Priority-date cutoffs will advance modestly or remain the same in employment-based categories next month, according to the Final Action Dates published Monday in the State Department’s December Visa Bulletin.

The Visa Bulletin also predicted that additional EB-2 and EB-3 categories could see final action cutoff dates as early as January if the current level of demand for employment-based green cards continues. This action would be required, the bulletin said, to avoid going over annual limits on the number of visas that are available in each category.

Key movements in the December Visa Bulletin.

EB-1

  • China EB-1 will advance 3 ½ months to May 15, 2017.
  • India EB-1 will remain at Jan. 1, 2015.
  • All other countries under EB-1 will advance 1 ½ months to July 15, 2018.

EB-2

  • China EB-2 will advance more than three months to June 22, 2015.
  • India EB-2 will advance two days to May 15, 2009.
  • All other countries under EB-2 will remain current.

EB-3

  • China EB-3 will remain at Nov. 1, 2015.
  • India EB-3 will remain at Jan. 1, 2009.
  • Philippines EB-3 will advance one month to March 1, 2018.
  • All other EB-3 countries will remain current.

Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases:

Preference All Other Countries China El Salvador Guatemala Honduras India Mexico Philippines Vietnam
EB-1 July 15, 2018 May 15, 2017 July 15, 2018 Jan. 1, 2015 July 15, 2018 July 15, 2018 July 15, 2018
EB-2 Current June 22, 2015 Current May 15, 2009 Current Current Current
EB-3 Current Nov. 1, 2015 Current Jan. 1, 2009 Current March 1, 2018 Current

The State Department also released its Dates for Filing chart for December. Applicants seeking to file for adjustment of status are reminded that the chart does not take effect unless U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirms that it does via a web posting in the coming days. BAL will update clients once officials confirm whether the chart can be used in November.

Dates for Filing for Employment-Based Preference Cases:

Preference All Other Countries China El Salvador Guatemala Honduras India Mexico Philippines
EB-1 Current Sept. 1, 2017 Current March 15, 2017 Current Current
EB-2 Current Aug. 1, 2016 Current July 1, 2009 Current Current
EB-3 Current March 1, 2017 Current Feb. 1, 2010 Current Current

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2019 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.