EB2 vs EB3 for China: Which Cutoff Moves Faster?
Published 2026-08-08 · Sources: U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin, USCIS
Photo: Tingey Injury Law Firm via UnsplashBorn in China, with both an advanced degree and a bachelor’s qualifying role on the table — which do you file? The eb2 vs eb3 china which is faster question has a clear answer on paper this month: China EB2 sits at 01SEP21 and China EB3 at 01JAN22, so EB2’s cutoff is roughly four months ahead. But “faster” deserves a careful definition, and qualification decides whether EB2 is even open to you. This guide explains the gap using only published figures.
August 2026: China cutoffs
| Category | China Final Action Date | Read |
|---|---|---|
| EB1 | 01JUL23 | Earlier than both EB2 and EB3 |
| EB2 | 01SEP21 | Earlier cutoff than EB3 |
| EB3 | 01JAN22 | Later cutoff than EB2 |
Verbatim from the Visa Bulletin for August 2026.
Which cutoff is "further along"?
A cutoff date is the priority date that is currently Current. An earlier cutoff means more priority dates have been reached. China EB2 at 01SEP21 is earlier than China EB3 at 01JAN22 by roughly four months. So for an applicant who qualifies for both, EB2 reaches a given priority date sooner under the August 2026 bulletin.
What "moves faster" really means
“Faster” can mean two different things, and the data only settles one:
- Current position: EB2’s cutoff (Sep 2021) is ahead of EB3’s (Jan 2022) — verified by the bulletin.
- Monthly advancement: how much each cutoff moves in future bulletins isnot something this article can state as a fixed figure. Movement varies by month and by visa-number demand. Treat any claim about future pace as an estimate and verify against the latest Visa Bulletin.
Per documented figures, China EB2 has been stable at 01SEP21 and China EB3 at 01JAN22. Stability is not a promise of future movement.
Qualification and PERM differences
- EB2: advanced degree or National Interest Waiver (NIW). A standard EB2 needs PERM; an NIW does not.
- EB3: bachelor’s degree or skilled position; always requires PERM (about 6–18 months documented).
So EB2 may have the better cutoff, but it can require a higher qualification (advanced degree or NIW) and, for a PERM-based EB2, the same Department of Labor step as EB3. The annual employment-based limit is about 140,000 visas and the 7%per-country cap is what keeps China retrogressed in both categories.
Which to pursue
If you qualify for EB2, its earlier cutoff generally gets you to Current sooner under today’s bulletin. If you only qualify for EB3, the 01JAN22 date is your benchmark. Holding dual eligibility lets you use whichever is favorable. The bottom line for August 2026: China EB2 at 01SEP21 is ahead of China EB3 at 01JAN22.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which China cutoff is further along right now?
In August 2026, China EB2 was at 01SEP21 and China EB3 at 01JAN22. Because EB2's cutoff (September 2021) is earlier than EB3's (January 2022), a given priority date becomes Current under EB2 sooner — assuming you qualify for EB2.
Does that mean EB2 always moves faster than EB3?
Not necessarily. 'Faster' can mean which cutoff is currently earlier, and which cutoff advances more each month. The published bulletin gives the current dates; month-to-month movement is not guaranteed and should be tracked. This article reports verified cutoffs, not a forecast.
Are the China EB2 and EB3 cutoffs stable?
Per documented figures, China EB2 has been stable at 01SEP21 and China EB3 at 01JAN22. Stability is not a guarantee of future movement; always check the latest monthly Visa Bulletin.
Is EB2 harder to qualify for than EB3?
EB2 generally requires an advanced degree or NIW (NIW needs no PERM), while EB3 requires a bachelor's or skilled position and always requires PERM. EB2 can have the better cutoff, but the qualification and PERM setup differ — review both with an attorney.