Is the age calculated under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) based on Chart A or Chart B?

The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) is a U.S. immigration law designed to prevent minor applicants from losing their eligibility for a green card due to aging out—turning 21—while waiting during delays in the immigration process. The CSPA addresses this issue by adjusting the way an applicant's age is calculated, ensuring that eligible minors can retain their "child" status under immigration law even after turning 21.

If you are a family-based or employment-based immigrant with a priority date, the CSPA age calculation formula generally is:

Age at the time the visa becomes available − USCIS processing time = CSPA age

Of course, you must remain unmarried to qualify.

For example, if at the time the U.S. government deems your immigrant visa number available, your actual age is 21 years and 4 months, you are biologically overaged. But your application had been pending for 6 months with USCIS. Your CSPA age is calculated as follows: 21 years and 4 months − 6 months = 20 years and 10 months, which is underage under immigration law.

This article explains how U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. consulates determine when a visa becomes available, and clarifies the meaning and function of each of these “charts.”

What are “Chart A” and “Chart B”? Let’s understand the two charts.

The U.S. Visa Bulletin contains two charts:

Chart Name	Meaning
Final Action Dates (Chart A)	When an immigrant visa can actually be issued
Dates for Filing (Chart B)	When you can start preparing/submitting your immigration application, but not yet receive the visa

Chart B is usually several months or even years earlier than Chart A. This means that those who can use Chart B can lock in their age earlier and submit applications sooner.

Is CSPA age calculation based on  “Chart A” or “Chart B”?

USCIS and DOS now use “Chart A” to freeze age.

Previously, when calculating CSPA age, USCIS used the “Dates for Filing” chart (Chart B) to determine whether an immigrant visa number was available. However, starting from August 15, 2025, USCIS will discontinue the use of Chart B and, in alignment with the U.S. Department of State system (overseas U.S. embassies and consulates), will allow only the “Final Action Dates” chart (Chart A) to be used.

(Disclaimer: The information released is for information only and should not be construed as legal advice or a basis for decisions on any topic. All rights reserved. Reproduction requires permission from Allbelief Law Firm.)