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03/08/2024: April 2024 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for April 2024. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

April 2024 VB Quick Summary - ImmigrationRoad.com
Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 2023-01-15 54
ROW EB3 2022-11-22 75
China EB1 2022-09-01 48
China EB2 2020-02-01 31
China EB3 2020-09-01 0 (No Change)
India EB1 2021-03-01 151
India EB2 2012-04-01 31
India EB3 2012-08-15 45

Pursuant to H.R. 7463, signed on March 1, 2024, the non-minister special immigrant program expires on March 22, 2024. No SR visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after midnight March 21, 2024. Visas issued prior to that date will be valid only until March 21, 2024, and all individuals seeking admission in the non-minister special immigrant category must be admitted (repeat admitted) into the United States no later than midnight March 21, 2024.

The SR category is listed as “Unavailable” for all countries for April. In the event there is legislative action extending the category, it is likely it will become available effective immediately. If extended, the category will be subject to the same final action dates as the listed Employment-Based Fourth Preference categories per applicable foreign state of chargeability.

02/09/2024: March 2024 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for March 2024. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

March 2024 VB Quick Summary - ImmigrationRoad.com
Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 2022-11-22 7
ROW EB3 2022-09-08 7
China EB1 2022-07-15 14
China EB2 2020-01-01 0 (No Change)
China EB3 2020-09-01 0 (No Change)
India EB1 2020-10-01 30
India EB2 2012-03-01 0 (No Change)
India EB3 2012-07-01 0 (No Change)

01/12/2024: February 2024 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for February 2024. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

February 2024 VB Quick Summary - ImmigrationRoad.com
Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 2022-11-15 14
ROW EB3 2022-09-01 31
China EB1 2022-07-01 0 (No Change)
China EB2 2020-01-01 0 (No Change)
China EB3 2020-09-01 0 (No Change)
India EB1 2020-09-01 0 (No Change)
India EB2 2012-03-01 0 (No Change)
India EB3 2012-07-01 30

12/11/2023: January 2024 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for January 2024. Other than China EB2 and EB3 moving forward by 3 weeks, other categories mostly remain unchanged. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

January 2024 VB Quick Summary - ImmigrationRoad.com
Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 2022-11-01 109
ROW EB3 2022-08-01 243
China EB1 2022-07-01 136
China EB2 2020-01-01 71
China EB3 2020-09-01 223
India EB1 2020-09-01 1339
India EB2 2012-03-01 60
India EB3 2012-06-01 31

11/09/2023: December 2023 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for December 2023. Other than China EB2 and EB3 moving forward by 3 weeks, other categories mostly remain unchanged. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

December 2023 VB Quick Summary - ImmigrationRoad.com
Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 2022-07-15 0 (no change)
ROW EB3 2021-12-01 0 (no change)
China EB1 2022-02-15 0 (no change)
China EB2 2019-10-22 21
China EB3 2020-01-22 21
India EB1 2017-01-01 0 (no change)
India EB2 2012-01-01 0 (no change)
India EB3 2012-05-01 0 (no change)

10/12/2023: USCIS Launches a New Enterprise Change of Address

On Sept. 28, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services launched a new Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) self-service tool to allow customers to update their address with USCIS more easily.

With E-COA, most individuals with a USCIS online account can update their mailing and physical address with USCIS for pending applications, petitions, or requests in a single place, eliminating the need to update the address in multiple places; fill out a paper AR-11, Alien's Change of Address Card; call the Contact Center; or visit a USCIS Field or Asylum Office. The E-COA tool is available in English only and can be accessed via a USCIS online account regardless of whether the pending case was submitted online or by mail. Customers who do not have any pending applications, petitions, or requests can also use the tool to meet the requirement to notify USCIS if they have moved.

10/06/2023: November 2023 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for November 2023. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

November 2023 VB Quick Summary - ImmigrationRoad.com
Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 2022-07-15 7
ROW EB3 2021-12-01 0 (no change)
China EB1 2022-02-15 0 (no change)
China EB2 2019-10-01 0 (no change)
China EB3 2020-01-01 0 (no change)
India EB1 2017-01-01 0 (no change)
India EB2 2012-01-01 0 (no change)
India EB3 2012-05-01 0 (no change)

09/15/2023: October 2023 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for October 2023. October is the start of a new fiscal year for USCIS and DOS, so several categories are showing significant forward movement in this visa bulletin. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

