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Chart B vs Chart A this month October 2026: Cutoffs & Movement
Chart B vs Chart A this month October 2026: official cutoffs, Chart A and Chart B, 12/36-month movement, USCIS filing-chart guidance, FAQ, and source links.
Chart B vs Chart A this month compares Chart A and Chart B for the categories people check most often this month.
It keeps the USCIS filing-chart source next to the DOS cutoff data so readers can separate filing eligibility from final green card availability.
Chart comparison
Chart A vs Chart B difference
Chart B usually controls early filing eligibility; final approval still depends on Chart A and visa-number availability.
| Category | Chart A | Chart B | Chart B vs A |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 India | Oct 15, 2022 | Dec 1, 2023 | Chart B is 412 days ahead |
| EB-2 India | Unavailable | Jan 15, 2015 | Not comparable |
| EB-3 India | Jan 1, 2014 | Jan 15, 2015 | Chart B is 379 days ahead |
| EB-1 China | Jul 1, 2023 | Dec 1, 2023 | Chart B is 153 days ahead |
| EB-2 China | Sep 1, 2021 | Jan 1, 2022 | Chart B is 122 days ahead |
| EB-3 China | Jan 1, 2022 | Jan 8, 2022 | Chart B is 7 days ahead |
| F2A Worldwide | Aug 22, 2026 | Current | Not comparable |
Category background
Understanding Chart B vs Chart A this month: history, demand drivers, and pitfalls
Two charts, two different questions
Chart A — Final Action Dates — answers 'when can the government approve my green card.' Chart B — Dates for Filing — answers 'when does the State Department want my paperwork in the pipeline.' DOS sets Chart B ahead of Chart A on purpose, typically by months to a year, so consulates and USCIS have documentally-complete cases ready the moment numbers free up.
The catch is that Chart B only matters for adjustment of status if USCIS says so, and it decides month by month, category group by category group. The USCIS filing-chart page linked above is the controlling source; the bulletin alone cannot tell you whether to file an I-485 this month.
Why a filing-only date is still worth real money
Filing an I-485 under Chart B can unlock employment authorization, advance parole travel, and job portability after 180 days under AC21 before final approval is possible. CSPA age calculation is a separate rule: USCIS uses the Final Action Dates chart for requests filed on or after August 15, 2025, while qualifying adjustment applications pending before that date may retain the February 2023 Dates for Filing treatment.
The historical pattern worth knowing: USCIS has honored Chart B for family categories almost continuously, while employment-based Chart B availability comes and goes — and DOS has at times simply set Chart B equal to Chart A, or USCIS has required Chart A late in fiscal years to throttle intake. This page's comparison table shows the current gap for the categories people check most; when it shows zero, the debate is moot that month.
FAQ
Common questions
What is the difference between Chart A and Chart B this month?
Chart A / Final Action reflects when an immigrant visa can be finally approved. Chart B / Dates for Filing reflects when USCIS may allow I-485 filing. This page keeps both charts in one monthly view so readers can separate filing eligibility from final approval availability.
Can I use Chart B for I-485 filing this month?
Not automatically. DOS publishes the Dates for Filing chart, but I-485 filing depends on USCIS monthly guidance for the relevant employment-based or family-sponsored chart.
Why is Chart B often ahead of Chart A?
Chart B is often used for earlier intake and inventory planning, while Chart A is closer to final visa availability. Movement can change with annual limits, country caps, demand, and DOS/USCIS monthly guidance.
Official sources
DOS and USCIS source links
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