January Visa Bulletin - Good Surprises
The Department of State released the January Bulletin as well as an update from Charlie Oppenheim as to usage patterns and what to expect in the future. The biggest surprise was that there was NO backlog for the EB-2 or EB-3 category as predicted. In fact, usage patterns slowed so much that Mr. Oppenheim now thinks that the category should remain current for a couple additional months as well. We will keep our on on the category however, and update you with any changes. Below are the other date changes for the bulletin along with the predictions from Charlie Oppenheim:
Family Based Categories
F1: Moved forward 2 months to July 15, 2013 for everywhere EXCEPT Mexico (stayed at August 8, 1997) and the Philippines (moved forward 2.5 months to January 15, 2009). Prediction: This category should move forward about 6 weeks over the next month or two.
F2A: Remained current across the board. A final action date will be established in the coming months.
F2B: Most of the world remained at August 8, 2014 EXCEPT Mexico which remained at August 22, 1998 and the Philippines with is the the only Country that moved forward (2 months) to February 1, 2009. Prediction: This category will move forward about 3 weeks over the next month or two.
F3: Moved forward 1 week to November 15, 2007 EXCEPT for Mexico (forward 1 week to March 1, 1996 and the Philippines (moved forward 4 months to January 1, 1999). Prediction: This category will move forward about 1-3 weeks over the next month or two.
F4: No movement for most of the world (staying at February 1, 2007) EXCEPT India (forward 1 week to November 8, 2004), Mexico (forward 3 weeks to January 8, 1998 and the Philippines (moved forward 2.5 months to March 1, 1999). Prediction: This category has moved forward rapidly to stimulate demand. Unfortunately this demand has materialized quite a bit and there will be retrogression with no forward movement after that.
Employment Based
EB1: Moved forward 2.5 months to October 1, 2018 EXCEPT China (moved forward 1 week to May 22, 2017) and India (no movement – stayed at January 1, 2015). Prediction: Will come current in the next couple of months
EB2: Stayed Current for most of the world EXCEPT China (moved forward 1 week to July 1, 2015) and India (moved forward a couple days to May 18, 2009). Prediction: Will backlog in the second half of the year.
EB3: Stayed Current for most of the world EXCEPT China (moved forward 1 month to December 1, 2015) and India (stayed at January 1, 2009). Prediction: Will backlog in the next month of two.
Please do 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.