October 2023 VB Quick Summary - ImmigrationRoad.com
Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 2022-07-08 7
ROW EB3 2021-12-01 579
China EB1 2022-02-15 14
China EB2 2019-10-01 85
China EB3 2020-01-01 122
India EB1 2017-01-01 1827
India EB2 2012-01-01 365
India EB3 2012-05-01 1216

08/14/2023: September 2023 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for September 2023. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

September 2023 VB Quick Summary - ImmigrationRoad.com
Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 2023-08-01 0 (no change)
ROW EB2 2022-07-01 91
ROW EB3 2020-05-01 0 (no change)
China EB1 2022-02-01 0 (no change)
China EB2 2019-07-08 0 (no change)
China EB3 2019-09-01 92
India EB1 2012-01-01 0 (no change)
India EB2 2011-01-01 0 (no change)
India EB3 2009-01-01 0 (no change)

07/13/2023: August 2023 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for August 2023. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

August 2023 VB Quick Summary - ImmigrationRoad.com
Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 2023-08-01 0
ROW EB2 2022-04-01 45
ROW EB3 2020-05-01 -641
China EB1 2022-02-01 0 (no change)
China EB2 2019-07-08 30
China EB3 2019-06-01 61
India EB1 2012-01-01 -3684
India EB2 2011-01-01 0 (no change)
India EB3 2009-01-01 0 (no change)

06/09/2023: July 2023 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for July 2023. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

July 2023 VB Quick Summary - ImmigrationRoad.com
Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 2022-02-15 0 (no change)
ROW EB3 2022-02-01 -120
China EB1 2022-02-01 0 (no change)
China EB2 2019-06-08 0 (no change)
China EB3 2019-04-01 0 (no change)
India EB1 2022-02-01 0 (no change)
India EB2 2011-01-01 0 (no change)
India EB3 2009-01-01 -1261

E. RETROGRESSION IN THE EMPLOYMENT-BASED THIRD PREFERENCE (EB-3) FOR REST OF WORLD COUNTRIES, MEXICO, AND PHILIPPINES

In the May 2023 Visa Bulletin, the EB-3 final action dates for Rest of World, Mexico, and the Philippines were established to keep number use within the FY 2023 annual limit. This was in part due to higher than expected demand from applicants with priority dates earlier than the established final action dates. The Department and USCIS continue to see increased demand from these applicants, necessitating retrogression. As a result, the Rest of World, Mexico, and Philippines EB-3 final action dates have retrogressed to 01FEB22. This situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly.

F. RETROGRESSION IN THE EMPLOYMENT-BASED THIRD PREFERENCE (EB-3) FOR INDIA

As readers were informed was possible in Item E of the June 2023 Visa Bulletin, it has become necessary to retrogress the EB-3 final action date for India effective in July. India’s EB-3 number use has been consistently robust throughout the fiscal year, and it is estimated that applicants chargeable to India will use all EB-3 numbers made available to them during this fiscal year, taking into account INA 202(a)(5) and INA 202(e), by the end of June. Thus, applicants from India are subject to a final action date of 01JAN09. This situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly.

05/11/2023: June 2023 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for June 2023. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

June 2023 VB Quick Summary - ImmigrationRoad.com
Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 2022-02-15 0 (no change)
ROW EB3 2022-06-01 0 (no change)
China EB1 2022-02-01 0 (no change)
China EB2 2019-06-08 0 (no change)
China EB3 2019-04-01 0 (no change)
India EB1 2022-02-01 0 (no change)
India EB2 2011-01-01 0 (no change)
India EB3 2012-06-15 0 (no change)

04/18/2023: May 2023 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for May 2023. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

May 2023 VB Quick Summary - ImmigrationRoad.com
Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 2022-02-15 -136
ROW EB3 2022-06-01 -134
China EB1 2022-02-01 0 (no change)
China EB2 2019-06-08 0 (no change)
China EB3 2019-04-01 151
India EB1 2022-02-01 0 (no change)
India EB2 2011-01-01 0 (no change)
India EB3 2012-06-15 0 (no change)

VISA AVAILABILITY IN THE EMPLOYMENT-BASED FIRST PREFERENCE (EB-1) FOR CHINA AND INDIA

Increased rest of world demand and number use in EB-1 will most likely necessitate retrogression in the final action dates for China and India in the coming months to hold number use within the maximum allowed under the FY-2023 annual limits. This situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly.

03/30/2023: New Filing Address for Courier Delivery Services to USCIS Phoenix Lockbox

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has changed the filing location for courier delivery services to the Phoenix lockbox. The facility has moved to Tempe, Arizona, and the filing location for courier delivery services for UPS, FedEx, and DHL has also changed to Tempe. The filing location remains the same when using the U.S. Postal Service.

