January 2014 Visa Bulletin Released

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published the January 2014 Visa Bulletin.  The December 2013 Visa Bulletin showed significant retrogression in the EB-2 category for India, true to predictions made by the DOS Visa Office in November. The January 2014 Visa Bulletin further confirms that in addition to the ongoing retrogression in the EB-2 category, there is no movement in any of the other employment-based categories for India. For China, the priority date in the EB-2 category has advanced by one month, whereas in the EB-3 category the priority date has advanced by six months. The priority date in the EB-3 category for the Worldwide and Mexico quotas has also advanced by six months. Priority cut-off dates for the most common employment-based categories are provided below. Foreign nationals having a priority date before the established cut-off date are eligible to file immigrant visa or adjustment of status applications for permanent residence.

Employment-based, first preference (EB-1):

All foreign nationals: Current

“Current” means that immigrant visa numbers are immediately available for all priority dates within the designated preference category.

Employment-based, second preference (EB-2):

• Worldwide: Current
• China: December 8, 2008
• India: November 15, 2004
• Mexico: Current
• Philippines: Current

Employment-based, third preference (EB-3) professional/skilled workers:

• Worldwide: April 1, 2012
• China: April 1, 2012
• India: September 1, 2003
• Mexico: April 1, 2012
• Philippines: February 15, 2007

Employment-based, third preference (EB-3) “other” workers:

• Worldwide: April 1, 2012
• China: April 1, 2012
• India: September 1, 2003
• Mexico: April 1, 2012
• Philippines: February 15, 2007

For specific questions or legal advice, please contact your immigration professional at Gibney, Anthony & Flaherty, LLP, or email immigrationalerts@gibney.com.