March 2023 Visa Bulletin Predictions Here are our predictions for the March 2023 visa bulletin: India EB2 will remain the same India EB3 will advance by 1 month Family-based preference categories will begin advancing again, possibly by 1 month for some countries Will India EB2 Receive Spillover Numbers? Allocations in the charts below were made, to the extent possible, in chronological order of reported priority dates, for demand received by December8th. B. 3. Fourth: (F4) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens: 65,000, plus any numbers not required by first three preferences. DV visas are divided among six geographic regions. The visa prorating provisions of Section 202(e) apply to allocations for a foreign state or dependent area when visa demand exceeds the per-country limit. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the final action date listed below.). Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. FINAL ACTION DATES FORFAMILY-SPONSOREDPREFERENCE CASES, On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); "C" means current, i.e., numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants; and "U" means unauthorized, i.e., numbers are not authorized for issuance. ), B. Section 203(c) of the INA provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to permit additional immigration opportunities for persons from countries with low admissions during the previous five years. C.THE DIVERSITY (DV) IMMIGRANTCATEGORY RANK CUT-OFFSWHICH WILL APPLY IN DECEMBER. The visa prorating provisions of Section 202 (e) apply to allocations for a foreign state or dependent area when visa demand exceeds the per-country limit. ForDecember, immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2023 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. DV visas may not be issued to DV-2023 applicants after that date. The visa prorating provisions of Section 202 (e) apply to allocations for a foreign state or dependent area when visa demand exceeds the per-country limit. The results of the October 2022 Visa Bulletin were not only frustrating for potential green card applicants, but also shocking. FINAL ACTION DATES FOREMPLOYMENT-BASEDPREFERENCE CASES. (F2B) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents: 23% of the overall second preference limitation. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart below may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of States National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. INA Section 203(e) provides that family-sponsored and employment-based preference visas be issued to eligible immigrants in the order in which a petition in behalf of each has been filed. DV visa availability through the very end of FY-2023 cannot be taken for granted. The remaining 68% are unreserved and are allotted for all other qualified immigrants. F. FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON VISA PROCESSING AT U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, PLEASE VISIT THE BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS WEBSITE AT TRAVEL.STATE.GOV, Department of State Publication 9514 For Fiscal Year 2022 this reduction will be limited to approximately 150. 5. You can leave the options as default. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbersBELOWthe specified allocation cut-off number: Except: Iran 2,500 *Employment Third Preference Other Workers Category: Section 203(e) of the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) passed by Congress in November 1997, as amended by Section 1(e) of Pub. 2. Visa Bulletin Predictions More Prediction Dashboard Prediction Dashboard Lawyer Questions Search My Account It's FREEto register! If a category is designated current, all applicants in the relevant category may file applications, regardless of priority date. The dependent area limit is set at 2%, or 7,320. 1. The C listing indicates that the category is current, and that applications may be filed regardless of the applicants priority date. H.ESTABLISHMENT OF EMPLOYMENT FOURTH CATEGORY FINAL ACTION AND APPLICATION FILING DATES FOR DECEMBER. These provisions apply at present to the following oversubscribed chargeability areas: CHINA-mainland born, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, HONDURAS, INDIA, MEXICO, and PHILIPPINES. This will result in reduction of the DV-2023 annual limit to approximately 54,850. 4. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart below may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of States National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. Section 203(b) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Employment-based immigrant visas as follows: First: Priority Workers: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required for fourth and fifth preferences. E. VISA AVAILABILITY IN THE EMPLOYMENT FIRST CATEGORY FOR CHINA AND INDIA August 2023 Visa Bulletin Predictions. Numbers could be exhausted prior to September 30. this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS. Consular officers are required to report to the Department of State documentarily qualified applicants for numerically limited visas; USCIS reports applicants for adjustment of status. B.DIVERSITYIMMIGRANT(DV)CATEGORY FOR THE MONTHOF NOVEMBER. FINAL ACTION DATES FOREMPLOYMENT-BASEDPREFERENCE CASES. The remaining 68% are unreserved and are allotted for all other qualified immigrants. B. Section 203(c) of the INA provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to permit additional immigration opportunities for persons from countries with low admissions during the previous five years. This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during October for: "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing Applications," indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center. (F2A) Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents: 