We will forward any applications, petitions, or requests received in Phoenix via courier delivery services to Tempe between March 30 and April 28. After April 28, we will not accept courier delivery at the previous address. - USCIS

03/30/2023: USCIS Opens HART Service Center

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is announcing the opening of the Humanitarian, Adjustment, Removing Conditions, and Travel Documents (HART) Service Center, the sixth service center within its Service Center Operations (SCOPS) directorate, and the first to focus on humanitarian and other workload cases.

After a review of USCIS processing times, we deemed that the greater focus should be provided to these humanitarian-based benefits, which led to the creation of the HART Service Center. With HART, we are taking action to improve our service in partnership with community groups. In fact, the creation of HART is partially the result of the feedback we have received from our partnership with stakeholders and community groups. - USCIS

03/27/2023: H-1B Initial Electronic Registration Selection Process Completed

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2024 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap). We have randomly selected from the registrations properly submitted to reach the cap, and have notified all prospective petitioners with selected registrations that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration.

H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2024, including those petitions eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may be filed with USCIS beginning April 1, 2023, if based on a valid, selected registration. - USCIS

03/22/2023: April 2023 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for April 2023. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

April 2023 VB Quick Summary - ImmigrationRoad.com
Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 2022-7-1 -123
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 2022-02-01 0 (no change)
China EB2 2019-06-08 0 (no change)
China EB3 2018-11-01 92
India EB1 2022-02-01 0 (no change)
India EB2 2011-01-01 -280
India EB3 2012-06-15 0 (no change)




EMPLOYMENT-BASED SECOND PREFERENCE (EB-2) RETROGRESSION FOR REST OF WORLD COUNTRIES, INDIA, MEXICO, and PHILIPPINES

Item D in the March 2023 Visa Bulletin warned that retrogression in the Employment-Based Second Preference (EB-2) category was likely due to much higher than expected number use and demand since December 2022. The Department and USCIS continue to see high demand from applicants with priority dates earlier than the established final action dates. Therefore, the EB-2 final action dates for Rest of World, India, Mexico, and the Philippines retrogressed to keep number use within the FY 2023 annual limit.

The Rest of World, Mexico, and Philippines EB-2 final action dates retrogressed to 01JUL22 and the India EB-2 final action date retrogressed to 01JAN11. This situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly.

02/14/2023: March 2023 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for March 2023. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

March 2023 VB Quick Summary - ImmigrationRoad.com
Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 2022-11-1 0 (no change)
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 2022-02-01 0 (no change)
China EB2 2019-06-08 0 (no change)
China EB3 2018-08-01 0 (no change)
India EB1 2022-02-01 0 (no change)
India EB2 2011-10-08 0 (no change)
India EB3 2012-06-15 0 (no change)



EB2: Since December 2022, there has been higher than expected number use and demand, mostly due to continued new filings by applicants from all countries with priority dates earlier than the established final action dates. This will necessitate corrective action in the coming months to hold number use within the maximum allowed under the Fiscal Year 2023 annual limit. This situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly.

EB3: Increased demand in the Employment Third category may necessitate the establishment of a worldwide final action date (including Mexico and Philippines) in the coming months to hold number use within the maximum allowed under the Fiscal Year 2023 annual limit. This situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly.

EB4: In the December 2022 Visa Bulletin, EB-4 final action and application filing dates were established for Rest of World countries, China, India, and Philippines in response to high demand. Number use and demand in this category have continued to increase, which necessitates further retrogression of the final action dates and application filing dates for Rest of World countries as well as China, India, Mexico, and Philippines, to hold number use within the maximum allowed under the Fiscal Year 2023 annual limit. This situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly.

EB5: 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 FY-2023 annual limit. Number use and demand has been higher than anticipated at the start of this fiscal year, so further retrogression has become necessary. For March, the final action date for the EB-5 Unreserved category for India is set at 01JUN18. The situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments made accordingly.

01/30/2023: USCIS Redesigns Green Card and EAD

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today new designs to improve security of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). USCIS will begin issuing the redesigned cards on Jan. 30, 2023.

