The EB-3 priority date refers to the date that is used to determine an applicant’s place in line for receiving a green card in the Employment-Based Third Preference (EB-3) category. This category is for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency based on employment and is divided into three subcategories: skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
The priority date is typically the date when the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives the labor certification application or the I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, whichever is applicable. It is crucial for determining when an applicant may move forward with their green card application as it is tied to the availability of visas in the EB-3 category based on the applicant’s country of chargeability.
To check your priority date and its current status, you can refer to the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin.