77% of the overall second preference limitation, of which 75% are exempt from the per-country limit; B. ForSeptember, immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2022 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. If there is legislative action extending this category for January, the final action dates would immediately become Current for January for all countries except China-mainland born I5 and R5, which would be subject to a November 22, 2015 final action date. (F2B) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents: 23% of the overall second preference limitation. CA/VO:September 1, 2022. Entitlement to immigrant status in the DV category lasts only through the end of the fiscal (visa) year for which the applicant is selected in the lottery. At this time, the consensus among many different trusted sources is that we will not see any priority date movement for India EB2 or EB3 in December's Visa Bulletin release. DV visa availability through the very end of FY-2022 cannot be taken for granted. To avoid delays in processing while waiting for the USCIS data, the Visa Office (VO) bases allocations on reasonable estimates of the anticipated amount of visa numbers to be available under the annual limits, in accordance with Section 203(g) of the INA. Section 203(d) provides that spouses and children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status, and the same order of consideration, if accompanying or following to join the principal. DV visas are divided among six geographic regions. Date of Filing (DOF) Filing Action (FA) Predictions . The C listing indicates that the category is current, and that applications may be filed regardless of the applicants priority date. As a result, heavy applicant demand has materialized and coupled with significantly lower visa number availability for India E2 for FY-2023 as compared to FY-2022, corrective action was required to keep number use within the maximum allowed under the FY-2023 annual limits. Second: Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents: 114,200, plus the number (if any) by which the worldwide family preference level exceeds 226,000, plus any unused first preference numbers: A. 5. DV visa availability through the very end of FY-2022 cannot be taken for granted. DV visas may not be issued to DV-2022 applicants after that date. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS. To keep track of activity around your priority date, subscribe to the Green Card Dashboard. The listing of a date for any category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than the listed date may file their application. If not all demand could be satisfied, the category or foreign state in which demand was excessive was deemed oversubscribed. Section 203(b) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Employment-based immigrant visas as follows: First: Priority Workers: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required for fourth and fifth preferences. 3. We estimate that both the final action date and the date of filing application will . On August 2nd, USCIS provided the required data to the VO. CA/VO:October 3, 2022. This situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly. EB-2: India will advance by 4 months to May 1, 2013, and China will remain at March 1, 2019. The listing of a date for any category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than the listed date may file their application. Due to patterns we have seen in the past, the USCIS typically tries to narrow the gap between India EB2 and EB3 priority dates. Section 203(d) provides that spouses and children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status, and the same order of consideration, if accompanying or following to join the principal. USCIS August 2022 Adjustment of Status Filing Charts Family Based Sponsorship Final Action Dates August 2022 Trends in comparison to last month (July 2022) F1 China: December 1, 2014 Consular officers are required to report to the Department of State documentarily qualified applicants for numerically limited visas; USCIS reports applicants for adjustment of status. Fourth: (F4) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens: 65,000, plus any numbers not required by first three preferences. 2. Supply is fixed at 226,000 per year for family based (FB) categories. Consular officers are required to report to the Department of State documentarily qualified applicants for numerically limited visas; USCIS reports applicants for adjustment of status. ForNovember, immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2023 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website atwww.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo,individuals seeking to file applications for adjustment of status with USCIS in the Department of Homeland Security must use the Final Action Dates charts below for determining when they can file such applications. 4. F1: Family-Sponsored First Preference (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens) F2A: Family-Sponsored Second Preference, Subcategory A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents) F2B: Family-Sponsored Second Preference, Subcategory B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents) The listing of a date for any category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than the listed date may file their application. Second: Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required by first preference. Similarly, spouses and children accompanying or following to join DV-2023 principals are only entitled to derivative DV status until September 30, 2023. Third: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers: 28.6% of the worldwide level, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences, not more than 10,000 of which to "*Other Workers". Since the EW final action date reached November 19, 1997 during Fiscal Year 2001, the reduction in the EW annual limit to 5,000 began in Fiscal Year 2002. Third: (F3) Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens: 23,400, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences. For Fiscal Year 2022 this reduction will be limited to approximately 150. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website atwww.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo,individuals seeking to file applications for adjustment of status with USCIS in the Department of Homeland Security must use the Final Action Dates charts below for determining when they can file such applications. The results are estimates and for your informational use only, and we specifically disclaim the accuracy of the information provided. Philippines - Next Month's Predictions Latest Published Visa Bulletin India F4 - Next Month's Prediction Latest Published F4 Visa Bulletin Gain access to 20+ year prediction for your personal timeline or message us with a question. Fourth: (F4) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens: 65,000, plus any numbers not required by first three preferences. SCHEDULED EXPIRATION OF EMPLOYMENT FOURTH PREFERENCE CERTAIN RELIGIOUS WORKERS (SR) CATEGORY. This reduction is to be made for as long as necessary to offset adjustments under the NACARA program. This will result in reduction of the DV-2023 annual limit to approximately 54,850. This reduction is to be made for as long as necessary to offset adjustments under the NACARA program. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart below may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of States National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. Section 203(a) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Family-sponsored immigrant visas as follows: First:(F1)Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens: 23,400 plus any numbers not required for fourth preference. DATES FOR FILING OF EMPLOYMENT-BASEDVISAAPPLICATIONS. Unless otherwise indicated on the U.S. Open App in new Window > Visit the My Green Card Estimate App here. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, enacted on March 15, 2022, extended the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category until September 30, 2022. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of States National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. Fifth:Employment Creation: 7.1% of the worldwide level, of which 32% are reserved as follows: 20% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a rural area; 10% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a high unemployment area; and 2% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in infrastructure projects. The remaining 68% are unreserved and are allotted for all other qualified immigrants. Predictions for Start of FY22 Procedures for determining dates. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the final action date listed below. High demand in the Employment Fourth category may necessitate the establishment of a worldwide final action date in the coming months to hold number use within the maximum allowed under the Fiscal Year 2023 annual limit. Reset Update Tracker Graph Results New Immigrants Insurance Get Quotes New Immigrants Insurance Overview Read Article Visitors Insurance Get Quotes No Results Found Legend Second: Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required by first preference. The year of entitlement for all applicants registered for the DV-2023 program ends as of September 30, 2023. August 2022 Visa Bulletin Predicted Priority Dates for India EB3. Section 203(a) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Family-sponsored immigrant visas as follows: First:(F1)Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens: 23,400 plus any numbers not required for fourth preference. FINAL ACTION DATES FOREMPLOYMENT-BASEDPREFERENCE CASES. If at any time an annual limit were reached, it would be necessary to immediately make the preference category unavailable, and no further requests for numbers would be honored. For Fiscal Year 2022 this reduction will be limited to approximately 150. Nepal 1,450. Section 203(c) of the INA provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to permit additional immigration opportunities for persons from countries with low admissions during the previous five years. This situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly. DV visas are divided among six geographic regions. In the November 2022 Visa Bulletin, there were no changes seen to the priority dates for both India EB2 and EB3. 1. If it becomes necessary during the monthly allocation process to retrogress a final action date, supplemental requests for numbers will be honored only if the priority date falls within the new final action date announced in this bulletin. Allocations in the charts below were made, to the extent possible, in chronological order of reported priority dates, for demand received by August3rd. However, higher than expected levels of demand in the Employment First and Employment Second categories has materialized this year, and as a result, fewer additional numbers will be available to India in the Employment Second category than originally estimated when the October and November final action and application filing dates were established. Section 203(c) of the INA provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to permit additional immigration opportunities for persons from countries with low admissions during the previous five years. These provisions apply at present to the following oversubscribed chargeability areas: CHINA-mainland born, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, HONDURAS, INDIA, MEXICO, and PHILIPPINES. 