The introduction of the new designs does not mean that currently issued cards are invalid. Current cards remain valid until their expiration date (unless otherwise noted, such as through an automatic extension of a Green Card or EAD as indicated on a Form I-797, Notice of Action, or in a Federal Register notice). - USCIS

01/13/2023: February 2023 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for February 2023. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

February 2023 VB Quick Summary - ImmigrationRoad.com
Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 2022-11-1 0 (no change)
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 2022-02-01 0 (no change)
China EB2 2019-06-08 0 (no change)
China EB3 2018-08-01 0 (no change)
India EB1 2022-02-01 0 (no change)
India EB2 2011-10-08 0 (no change)
India EB3 2012-06-15 0 (no change)


12/23/2022: January 2023 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for January 2023. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

January 2023 VB Quick Summary - ImmigrationRoad.com
Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 2022-11-1 0 (no change)
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 2022-02-01 -334
China EB2 2019-06-08 0 (no change)
China EB3 2018-08-01 0 (no change)
India EB1 2022-02-01 -334
India EB2 2011-10-08 0 (no change)
India EB3 2012-06-15 0 (no change)


DOS: As readers were warned may happen in Item E of the December 2022 Visa Bulletin, it has become necessary to establish Employment First Preference final action and application filing dates for China and India, effective in January, to hold number use within the maximum allowed under the FY-2023 annual limit. Applicants from China and India are subject to a final action date of 01FEB22 and an application filing date of 01JUN22. This situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly.

12/13/2022: New Edition of Form I-485 Will Be Required Starting Dec. 23, 2022

If you file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, on or after Dec. 23, 2022, you must use the 12/23/22 edition of Form I-485 or we will reject your filing. If you file Form I-485 before Dec. 23, 2022, you must use the 07/15/22 edition of Form I-485 or USCIS will reject your filing.

On Sept. 9, 2022, DHS published the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility final rule to provide clarity and consistency for noncitizens on how DHS will administer the public charge ground of inadmissibility. The new final rule will go into effect on Dec. 23, 2022, and requires collection of information in the new 12/23/2022 edition of Form I-485.

11/16/2022: December 2022 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for December 2022. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 2022-11-1 -30
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2019-06-08 0 (no change)
China EB3 2018-08-01 47
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2011-10-08 -176
India EB3 2012-06-15 75

11/03/2022: Implementation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Final Rule


On Sept. 28, 2021, DHS published a notice of proposed rulemaking for DACA. After a careful review of the more than 16,000 public comments submitted, DHS published the final rule on Aug. 30, 2022. The final rule, which took effect on Oct. 31, 2022:


  • Maintains the existing threshold criteria for DACA;
  • Retains the existing requirement that DACA requestors file Form I-765 and Form I-765WS concurrently with Form I-821D; and
  • Affirms the longstanding policy that DACA is not a form of lawful status but that DACA recipients, like other deferred action recipients, are considered “lawfully present” for certain purposes.

10/07/2022: November 2022 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for November 2022. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2019-06-08 0 (no change)
China EB3 2018-06-15 0 (no change)
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2012-04-01 0 (no change)
India EB3 2012-04-01 0 (no change)

10/07/2022: ALERT: Important Update on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals


On Oct. 5, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a decision on the 2012 Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA) policy. The court partially affirmed the district court’s July 2021 decision declaring the 2012 DACA policy unlawful. However, the court of appeals preserved the partial stay issued by the district court in July 2021 and remanded the case back to the district court for further proceedings regarding the new DHS DACA regulation published on Aug. 30, 2022 and scheduled to go into effect on Oct. 31, 2022.

At this time, this ruling does not affect current grants of DACA and related Employment Authorization Documents. Consistent with the court’s order [PDF] and the ongoing partial stay, we will continue to accept and process renewal DACA requests, accompanying requests for employment authorization, and applications for advance parole for current DACA recipients, and will continue to accept but not process initial DACA requests. - USCIS FAQ

09/14/2022: October 2022 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for October 2022. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2019-06-08 68
China EB3 2018-06-15 54
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2012-04-01 -974
India EB3 2012-04-01 46

08/09/2022: September 2022 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for September 2022. Unfortunately, it's exactly the same as August, meaning that all categories remain unchanged. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Both China and India EB-2 stayed the same, while both EB-3 categories advanced by one month.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2019-04-01 0
China EB3 2018-04-22 0
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2014-12-01 0
India EB3 2012-02-15 0

07/08/2022: August 2022 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for August 2022. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Both China and India EB-2 stayed the same, while both EB-3 categories advanced by one month.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2019-04-01 0
China EB3 2018-04-22 31
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2014-12-01 0
India EB3 2012-02-15 31

06/16/2022: July 2022 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for July 2022. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

