What is a priority date in EB-3 and why are there long waits?

EB-3 is subject to annual numerical limits and per-country caps, so even after your I-140 is approved you may have to wait for a visa number to become available. Your priority date marks your place in line. For EB-3 cases that require labor certification, it is the date the Department of Labor receives your ETA-9089; where no labor certification is required, it is the date USCIS receives your properly filed I-140.

The monthly Visa Bulletin shows which priority dates are current for each category and country. Applicants from countries with high demand, such as India and China, often experience long backlogs in EB-3. You can only file for adjustment of status or be issued an immigrant visa once your priority date is current, which is why timing planning matters so much.