February 2017 Visa Bulletin Released
The February 2017 visa bulletin was released by the Department of State yesterday. Below is a summary of the changes.
Family Based Application:
F1: Most countries moved forward about 1 month to 1.5 months (except the Philippines, which moved forward about 2 months). This means that most countries are now at February 22, 2010. The exceptions are Mexico (May 8, 1995) and the Philippines (December 1, 2005).
F2A: This category actually retrogressed one month across the board. All countries are now at April 15, 2015 except Mexico which is at April 1, 2015.
F2B: Most countries moved forward about 1 month to July 8, 2010. Mexico moved forward only about 3 weeks to May 8, 1995. The Philippines stayed at April 9, 2006 (no movement forward or backward).
F3: Most countries moved forward about 2.5 weeks to March 22, 2005. Mexico stayed at December 15, 1994 (no movement) and the Philippines moved forward only 1 week to September 8, 1994.
F4: There was movement forward for all countries in varying degrees. China had the biggest movement forward (2 months) to January 22, 2004. India moved forward about 1 month to June 15, 2003. Mexico had the smallest movement (1 week) to May 22, 1997. The Philippines moved forward about 2 weeks to June 22, 1993. All other areas moved forward about 2 weeks to February 8, 2004.
Employment Based Application:
EB-1: Still current across the board. NOTE: Charles Oppenheim has stated that there is increased usage for this category and he may have to retrogress some countries (China and India) in the near future.
EB-2: Current for all countries except India and China. India did not have any movement staying at April 15, 2008. China moved forward 1 month to November 15, 2012. NOTE: Charles Oppenheim did indicate increased usage across the board (especially for China and India) and did indicate there may be a need to retrogress ALL countries in the coming months.
EB-3: Most countries moved forward to October 1, 2016. The exceptions were China, which moved forward about 3 weeks to October 1, 2013, India, which moved forward about 1 week to March 22, 2005 and the Philippines, which moved forward almost 3 months to October 15, 2011. NOTE: Again, Charles Oppenheim did indicate increased usage and the possibilities of retrogression.
We will update you when the next visa bulletin is released or if Charles Oppenheim updates his predictions as to the movement of these visa categories. Please contact us with any questions.
Please remember, as always, this blog does not offer legal advice. If you need legal advice, consult with a lawyer instead of a blog. Thank you.