Who qualifies for the Department of State Chart Table B (Date for Filing)?

It is important to understand that the U.S. Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin monthly, which features two main tables: “Table A – Final Action Date,” indicating when the visa can finally be issued, and “Table B – Date for Filing,” which guides when it is possible to begin the filing process with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or start consular processing, even if the visa is not yet available for immediate issuance.

Those who qualify for Table B of the Department of State Chart, that is, the Date for Filing, are applicants who have a visa petition in one of the preference categories, such as the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), whose priority date – the date the petition was properly filed or approved – is earlier than or equal to the date indicated in Table B for that month. In other words, if your case is an employment-based immigration category and your priority date is “above the line” or equal to the date for filing listed, you have the possibility to file for adjustment of status (if you are in the U.S.) or initiate consular processing (if you are outside the U.S.).

This mechanism serves as a way to anticipate the start of the administrative process, allowing candidates to organize and submit the necessary documents while awaiting final visa availability, as indicated in Table A – Final Action Date. It is important to emphasize that this procedure does not guarantee immediate visa issuance, but rather opens a window to advance the process, which can result in a smoother and more organized case review.

Always remember the importance of strictly following U.S. immigration laws and regulations. Due to the complexity of the procedures and the constant updates of guidelines, it is essential to seek information directly from official sources or through recognized experts in the field to avoid confusion and risks of scams or fraudulent approaches promising miraculous results. Staying well informed and acting cautiously is the best strategy to ensure the process proceeds safely and correctly.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.