India EB-3 cutoff date has been stuck on 2012-01-05 for 9 months straight. Similarly, China EB-3 hasn't moved from 2018-03-22 for 9 months as well.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2019-04-01 31
China EB3 2018-03-22 0
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2014-12-01 91
India EB3 2012-01-15 0

03/17/2022: USCIS Urges Eligible Individuals to Consider Applying for Adjustment of Status in EB-2

"If you are a noncitizen who has an approved immigrant visa petition in the EB-2 category chargeable to India and a priority date earlier than Sept. 1, 2014, USCIS encourages you to consider applying for adjustment of status in April by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. You should include your Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, with your Form I-485 to save time. You are not required to file Form I-693 at the same time you file Form I-485, but filing both forms at the same time may eliminate the need for USCIS to issue a Request for Evidence to obtain your Form I-693. This may also help avoid adjudication delays if we decide that you do not need to be interviewed." - USCIS

03/16/2022: April 2022 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for April 2022. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2019-03-01 0
China EB3 2018-03-22 0
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2013-07-08 68
India EB3 2012-01-15 0

03/02/2022: USCIS Expands Credit Card Payment Pilot Program to All Service Centers

USCIS: "As part of our credit card payment pilot program, the USCIS service centers are now accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, for all forms except Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, for H-1B and H-2A petitions. At the end of the pilot, we will evaluate the results and determine the next steps for expanding this payment option for other forms. The goal of this pilot is to bring USCIS one step closer to accepting digital payments using a credit card at all service centers. We started, and then expanded, this program at the Nebraska Service Center, and then further expanded the program to the Texas, Vermont and California service centers."

02/17/2022: USCIS Proposed Rule: Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on the public charge ground of inadmissibility that would help reduce fear and confusion among immigrant communities and U.S. citizens, leading to fair and consistent adjudications for those seeking admission at ports of entry or adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident inside the United States. The proposed rule will have a 60-day public comment period that begins on the date specified in the forthcoming Federal Register notice.

02/17/2022: March 2022 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for March 2022. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2019-03-01 0
China EB3 2018-03-22 0
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2013-05-01 120
India EB3 2012-01-15 0

01/23/2022: February 2022 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for February 2022. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2019-03-01 38
China EB3 2018-03-22 0
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2013-01-01 177
India EB3 2012-01-15 0

12/16/2021: January 2022 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for January 2022. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2019-01-22 21
China EB3 2018-03-22 0
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2012-07-08 68
India EB3 2012-01-15 0

11/15/2021: December 2021 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for December 2021. The table below shows "Final Action" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2019-01-01 47
China EB3 2018-03-22 0
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2012-05-01 152
India EB3 2012-01-15 0

10/14/2021: November 2021 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for November 2021. The table below shows "Final Action (Approval)" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2018-11-15 137
China EB3 2018-03-22 -292
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2011-12-01 91
India EB3 2012-01-15 -717

Both China and India EB-3 categories moved back significantly, due to heavy demand from USCIS for I-485 cases.

10/12/2021: USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for First Half of FY 2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated cap on H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural workers for the first half of fiscal year 2022. Sept. 30 was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date before April 1, 2022. USCIS will reject new cap-subject H-2B petitions received after Sept. 30 that request an employment start date before April 1, 2022. USCIS continues to accept H-2B petitions that are exempt from the congressionally mandated cap.

09/18/2021: October 2021 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for October 2021. The table below shows "Final Action (Approval)" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. Unfortunately for October, there is little movement and it's almost exactly the same as the previous month. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2018-07-01 0
China EB3 2019-01-08 0
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2011-09-01 0
India EB3 2014-01-01 0

09/01/2021: USCIS Creates New Webpage for Lockbox Filing Location Updates

USCIS has created a new Lockbox Filing Location Updates page on our website for customers to keep track of updates we make to lockbox filing locations. You can use this page to easily see which lockbox form filing locations USCIS has updated and when the update was made. USCIS will update this page regularly, but always encourage you to check the “Where to File” section of your form’s webpage for the most current information on where to mail your form.

08/18/2021: September 2021 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for September 2021. The table below shows "Final Action (Approval)" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2018-07-01 91
China EB3 2019-01-08 0
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2011-09-01 92
India EB3 2014-01-01 184

08/05/2021: Statement from Ur M. Jaddou as New Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

“As a proud American and a daughter of immigrants, I am deeply humbled and honored to return to USCIS as director. I look forward to leading a team of dedicated public servants committed to honoring the aspirations of people like my parents and millions of others who are proud to choose this country as their own. USCIS embodies America’s welcoming spirit as a land of opportunity for all and a place where possibilities are realized.

