The US Department of State has imposed a January 1, 2002 cut-off date for immigrant visa applicants in the third employment-based (EB-3) preference category for applicants born in mainland China, India and the Philippines. The cut-off date will be adjusted monthly based on future visa availability.

EB-3 category applies to professionals with at least a bachelors degree or equivalent and skilled workers with at least two years of experience. As a result of the cut-off date, EB-3 immigrant visa applicants from China, India and the Philippines will not be able to apply for adjustment of status in the U.S. or immigrant visa applicants abroad unless their priority dates are before Jan. 1, 2002.

Priority dates are established based on the date a labor certification application or I-140 immigrant visa petition was filed.

Cut-off dates are listed on the U.S. Department of State monthly visa bulletin here.