January Visa Bulletin Reveals Progress in Key Employment-Based Categories

The U.S. State Department unveiled the January Visa Bulletin, showcasing advancements in crucial employment-based categories. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is yet to declare whether it will adopt Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing to assess eligibility for employment-based filings.

Final Action Dates: Noteworthy Developments

EB-1

• China EB-1 will progress by 4½ months to July 1, 2022.
• India EB-1 will advance by over 3½ years to Sept. 1, 2020.
• All other countries under EB-1 will remain current.

EB-2

• China EB-2 will advance by more than two months to Jan. 1, 2020.
• India EB-2 will progress by two months to March 1, 2012.
• All other countries under EB-2 will advance by 3½ months to Nov. 1, 2022.

EB-3

• China EB-3 will advance by over seven months to Sept. 1, 2020.
• India EB-3 will progress by one month to June 1, 2012.
• All other countries will advance by eight months to Aug. 1, 2022.

Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases:

Dates for Filing: Key Movements

EB-1

• China EB-1 will progress by five months to Jan. 1, 2023.
• India EB-1 will advance by 1½ years to Jan. 1, 2021.
• All other countries under EB-1 will remain current.

EB-2

• China EB-2 will advance by five months to June 1, 2020.
• India EB-2 will stay at May 15, 2012.
• All other countries under EB-2 will advance by 1½ months to Feb. 15, 2023.

EB-3

• China: EB-3 will advance by 10 months to July 1, 2021.
• India: EB-3 will remain at Aug. 1, 2012.
• Philippines: EB-3 will remain at Jan. 1, 2023.
• All other countries: EB-3 will remain at Feb. 1, 2023.

Additional Information: While the progress is positive, USCIS is yet to announce the chart it will use for employment-based filing eligibility next month. Updates will be provided as soon as USCIS makes the information available.

Source: NLR