From May 2026, Form I-485 filers have to use Chart A instead of Chart B

USCIS has announced that, starting in May 2026, it will require employment-based adjustment of status (Form I-485) filers to use the Final Action Dates chart (Chart A) rather than the more flexible Dates for Filing chart (Chart B) that was permitted in prior months (including April 2026).

The Visa Bulletin

The Department of State has released the May 2026 Visa Bulletin. The Visa Bulletin is a monthly official publication from the U.S. Department of State (DOS). It tells people waiting for certain green cards (immigrant visas) exactly when visas are available in each category and for each country.

The U.S. sets annual limits on how many green cards it can give out in popular categories like employment-based (EB-1A, EB-2, EB-5, etc.) and family-based. Because more people apply than there are visas, everyone gets a “priority date” (your place in line). The Visa Bulletin shows which priority dates are “current” each month, meaning it’s your turn to actually move forward and get your green card.

The Visa Bulletin is usually published in the second or third week of the month and is named for the following month. Example: On or around April 14-20, 2026, the Department of State released the May 2026 Visa Bulletin. Right now (April 25, 2026), the current bulletin is for April 2026, and May 2026 is already available.

You can find the latest Visa Bulletin at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html.

Chart A and Chart B

Every Visa Bulletin has two important charts:

  • Final Action Dates (Chart A): When you can finally receive your green card or immigrant visa.
  • Dates for Filing (Chart B): When you’re allowed to submit your final green card application (if USCIS allows it).

It also covers family-sponsored, employment-based, and diversity visa categories, with separate columns for different countries (e.g., “All Chargeability Areas,” China, India, Mexico, Philippines).

In simple terms, Chart A and Chart B are two lists of cutoff dates published every month in the U.S. Department of State's Visa Bulletin. They tell people waiting for employment-based green cards (like EB-1A "extraordinary ability," EB-2, EB-3, or EB-5 investor visas) how soon they can move forward in the process.

Everyone in these categories has a priority date. Think of it as your "place in line" or ticket number. It is usually the date when your employer or you filed the main petition (Form I-140).

Chart A: Final Action Dates (the stricter, more important one)

  • This chart shows when a green card can actually be approved and issued.
  • If your priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed for your category and country on Chart A, you are "current." That means a visa number is available right now.
  • Only then can USCIS approve your green card application (Form I-485 if you are in the U.S.) or the consulate issue your immigrant visa (if you are abroad).
  • In short: Chart A = when you can finally get your green card.

Chart B: Dates for Filing (the more flexible, earlier one)

  • This chart has earlier cutoff dates than Chart A in most cases.
  • It tells you when you are allowed to file (submit) your green card application (I-485) even if your priority date is not yet current on Chart A.
  • The big benefit of filing early under Chart B: Once your I-485 is submitted, you can apply for a work permit (EAD) and a travel document (Advance Parole). This lets you work legally and travel while you wait for your priority date to become current on Chart A.

Chart A controls when the government can actually hand out the green card. Chart B only controls when you can start the final paperwork and get temporary benefits while waiting. Every month, USCIS decides which chart people inside the U.S. must use to file their I-485. If there are plenty of visas available, USCIS says “you may use Chart B” (more people can file early).  If visas are tight, USCIS says “you must use Chart A” (you can only file when your date is truly current for final approval).

Right now (for May 2026 employment-based cases), USCIS has announced that you must use Chart A (Final Action Dates). This is a change from April 2026, when Chart B was allowed for most people. That’s why some business/employment immigrants are rushing to file by April 30 if they qualify under the April rules.

Imagine a busy bakery with limited cookies (green cards) each month.

  • Chart A = when the baker actually hands you your cookie.
  • Chart B = when the baker lets you get in line and fill out the order form early (so you can also get a temporary coffee and muffin while you wait).

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