are no immigrant visa number available for allocation, that is, there are no immigrant visa number, and the applicant needs to patiently wait for immigrant visa number. As for Chart B, it refers to the option for eligible applicants within the United States to submit an I-485 application based on Chart B when their priority date is earlier than the date of Chart B and Chart B is open. However, it must be noted that the use of Chart B is limited by the workload of USCIS and is not always open.

For EB-3 applicants, even if the March 2025 Visa Bulletin shows progress in Chart A, the ability to file I-485 may still hinge on whether USCIS opens Chart B. If Chart B remains closed, applicants must wait until their priority date meets Chart A’s cutoff. 

Case example: Mr. Li has a priority date of July 1, 2020 (EB-3 Skilled Worker). With Chart A advancing to August 1, 2020, Mr. Li’s priority date is now current, enabling immediate I-485 filing. If USCIS opens Chart B (e.g., cutoff date November 15, 2020), applicants with earlier priority dates could file I-485 but must wait for Chart A to become current for green card approval.  If Chart B remains closed, applicants must wait for further advancements in either chart. 

If Chart B is open, it is recommended to submit I-485 as soon as possible to seize the approval queue position, even if Chart A is not current, it can be prepared in advance. According to the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), when submitting I-485, the age of accompanying children can be "frozen" to avoid the risk of over age (21 years old). If the scheduling fluctuation causes a delay in I-485 submission, the child may lose eligibility due to exceeding the age limit. For example, if an applicant's child is 20 years and 10 months old when the priority date arrives and submits I-485 in a timely manner, even if the subsequent schedule is reversed, the child's age will still be calculated based on the submission date.

3. Strategic Recommendations for EB-3 Applicants

-Monitor Visa Bulletin Updates: Regularly check the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin. 

-Prepare Documentation in Advance: Gather required materials (e.g., identity proofs, employment records, affidavits of support) to expedite filing once eligible. 

-Leverage Chart B if Open: File I-485 early to secure a spot in the processing queue and lock dependent children’s ages under CSPA. 

4. Conclusion

The March 2025 Visa Bulletin reflects continued slow progress for EB-3 Skilled Workers, providing opportunities for applicants with earlier priority dates to file I-485. Staying informed about monthly updates, utilizing Chart B, and preparing documentation proactively can enhance success rates. 

Given the complexity and unpredictability of immigration processes, consulting an experienced attorney before filing I-485 is strongly advised. Attorneys can tailor strategies based on individual circumstances and evolving policies. 

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Founded in 1996, Zhang & Associates, P.C. offers legal services to clients worldwide in all aspects of U.S immigration law. We have successfully handled over ten thousand immigration cases.

At Zhang & Associates, P.C., our attorneys and supporting professionals are committed to providing high-quality immigration and non-immigration visa services. We specialize in NIW, EB-1, PERM, I-485 I-130, H-1B, O, L and J cases. In the past over twenty years, we have successfully helped over ten thousand clients get green cards. If you plan to apply for a green card, please send your CV to Attorney Jerry Zhang (info@hooyou.com) for a free evaluation.

Zhang & Associates, P.C.

Chicago • Houston •Seattle 

Tel:	1-800-230-7040, 713-771-8433
Email:	info@hooyou.com
website:	http://www.hooyou.com

 

(02/14/2025)