USCIS has determined that most applicants in the family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories can use the Dates for Filing Visa Applications chart in the DOS Visa Bulletin for November 2016.
However, employment-based, fifth preference applicants must use the Application Final Action Dates chart in the November 2016 Visa Bulletin.
The specific guidance from USCIS.gov is as follows:
For Family-Sponsored Filings:
You must use the Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin for November 2016.
For Employment-Based 1st through 4th Preference Filings:
You must use the Dates for Filing of Employment Based Visa Applications chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin for November 2016.
For Employment-Based 5th Preference Filings:
You must use the Final Action Dates chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin for November 2016.
