December Visa Bulletin Update
The December Visa Bulletin was released just a couple days ago. The most startling item in the bulletin was a note by Mr. Oppenheim stating that EB-2 and EB-3 may no longer be current come January or February of next year. This is a major change from previous years, as these categories either remained current, or received cut-off dates only late in the fiscal year. Here is exactly what Mr. Oppenheim Stated:
In recent weeks there has been a steadily increasing level of Employment-based demand for adjustment of status cases filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Continuation of the current demand pattern would require the establishment of final action dates in the Employment Second, Third, and Third Other Worker preference categories as early as January. Such action would be required in an effort to hold number use within those FY 2020 annual limits.
Below are the other highlights.
Family Based:
FB1: This category moved forward about two months to May 15, 2013 for All Other Areas, China and India. The Philippines moved forward about 1.5 momths to November 1, 2008. Mexico had no movement, saying at August 8, 1997.
FB2A: This has remained Current for everyone.
FB2B: This category moved forward about 1 month to August 8, 2014 for All Other Areas, China and India. The Philippines moved forward about 2 months to December 1, 2008. Mexico had no movement forward, staying at August 22, 1998.
FB3: This category moved forward about 1 month to November 8, 2007 for All Other Areas, China and India. The Philippines moved forward about 3 months to September 1, 1998. Mexico had no movement forward, staying at February 22, 1996.
FB2B: This category moved forward about 1 month to Feruary 1, 2007 for All Other Areas, China and India. The Philippines moved forward about 3.5 months to December 15, 1998. Mexico had no movement forward, staying at December 15, 1997.
Employment Based (All Other Areas includes all listed areas except those specifically discussed below):
EB-1: All Other Areas moved forward about 1.5 months to Juy 15, 2018. China moved forward about 3.5 months to May 15, 2017. India remained at January 1, 2015.
EB-2: All other Areas remained Current. China moved forward about 3 months to June 22, 2015. India moved forward, but only 2 days to March 15, 2009.
EB-3: All Other Areas remained Current this month. China and India remained at the same dates as last month, November 1, 2015 and January 1, 2009 respectivelly.
As of today’s date, USCIS has not determined whether the Dates for Filing or Final Action Dates should be used. We will update you as soon as they let us know.
Remember, if you need legal advice seek out the advice of an attorney, not a blog.