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Last Updated On: September 29, 2023 | Published On: April 14, 2015
The May 2015 Visa Bulletin has officially been released by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and as we’ve anticipated for some time now, the EB2, employment-based second preference category for individuals born in China and India is continuing to advance. Likewise, the EB3 category, third preference category for individuals born in china also advances.
The May 2015 Visa Bulletin details the following dates in the employment-based category.
EB-1: Current for all countries of chargeability.
EB-2: All countries are current with the exception of China and India. China moves ahead more than a year to the new cutoff date of June 1, 2012 while India advances over seven months to April 15, 2008.
EB-3: All chargeability areas (except those noted) have a date of January 1, 2015. The China cutoff date advances to May 1, 2011 while India moves only slightly by a week to January 15, 2004. On the flip side, Philippines retrogresses to July 1, 2007.
The date for all chargeability areas is set for January 1, 2015 as well as Mexico. The Philippines has a date of July 1, 2007 and China is November 15, 2005.
EB-4: Remains current.
Certain Religious Workers: Remains current.
EB-5: Remains current with the exception of China which changes to May 1, 2013.
This recent visa bulletin will be a welcome change for many–specifically those in the EB2 category. China moves ahead significantly, by over a year in addition to India which advances over seven months. It’s not all welcome news in the employment-based category, however. There is a significant retrogression for EB3 Philippines.
Here’s what we theorize will happen in the coming months: EB3 India may move a few weeks every new visa bulletin while EB2 India will likely remain the same until closer to June. This is based on the past trends we’ve noticed and how the USCIS has enacted changes in the past. This is no means a guarantee and it’s advised to consult legal representation before making any important immigration decisions.
The following changes are in effect for the family-based category:
FB-1: The date for all chargeability areas is August 15, 2007 including China and India. The Philippines cutoff date is February 1, 2005 while Mexica is November 8, 1994.
FB-2A: The May 2015 bulletin details that the date for all areas of chargeability is September 1, 2013 including China, India and Philippines. The only country which strays is Mexico whose date is August 8, 2013.
As we’ve pointed out, the May 2015 Visa Bulletin has a few pleasant changes in the employment based category, in particular India and China. Ask yourself whether or not your priority date (PD) is current based on this latest released bulletin.
The immigration attorneys at SGM Law Group can help you determine where exactly you stand in regards to this latest bulletin. As a courtesy to our clients we offer a free initial consultation on employment cases and general inquiries. If you have any additional details regarding the May 2015 Visa Bulletin, please feel free to contact us. Otherwise, stay tuned for more immigration developments as the come!
