Question 1

What is EB-2 to EB-3 downgrade or porting?

Accepted Answer

Porting allows an applicant with an approved Form I-140 in EB-2 to file a new Form I-140 under EB-3 (or vice-versa) while retaining their original Priority Date under 8 CFR 204.5(e).

Question 2

What is AC21 180-day job portability for Green Card applicants?

Accepted Answer

Under AC21 Section 106(c) (INA 204(j)), if your Form I-485 Adjustment of Status application has been pending with USCIS for 180 days or more, you can change employers without invalidating your Green Card application, provided the new job is in the same or a similar occupational classification.

Question 3

What is the difference between 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing' on the Visa Bulletin?

Accepted Answer

Final Action Dates determine when a green card can actually be issued or approved. Dates for Filing indicate when applicants may submit their Form I-485 adjustment of status paperwork to USCIS when authorized.

Statutory Regulation	Legal Subject	Operational Provisions
INA § 203(b)(2)	EB-2 Employment Preference	7% per-country annual cap limit for advanced degree professionals.
INA § 204(j) / AC21	Job Flexibility / Portability	Protects pending I-485 applications after 180 days during job changes.
8 CFR § 204.5(e)	Priority Date Retention	Allows retention of earliest priority date across multiple approved I-140s.

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Priority Date Movement Estimator

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