What is the difference between the I-140 filing date and approval date?

When dealing with the EB-3 visa, it is essential to understand some key terms in the process, such as the “filing date” and the “approval date” of the I-140 form. These concepts can influence the progress and timeline of your immigration process, so it is important to pay attention to what each date represents.

The “filing date” corresponds to the day the U.S. government receives your I-140, that is, the petition for foreign worker qualification. This date is relevant because it is often used to set the priority of the case, determining the processing order while there are queues or annual limits on available visas. This date marks the beginning of your immigration process, being the starting point for the analysis of the petition.

On the other hand, the “approval date” is the actual day on which the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your I-140 after evaluating all the submitted documentation. This approval is the formal recognition that the petitioner (employer) has successfully demonstrated that the candidate meets the requirements for the EB-3 category. Thus, while the filing date starts the process and determines the place in line, the approval date indicates that the petition has been reviewed and deemed eligible.

It is always important to remember that full compliance with U.S. immigration laws is essential to avoid future complications. If in doubt, seek guidance from reliable sources or specialized professionals, and stay attentive to official information, avoiding falling for promises of miracle solutions or marketing campaigns guaranteeing results without proper legal backing.

In summary, understanding the difference between the filing date and the approval date can help you better manage the timeline of your process, without neglecting to follow the updated and legal guidelines on immigration to the United States.

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.