Visa Bulletin for February 2020
DOS posted the February 2020 visa bulletin. In addition to final action dates and dates for filing applications, it includes notes on the diversity immigrant category, retrogression of the “rest of the world” family fourth preference final action date, and employment-based third and third other worker visa availability for March.
Note: On January 23, 2020, USCIS determined that for February 2020, F2A applicants may file using the Final Action Dates chart for February 2020. Applicants in all other family-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing charts.
In the Employment 3rd and Other Worker categories, there is a cutoff date on the Dates for Filing chart for all chargeability areas. However, the categories are “current” on the Final Action Dates chart for Vietnam, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and "All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed." This means that applicants in the Employment 3rd and Other Worker categories from all chargeability areas other than China, India, and the Philippines may file for adjustment of status using the Final Action Dates chart for February 2020. Applicants from China, India, and the Philippines must use the Dates for Filing chart. All other employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart.
Since Vietnam is not listed on the Dates for Filing chart, adjustment applicants from Vietnam should use the worldwide dates found in the “All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed” column.