April Visa Bulletin: Final Action Date Movement Expected Across Employment-Based Categories
In the April 2019 Visa Bulletin, published by the U.S. Department of State (DOS), Final Action dates will advance slightly in the month of April for most employment-based categories.
Final Action Date Movements: April Visa Bulletin
Employment-Based, First Preference (EB1) Category
EB-1 Worldwide will advance one month to Feb. 1, 2018.
EB-1 China and EB-1 India will experience no movement, final action dates for both categories remain at Feb. 22, 2017
Employment-Based, Second Preference (EB2) Category
EB-2 Worldwide will remain current.
EB-2 China will advance three months to a cutoff date set at Apr. 1, 2016.
EB-2 India moves forward a few days to Apr. 12, 2009.
Employment-Based, Third Preference (EB3) Category
EB-3 Worldwide will remain current.
EB-3 China moves forward just over three weeks to Aug. 1, 2015.
EB-3 India will advance to Jun. 22, 2009.
April 2019 Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases:
Additional Notes: DOS Updated Prediction
The April 2019 Visa Bulletin also includes the following statement on Final Action Date Movement:
“Final Action Date movement in many Family-sponsored and Employment-based preference categories continues to be greater than might ordinarily be expected, and this is anticipated to continue for at least the next few months. This is a direct result of fewer applicants proceeding to final action on their cases at consular posts abroad and USCIS Offices. Once large numbers of applicants begin to have their cases brought to final action, final action date movements will necessarily slow or stop. Moreover, in some categories, final action date retrogression is a possibility if demand levels are excessive. Therefore, readers should be aware that the recent rates of final action date advances will not continue indefinitely, but it is not possible to say at present when they will end.”
Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the April Visa Bulletin
The April Visa Bulletin also updated the Dates for Filing Chart for adjustment of status applications. Please be aware that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that all employment-based (EB), adjustment of status applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart in the April 2019 Visa Bulletin. Family-based adjustment of status filings, in the month of April, will be permitted to use the Dates for Filing chart applicable to the appropriate family-sponsored category.
For more information on the April 2019 Visa Bulletin, please contact shaune@fraserpllc.com.
The information provided herein is for information purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice for any particular situation nor presumed as indefinitely up to date.
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