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Last Updated On: September 29, 2023 | Published On: July 14, 2015
The U.S. Department of State has released the August 2015 Visa Bulletin and there are some considerable forward movements in many employment visa categories. Specifically we see advances for Indian born individuals as well as the EB2 China category. Conversely, we see some retrogression for those who fall in the EB3 China category. In this month’s visa bulletin analysis, we explore these changes in-depth.
The August 2015 Visa Bulletin indicates some noteworthy advancements in the employment visa category.
EB-1: Current for all areas of chargeability.
EB-2: Mexico and Philippines remain current, as well as all chargeability areas. The cutoff date for India holds steady at October 1, 2008 while China moves ahead to December 15, 2013 (approximately 11 weeks).
EB-3: The cutoff date for the EB3 India category moves forward about four months to June 1, 2004. Philippines and China are also at a cutoff date of June 1, 2004, although this is a retrogression for China due to excessive demand. The remaining areas of chargeabilty boast a cutoff date of July 15, 2015.
Within the “other workers” category all chargeability areas and Mexico move to July 15, 2015. Philippines and China, on the other hand, have a date of June 1, 2004.
EB-4: Remains current.
Certain Religious Workers: Remains current.
EB-5: Remains current with the exception of China at September 1, 2013.
In the Family Based (FB-1) category, China and India advance by one month to Nov. 2, 2006 while Mexico is fixed at Nov. 15, 1994. Likewise, FB-1 for the Philippines also remains unchanged (March 15, 2000). In the FB-2A category we see advancements. Particularly, there is a five week movement to December 15, 2013 for India, China, and Philippines. Moreover, Mexico moves ahead by five weeks to Nov. 1, 2013.
As you may have noticed, there retrogression with the EB-3 China category may be grounds for concern. Despite the alarming nature of this development, it’s important to understand why we’re seeing this trend. In the past few months, this category has seen a significant increase in the number of filings as the dates kept advancing. In reaction to these filings, the DOS (in order to allocate the appropriate number of green card visas) has decided to push back the date to slow down filings. We predict that once the official new fiscal year begins, we’ll see EB-3 China return to normal levels. Remember, however, that this is just a prediction and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
The attorneys at SGM Law Group are ready to assist you with any immigration related matter. If your priority date is current as of the August 2015 Visa Bulletin you might be eligible to begin the adjustment of status process.
Due to the time sensitive nature of this it’s important to contact our immigration lawyers as soon as possible to schedule a consultation.
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