Reading the EB-5 Visa Bulletin if you were born in Taiwan, Hong Kong or China
Country of birth, not passport or residence, decides which Visa Bulletin column applies to EB-5. How it works for Taiwan, Hong Kong and mainland China.
Every month the U.S. Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin, a chart that shows how far along each queue is. For EB-5 investors it matters because the number of immigrant visas available each year is capped, and in some categories demand from certain countries exceeds supply. Understanding which column applies to you, and which row, is one of the first practical steps in planning a timeline.
Country of birth decides the column
The bulletin is organised by chargeability, which is generally determined by your country of birth, not by your passport, citizenship or where you live. That distinction matters for families from Greater China:
| Born in | Column generally read | What to know (as of October 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland China | China-mainland born | Unreserved EB-5 Final Action Date is December 1, 2016, so a queue applies |
| Taiwan | All chargeability areas (rest of world) | Unreserved EB-5 is shown as current for most countries; check the latest bulletin |
| Hong Kong | All chargeability areas (rest of world) | Same position as Taiwan; check the latest bulletin |
A person born in mainland China who now holds a Taiwan or Hong Kong document, or who has lived abroad for decades, is still generally charged to China. The reverse is also true. This is why we ask about place of birth early, and why it should be confirmed with immigration counsel before a plan is built around a date.
Unreserved and set-aside categories
EB-5 visas are divided into an unreserved pool and set-aside pools created by the 2022 Reform and Integrity Act: rural (20%), high-unemployment (10%) and infrastructure (2%). As of October 2026, the set-aside categories are shown as current, even for China-born applicants, while the China unreserved category has a Final Action Date of December 1, 2016. In practice, this is why many mainland China-born investors look closely at projects that qualify for a set-aside category. Qualifying depends on the project, location and structure, and it is not a guarantee of timing. Bulletin positions change every month and can move backwards as well as forwards. Our project criteria page explains how projects are assessed.
Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing
Each bulletin has two charts. Final Action Dates indicate when a visa can actually be issued or an adjustment of status approved. Dates for Filing indicate when certain applicants may be able to submit their paperwork early. USCIS announces each month which chart applicants in the United States may use, so the answer can differ from month to month and from the consular route. The chart you may use is a question of procedure, and counsel will check it at the time you file.
Spouses and children
Spouses and children may, in some cases, be charged to the principal applicant, and in some cases to a spouse's country of birth under cross-chargeability rules. Whether this helps a particular family depends on the facts, and the outcome is not something to assume in advance. A child who is close to 21 raises separate age issues; see our guide for the basics.
What to do with this information
- Write down the country of birth for every family member who will be on the petition.
- Check the current bulletin and the chart USCIS says may be used.
- Treat bulletin dates as a snapshot, not a forecast. Do not make financial commitments based on a hoped-for date.
- Use the tools page to look at the numbers, and read the pages for Taiwan, Hong Kong and mainland China for region-specific points.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Visa availability depends on the monthly bulletin and on your own facts.
Next step
If you would like to talk through which column applies to your family, you can use our consultation page.
Frequently asked questions
Does my passport decide which Visa Bulletin column applies?
No. Chargeability is generally based on country of birth, not citizenship, passport or residence. A mainland China-born person holding a Taiwan or Hong Kong document is still generally read under the China column. Confirm your own case with counsel.
What is the difference between Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing?
Final Action Dates show when a visa can actually be issued or the green card approved. Dates for Filing indicate when an applicant may be able to submit certain adjustment paperwork. Which chart may be used each month is announced by USCIS.
Can my spouse's birthplace help?
Under cross-chargeability rules, a spouse or child may in some cases be charged to the other spouse's country of birth. Whether this helps depends on the facts, so confirm with counsel.
Sources
General information only, not legal, tax or investment advice. Rules and figures are as of the publication or update date and may have changed.