The September 2026 Visa Bulletin takes effect on September 1, 2026.
Applicants born in Vietnam normally use the “All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed” column. The Visa Bulletin changes every month, so always check the current edition before deciding whether a case is eligible.
The two date charts serve different purposes
A. Final Action Dates
| Category | Date |
|---|---|
| F1 | January 22, 2020 |
| F2A | August 22, 2026 |
| F2B | August 22, 2019 |
| F3 | October 22, 2014 |
| F4 | October 22, 2011 |
B. Dates for Filing
| Category | Date |
|---|---|
| F1 | February 1, 2020 |
| F2A | C — Current |
| F2B | September 1, 2019 |
| F3 | November 1, 2014 |
| F4 | November 1, 2011 |
Chart A — Final Action Dates: A visa number may be issued only when the priority date is earlier than the listed date.
Chart B — Dates for Filing: An applicant may begin submitting documents to NVC when the priority date is earlier than the listed date and NVC has sent processing instructions. “C” means current; all priority dates may file.
If the priority date on your I-797 is earlier than the Chart B date for your category, or you have received an NVC Welcome Letter, contact VânSơn so we can check the case and guide you through the Six Steps. The priority date must be earlier than the listed date; the same date does not qualify.
You do not need to wait for a hard-copy packet
After creating the case, NVC sends a Welcome Letter containing the NVC Case Number and Invoice ID needed to access CEAC. You may collect documents while waiting, but fees, Form DS-260, and document uploads are unavailable until NVC provides the login information and opens processing.
The six main steps
Log in to CEAC
Use the NVC Case Number and Invoice ID from the Welcome Letter; confirm the names, category, and case status.
Pay fees when CEAC permits
Pay the Affidavit of Support fee and Immigrant Visa fee. Wait for PAID status before continuing.
Complete Form DS-260
Complete a DS-260 for each intending immigrant and save the confirmation page.
Prepare Form I-864
Prepare the Affidavit of Support, IRS Tax Transcript, and proof of current income.
Collect civil documents
Gather passports, birth and marriage records, divorce or death records, police certificates, and required translations.
Upload and submit
Upload clear scans to the correct CEAC categories, submit the documents, and monitor CEAC until the case is complete.
Documents to prepare
The petitioner
- Information for Form I-864.
- IRS Tax Transcript or required tax records.
- Proof of current income.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.
The applicant
- Passport and birth certificate.
- Marriage record; divorce or death records if applicable.
- Police certificate.
- Other civil records and required English translations.
Normally, upload clear scans to CEAC. Do not mail original civil documents to NVC unless specifically instructed. Keep originals or certified copies for the visa interview.
What to send VânSơn first
- The USCIS I-797 approval notice.
- The complete NVC email or Welcome Letter.
After reviewing these two items, VânSơn can determine whether CEAC processing is open and explain the next step.