7 eleven store locations; The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Fourth: Certain Special Immigrants: 7.1% of the worldwide level. There has been a steady increase in both USCIS and Department of State demand patterns for employment-based visas during the fiscal year. 1. USCIS Visa Bulletin for India, China employment, family - EB2 to EB3 downgrade decisions. This reduction is to be made for as long as necessary to offset adjustments under the NACARA program. this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS. The visa prorating provisions of Section 202(e) apply to allocations for a foreign state or dependent area when visa demand exceeds the per-country limit. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If not all demand could be satisfied, the category or foreign state in which demand was excessive was deemed oversubscribed. This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during Octoberfor: Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing Applications, indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center. ), B. "In the October 2022 Visa Bulletin, a final action date and application filing date were established in the Employment Fifth Preference Unreserved (including C5, T5, I5, and R5) category for India to keep number use within the maximum allowed under the FY2023 annual limit. *Employment Third Preference Other Workers Category: Section 203(e) of the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) passed by Congress in November 1997, as amended by Section 1(e) of Pub. Section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sets an annual minimum family-sponsored preference limit of 226,000. DV visas may not be issued to DV-2022 applicants after that date. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. 4. Second: Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents: 114,200, plus the number (if any) by which the worldwide family preference level exceeds 226,000, plus any unused first preference numbers: A. 2. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. Talk to thousands of members on our discussion forums. Procedures for determining dates. This is a change from recent predictions. Section 203(b) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Employment-based immigrant visas as follows: First: Priority Workers: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required for fourth and fifth preferences. K. FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON VISA PROCESSING AT U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATESDURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, PLEASE VISIT THE BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS WEBSITEAT TRAVEL.STATE.GOV. Except for China and India, all countries are subject to a final action date of 01NOV22 and an application filing date of 01DEC22. This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers duringJanuaryfor: Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing Applications, indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center. It marked the beginning of the government's 2023 fiscal year, and a retrogression in India's EB2 category of over 2 years and 8 months was simply not expected, even by experts in the field. E.RETROGRESSION OF CHINA-MAINLAND BORN FINAL ACTION DATE AND IMPOSITION OF INDIAFINAL ACTION DATE IN THE EMPLOYMENT-BASED FIFTH PREFERENCE UNRESERVED CATEGORIES(INCLUDING C5, T5, I5, AND R5). Similarly, spouses and children accompanying or following to join DV-2023 principals are only entitled to derivative DV status until September 30, 2023. Third: (F3) Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens: 23,400, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences. ForOctober, immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2023 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. No SR visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after midnight September 29, 2022. Second: Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required by first preference. These numerical limitations for FY-2022 are as follows: Worldwide Family-Sponsored preference limit: 226,000 The visa prorating provisions of Section 202(e) apply to allocations for a foreign state or dependent area when visa demand exceeds the per-country limit. 4. Beyond the detailed analysis that we shared, this has been stated numerous times by Charlie Oppenheim, who is the head of the 'Visa . DV visa availability through the very end of FY-2023 cannot be taken for granted. 4. Country Filters . Back to Green Card Discussion Forum (I-140) Ask a Lawyer. Your priority date should be before this date. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS. If it becomes necessary during the monthly allocation process to retrogress a final action date, supplemental requests for numbers will be honored only if the priority date falls within the new final action date announced in this bulletin. L. 105-139, provides that once the Employment Third Preference Other Worker (EW) cut-off date has reached the priority date of the latest EW petition approved prior to November 19, 1997, the 10,000 EW numbers available for a fiscal year are to be reduced by up to 5,000 annually beginning in the following fiscal year. Section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sets an annual minimum family-sponsored preference limit of 226,000. The worldwide level for annual employment-based preference immigrants is at least 140,000. FINAL ACTION DATES FORFAMILY-SPONSOREDPREFERENCE CASES, On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); "C" means current, i.e., numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants; and "U" means unauthorized, i.e., numbers are not authorized for issuance. During an interview with Charlie Oppenheim of the State Department, the following statements and predictions were made in relation to employment-based and family-based categories.
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