Chargeability (Country of Chargeability)
Chargeability, or country of chargeability, is the country whose per-country green card limit your case counts against. It is usually your country of birth, not your citizenship or where you live.
Why it matters
US law limits each country to about 7% of family and employment green cards each year. Countries with high demand, such as India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines, have their own columns in the visa bulletin and often longer waits.
For example, a person born in India who is a Canadian citizen is charged to India. A person born in Canada to Indian parents is charged to Canada.
In some cases you can use a spouse's or parent's country instead, called cross-chargeability. See our priority dates guide and moving to the US from India.
Frequently asked questions
Is chargeability based on citizenship?
No. It is normally based on your country of birth.
Does it matter for the diversity visa?
Yes. DV eligibility also depends on country of chargeability, with the same cross-chargeability options.
Can I change my chargeability?
Only through cross-chargeability to a spouse's or, in limited cases, a parent's country.
Official sources
- State Department: Visa Bulletintravel.state.gov
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.