Priority-date cutoffs will advance modestly or remain the same in key employment-based categories next month, according to the State Department’s February Visa Bulletin.

Final Action Dates: Key Movements

EB-1

  • All countries under EB-1 will remain current.

EB-2

  • China EB-2 will advance over five weeks to March 1, 2019.
  • India EB-2 will advance almost six months to Jan 1, 2013.
  • All other countries under EB-2 will remain current.

EB-3

  • China EB-3 will remain at March 22, 2018.
  • India EB-3 will remain at Jan. 15, 2012.
  • All other countries under EB-3 will remain current.

Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases:

Preference All Other Countries China El Salvador Guatemala Honduras India Mexico Philippines
EB-1 Current Current Current Current Current Current
EB-2 Current March 1, 2019 Current Jan. 1, 2013 Current Current
EB-3 Current March 22, 2018 Current Jan. 15, 2012 Current Current

Dates for Filing: Key Movements

EB-1

  • All countries under EB-1 will remain current.

EB-2

  • China EB-2 will remain at April 1, 2019.
  • India EB-2 will advance almost two months to Sept. 1, 2013.
  • All other countries under EB-2 will remain current.

EB-3

  • China EB-3 will remain at April 1, 2018.
  • India EB-3 will remain at Jan. 22, 2012.
  • All other countries under EB-3 will remain current.

Dates for Filing for Employment-Based Preference Cases:

Preference All Other Countries China El Salvador Guatemala Honduras India Mexico Philippines
EB-1 Current Current Current Current Current Current
EB-2 Current April 1, 2019 Current Sept. 1, 2013 Current Current
EB-3 Current April 1, 2018 Current Jan. 22, 2012 Current Current

Additional Information: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will soon announce via a web posting whether it will use the Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing chart in February. BAL will update clients once officials confirm which chart will be used.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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