The EB-3 wait time for Vietnam is one of the most asked questions when learning about skilled-worker immigration to the United States. There is no fixed answer, as it depends on the visa bulletin, case category, and each year’s backlog situation. This article analyzes the factors affecting the EB-3 wait time for Vietnam and how you can track your own progress.
What Determines the EB-3 Wait Time for Vietnam
The determining factor is the monthly visa bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State. This table shows which priority dates have become current for processing, by country and by category.
People born in Vietnam are counted against Vietnam’s quota. When the number of Vietnamese cases in the queue increases, the visa bulletin can slow down. This is why the wait time changes from period to period.
How the EB-3 Category Affects It
EB-3 is divided into three subcategories: Skilled Workers, Professionals (with a bachelor’s degree), and Other Workers. The Other Workers category has an additional, more limited quota, so it typically has the longest wait.
Therefore, even within EB-3, the wait time can differ between subcategories. You should determine which subcategory you fall under to estimate your progress more accurately.
How to Track Your Own Progress
The most accurate way is to compare your own priority date against the latest visa bulletin each month. When your priority date is earlier than the date listed in the table, your case has become current for further processing.
You should check monthly Visa Bulletin directly on the U.S. Department of State’s website rather than relying on estimated figures from unofficial sources, since this bulletin changes constantly.
Summary
The EB-3 wait time for Vietnam is not a fixed number but changes according to the visa bulletin, case category, and each year’s backlog level. The most reliable way to track it is to compare your own priority date against the official visa bulletin every month. You should check it regularly to stay closely informed of your case’s progress.
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References
- U.S. Department of State — The Visa Bulletin: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html
- USCIS — Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-third-preference-eb-3
Read more: Overview of the EB-3 visa for US immigration · Verifying EB-3 Vietnam Work Experience: Documents to Prepare
