미국이민법 전문 법무법인 MK

미 국무부가 발표한 2026년 5월 영주권 문호(Visa Bulletin)에 따르면, 이번 달에도 취업 이민 상위 순위에서 긍정적인 흐름이 이어지고 있습니다. 특히 한국 국적 신청자들이 주목해야 할 핵심 내용을 정리해 드립니다.

1. 취업 이민(Employment-Based): 1·2순위 \'오픈\' 유지

이번 달 취업 이민은 전문직 및 고학력자들에게 유리한 상황이 지속되고 있습니다.

취업 1순위(세계적 우수 인력) & 2순위(석사 이상/NIW): 승인 가능일과 접수 가능일 모두 \'오픈(Current)\' 상태입니다. 우선순위 날짜와 상관없이 영주권 신청(I-485)이 가능합니다.

취업 3순위(숙련직): 승인 가능일은 2024년 6월 1일로 동결되었으나, 접수 가능일은 \'오픈\'되어 있어 서류 접수는 즉시 가능합니다.

취업 5순위(투자 이민): 모든 부문이 \'오픈\'되어 원활한 진행이 예상됩니다.

2. 가족 이민(Family-Sponsored): 서행 및 정체

가족 이민은 취업 이민에 비해 다소 느린 진행을 보이고 있습니다. 본인의 우선순위 날짜(Priority Date)를 반드시 확인하시기 바랍니다.

전문가의 Tip

USCIS 공지 확인 필수: 국무부 문호와 별개로, 이민국(USCIS)이 매달 신분조정신청서 (I-485) 접수가능 날짜를 발표합니다. 접수 전 반드시 확인하세요.

우선순위 날짜 관리: 문호가 열려 있을 때 신속하게 서류를 준비하는 것이 영주권 취득 기간을 단축하는 핵심입니다.

[미국 주재원 비자 인터뷰 시 영사가 반드시 묻는 질문 4가지]

--- English Summary ---

U.S. Visa Bulletin — May 2026: Key Highlights for Korean Applicants

The May 2026 Visa Bulletin, published by the U.S. Department of State, continues the positive trend seen in recent months for employment-based immigration. Korean nationals pursuing U.S. permanent residence through employment-based categories should note the following.

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1. Employment-Based Immigration: EB-1 and EB-2 Remain Current

EB-1 (Priority Workers) and EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals / National Interest Waiver): Both

the Final Action Dates and the Dates for Filing remain Current for Korean nationals this month. This means applicants may file for adjustment of status (Form I-485) regardless of their priority date, with no waiting period required.

EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals): The Final Action Date remains unchanged at June 1, 2024. However, the Dates for Filing remain Current, meaning applicants with a priority date on or before June 1, 2024 may proceed with filing their I-485 while their priority date becomes current.

EB-5 (Investor Visa): All EB-5 categories — including unreserved, rural set-aside, high unemployment set-aside, and infrastructure set-aside — remain Current, indicating continued smooth processing with no backlog for Korean nationals at this time.

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2. Family-Sponsored Immigration: Slow Movement and Ongoing Backlogs

Family-sponsored preference categories continue to advance more slowly than employment-based categories. Korean nationals with pending family-sponsored petitions are strongly advised to monitor their priority dates closely against each month\'s Visa Bulletin, as movement in these categories can be incremental and unpredictable.

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Check USCIS Announcements:
Separate from the Visa Bulletin issued by the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announces each month which Visa Bulletin chart—Dates for Filing or Final Action Dates—must be used to determine eligibility for filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). Be sure to verify this before filing.

Manage Your Priority Date Strategically:
When visa numbers become available, preparing and filing your application promptly is key to shortening the overall green card process.

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What These Dates Mean

Final Action Date: The date by which USCIS or a U.S. consular post can take final action on an immigrant visa application. Applicants must have a priority date earlier than this date to receive their immigrant visa or adjustment of status approval.

Date for Filing: The date from which applicants may submit their adjustment of status application or assemble immigrant visa documents — even if final action cannot yet be taken. USCIS announces each month whether the Dates for Filing chart may be used for I-485 filings.

"Current" (C): No backlog exists. Applicants may file regardless of priority date.

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About Law Firm MK

Law Firm MK (iminlawyer.com) is a Seoul-based U.S. immigration law firm with a dedicated team of U.S. immigration attorneys. We assist Korean nationals and corporations with all employment-based and family-based U.S. immigration matters, including EB-1C, NIW (EB-2), EB-3, EB-5, and adjustment of status filings.

We monitor the Visa Bulletin monthly and advise clients on the optimal timing to file based on their individual priority dates and visa category.

Location: 5F Sinsong Bldg, 180 Baumoe-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea

Phone: 02-596-3177

Email: mk@iminlawyer.com

Website: www.iminlawyer.com