Priority-date cutoffs will advance slightly or remain the same in key employment-based categories next month, according to the State Department’s January Visa Bulletin.

Key Movements: Final Action Dates

EB-1

  • All countries under EB-1 will remain current.

EB-2

  • China EB-2 will advance 21 days to Jan. 22, 2019.
  • India EB-2 will advance over two months to July 8, 2012.
  • All other countries under EB-2 will remain current.

EB-3

  • China EB-3 will remain at March 22, 2018.
  • India EB-3 will remain at Jan. 15, 2012.
  • All other countries under EB-3 will remain current.

Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases:

Preference All Other Countries China El Salvador Guatemala Honduras India Mexico Philippines
EB-1 Current Current Current Current Current Current
EB-2 Current Jan. 22, 2019 Current July 8, 2012 Current Current
EB-3 Current March 22, 2018 Current Jan. 15, 2012 Current Current

Dates for Filing

The Dates for Filing chart will remain the same as it was in December.

Dates for Filing for Employment-Based Preference Cases:

Preference All Other Countries China El Salvador Guatemala Honduras India Mexico Philippines
EB-1 Current Current Current Current Current Current
EB-2 Current April 1, 2019 Current July 8, 2013 Current Current
EB-3 Current April 1, 2018 Current Jan. 22, 2012 Current Current

Additional Information: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will announce via a web posting whether it will use the Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing chart in January. BAL will update clients once officials confirm whether the chart can be used.

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

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