Beginning with the October Visa Bulletin there are now two charts listing dates for each preference category and country of chargeability: (1) An" Application Final Action Dates" chart ("Final Action Date"); and (2) a "Dates for Filing Applications" chart("Filing Date"). Previously, the Visa Bulletin only listed a single chart of cut-off dates, which was the same as the newly labeled "Final Action Date" chart. These changes will impact immigrant visa applicants and adjustment of status applicants as follows:

�        Immigrant Visa Applicants (Consular Processing): Individuals with priority dates earlier than the date listed on the "Filing Date" chart for their preference category and country of chargeability will be notified by the National Visa Center that they may assemble and submit their documentation and begin the immigrant visa application process. However, a final decision on the immigrant visa application cannot take place until the priority date is current (i.e., is earlier than the "Final Action Date").

�        Adjustment of Status Applicants: Individuals who are in the United States and are eligible for adjustment of status must use the"Final Action Date" chart to determine when they may submit their applications for adjustment of status, unless the Visa Bulletin indicates thatthey may instead use the "Filing Date" chart. The early "Filing Date" chart may only be used by adjustment applicants if USCIS determines there are sufficient immigrant visas available to support the filing of additional adjustment applications beyond that which would be received under the "Final Action Date" chart.