Does NVC follow the USCIS chart choice?

No. USCIS's monthly chart choice is for adjustment of status filed with USCIS.

I'm documentarily qualified. Why no interview?

Interviews are scheduled when your priority date is current under the Final Action chart and the consulate has capacity. Being DQ alone is not enough.

Can I submit documents before my date is current?

Generally yes, once NVC invites you based on the Dates for Filing chart.

Reading the bulletin

How does the Visa Bulletin work if my case is at the National Visa Center?

Updated November 12, 2026 · Not legal advice

If you will get your green card through a U.S. consulate, the Dates for Filing chart tells you when the National Visa Center (NVC) can let you submit fees and documents, and the Final Action Dates chart decides when an interview can be scheduled and the visa issued. USCIS's monthly chart choice applies only to adjustment inside the U.S.

Which chart matters at each consular step
Step	Chart that matters	What it unlocks
Petition approved, case sent to NVC	None yet	NVC creates your case
Pay fees, DS-260, civil documents	Dates for Filing	NVC invites you to start when your date is close
Documentarily qualified, waiting	Final Action Dates	Interview can be scheduled once your date is current
Interview and visa issuance	Final Action Dates	The visa can only be issued when your date is current

Why the two charts matter differently abroad

The Dates for Filing chart exists so applicants can get paperwork done before a visa number is actually available. For consular cases, the State Department uses it to decide when to invite you to submit documents. Being documentarily qualified does not move you ahead in line: your interview still waits for the Final Action Date.

Inside the U.S., USCIS decides each month whether I-485 filers use the Final Action chart or the Dates for Filing chart. That decision does not change anything for consular applicants.

What to watch

Your Date for Filing: when your priority date is before it, expect NVC's invitation to submit documents.
Your Final Action Date: when your priority date is before it and you are documentarily qualified, you are in line for an interview.
Retrogression: if the Final Action Date moves back past your priority date, scheduling waits.

Quick answers

Does NVC follow the USCIS chart choice?: No. USCIS's monthly chart choice is for adjustment of status filed with USCIS.
I'm documentarily qualified. Why no interview?: Interviews are scheduled when your priority date is current under the Final Action chart and the consulate has capacity. Being DQ alone is not enough.
Can I submit documents before my date is current?: Generally yes, once NVC invites you based on the Dates for Filing chart.

What to do next: get your Visa Bulletin alert

Watch both charts at once: we email you when your Date for Filing (documents) or Final Action Date (interview) moves past your priority date.

Free: 1 category, checked daily, email. Pro $5/month: checks every 4 hours, SMS + push, movement history and estimates. Compare plans.

Sources

Checked: November 12, 2026