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Last Updated On: September 29, 2023 | Published On: November 10, 2015
Yesterday the United States Department of State (DOS) officially released the December 2015 Visa Bulletin and the dates for the filing (DF) chart as well as the final action chart (FA). As we’ll explain in depth, there was a major change in the employment-based second preference category (EB2) and employment-based third preference category.
Based on the information provided in the latest December 2015 Visa Bulletin, there is no movement in the filing chart (DF) dates for any of the below employment based categories. In terms of the dates for the final action chart there is a change to the EB2 category for those born in India; a forward advancement close to a year to June 1, 2007. We so no change for China as it remains at February 1, 2012.
EB1 Category: All countries are current
EB2 Category: All countries of chargeability are current including Mexico and Philippines. India advances to close to a year. China remains the same.
EB3 Category: For all areas of chargeability the cutoff date is Sept. 1, 205 while China is April 15, 2012 a few days from the previous date. For India the new date is April 22, 2004 and Philippines is August 1, 2007.
EB4: All countries are current.
Certain Religious Workers: All countries are current.
EB5: All countries are current except China which has a date of December 15, 2013.
There is no movement in the filing chart (DF) for the family-based category. The chart below is indicative of the Final Action (FA) dates for the family-sponsored preference cases. Since these cases can often be complex and have extensive waiting periods it’s advised to consult a professional Fort Lauderdale Immigration Lawyer.
“*NOTE: For December, F2A numbers EXEMPT from per-country limit are authorized for issuance to applicants from all countries with priority datesearlier than 08MAY14. F2A numbers SUBJECT to per-country limit are authorized for issuance to applicants chargeable to all countries EXCEPT MEXICO with priority dates beginning 08MAY14 and earlier than 15JUN14. (All F2A numbers provided for MEXICO are exempt from the per-country limit; there are no F2A numbers for MEXICO subject to per-country limit.)” Source
You’ve likely noticed that the Visa Bulletin structure in itself has undergone many changes. Along with the new DF and FA charts, every month USCIS will decide whether the cutoff dates for the DF chart may be used as a basis for filing the I-485 adjustment of status. If this is bypassed, the less favorable Final Action chart will be used. You can see the decision made each month by referring to the official USCIS page roughly one week after each bulletin is released.
We’ll keep you informed with any new developments in the case of filing the I-485 and which chart is selected.
Is your priority date current based on this newly released December 2015 Visa Bulletin? If it is than the good news is you can begin the filing process. It’s best to reach out to our experienced attorneys to get an initial consultation. Also, if you haven’t already done so, subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to receive all the latest immigration news.
If you want to be placed on the Department of State’s E-mail subscription list for the “Visa Bulletin”, please send an E-mail to [email protected] and in the message body type: Subscribe Visa-Bulletin
Our immigration attorneys offer comprehensive services for individuals seeking employment based immigration, as well as family immigration and other sponsorship types. We have an excellent success rate of approvals in complex business immigration cases including EB1, EB2 and EB3 Green Cards in addition to H1B Visas. What’s more, we charge flat fees for many of are cases.
Contact us to learn more about the December 2015 Visa Bulletin and how to begin the process today!
