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Last Updated On: September 29, 2023 | Published On: March 18, 2015
The April 2015 Visa Bulletin has been released by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and marks the seventh bulletin for the current fiscal year. As we anticipated, there is a noteworthy advancement in the employment (EB-2) second preference category for individuals born in China and India. While that change is favorable, there is less favorable change for EB-3 China which retrogresses to January 1, 2011.
The April 2015 Visa Bulletin outlines 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 seven months to the new cutoff date of April 1, 2011 while India advances eight months to September 1, 2007.
EB-3: All chargeability areas move to October 1, 2014, except China and India. India advances only by a week to January 8, 2004 while China retrogresses to January 1, 2011. Mexico and the Philippines also acquire the October 1, 2014 date.
The date for all chargeability areas is set for October 1, 2014 as well as Mexico and the Philippines which is an advancement of four months. China maintains its date of August 15, 2005 and India moves slightly up to January 8, 2004.
EB-4: Remains current.
Certain Religious Workers: Remains current.
EB-5: Remains current.
The newly released April 2015 Visa Bulletin has a number of favorable changes in the second preference EB-2 category. The cutoff date for China moves ahead seven months which is quite significant. India also advances forward although not quite as much as the March Visa Bulletin in which is advanced by sixteen months. In the past two months, EB-2 India has moved ahead by over 2 years which is fantastic news for many! In the coming months, DOS has mentioned that EB-2 India will likely advance another 4-6 months, so stay tuned for further updates.
The following changes are in effect for the family-based category:
FB-1: The date for all chargeability areas is August 1, 2007. Mexico advances slightly to November 1, 1994 and the Philippines holds steady at February 1, 2005.
FB-2A: The April 2015 bulletin notes that the date for all areas of chargeability is August 1, 2013 as well as China, India and Philippines. Mexico’s date moves ahead by six weeks to July 8, 2013.
This April 2015 Visa Bulletin offers welcome changes for many in the EB-2 category, especially China and India. Is your priority date current based on the April 2015 Visa Bulletin? If so, please contact an immigration attorney to explore your options and learn how your status can be adjusted.
SGM Law Group will publish any additional changes related to the April 2015 Visa Bulletin. We offer free consultations on all employment-based cases and can answer any additional details you may have pertaining to the April 2015 Visa Bulletin. Contact us today to speak to a qualified attorney.