"Since January, USCIS has taken immediate steps to reduce barriers to legal immigration, increase accessibility for immigration benefits, and reinvigorate the size and scope of humanitarian relief. As USCIS director, I will work each and every day to ensure our nation’s legal immigration system is managed in a way that honors our heritage as a nation of welcome and as a beacon of hope to the world; reducing unnecessary barriers and supporting our agency’s modernization.

"As we look to the future, I am excited for the work ahead and ready to roll up my sleeves to implement Secretary Mayorkas’ goals and the priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that the work of USCIS lives up to our nation’s highest values.”

07/20/2021: USCIS Expands Credit Card Payment Pilot Program to Form I-140 When Requesting Premium Processing

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that it has expanded a previously announced pilot program at the Nebraska Service Center (NSC) for accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, for certain applicants applying for premium processing.

On July 19, the NSC started accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450 for petitioners filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, with Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, or when filing Form I-907 to upgrade a pending Form I-140 to premium processing. The pilot continues to be limited to the NSC. At the end of the pilot, we will evaluate the results and determine the next steps for expanding this payment option for other forms or other service centers. The goal of this pilot is to bring USCIS one step closer to accepting digital payments using a credit card at all service centers.

07/14/2021: August 2021 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for August 2021. The table below shows "Final Action (Approval)" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2018-04-01 121
China EB3 2019-01-08 7
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2011-06-01 0
India EB3 2013-07-01 181

Division O, Title 1, Section 104 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 extended the immigrant investor pilot program until June 30, 2021. No I5 or R5 visas may be issued overseas or final action taken on adjustment of status cases after June 30, 2021.

The final action dates for the I5 and R5 categories have been listed as “Unavailable” for August.

If there is legislative action extending this category for August, the final action dates would immediately become “Current” for August for all countries except China-mainland born I5 and R5, which would be subject to a November 15, 2015 final action date.

07/01/2021: USCIS to Celebrate Independence Day with Naturalization Ceremonies Across the Country

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Independence Day this year by welcoming more than 9,400 new citizens in 170 naturalization ceremonies between June 30 and July 7. These ceremonies demonstrate our commitment to welcoming immigrants. USCIS is proud to welcome people from all over the world as our newest U.S. citizens during this celebration of Independence Day.

06/24/2021: USCIS Extends Flexibility for Responding to Agency Requests

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending the flexibilities it announced on March 30, 2020, to assist applicants, petitioners and requestors who are responding to certain:

  • Requests for Evidence;
  • Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14);
  • Notices of Intent to Deny;
  • Notices of Intent to Revoke;
  • Notices of Intent to Rescind;
  • Notices of Intent to Terminate regional centers; and
  • Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant.

06/23/2021: USCIS Will Allow Resubmission of Certain FY 2021 H-1B Petitions Rejected or Closed Due to Start Date

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today it will accept resubmitted fiscal year (FY) 2021 H-1B cap-subject petitions that were rejected or administratively closed solely because the requested start date was after Oct. 1, 2020.

If your FY 2021 petition was rejected or administratively closed solely because your petition was based on a registration submitted during the initial registration period, but you requested a start date after Oct. 1, 2020, you may re-submit that previously filed petition, with all applicable fees, at the address below. Such petitions must be resubmitted before Oct. 1, 2021. If properly resubmitted, we will consider the petition to have been filed on the original receipt date.

06/17/2021: July 2021 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for July 2021. The table below shows "Final Action (Approval)" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2017-12-01 214
China EB3 2019-01-01 122
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2011-06-01 182
India EB3 2013-01-01 427

06/14/2021: Vermont Service Center Address Change

Effective June 14, 2021, the Vermont Service Center will no longer receive any incoming mail at the St. Albans, VT facility, which is being decommissioned. Mail sent to the previous addresses will be forwarded for one year, but any mail sent to the previous addresses after June 2022 may be returned to the sender by the United States Postal Service or the courier service used. - USCIS

Type New Address
Premium Processing Mail Premium Processing Service USCIS Vermont Service Center 30 River Road Essex Junction, VT 05452-3808
H-1B Cap Mail USCIS Vermont Service Center 38 River Road Suite 1000 Essex Junction, VT 05479-0001
All Other Mail USCIS Vermont Service Center 38 River Road Essex Junction, VT 05479-0001

06/03/2021: Cap Reached for Additional Returning Worker H-2B Visas for FY 2021

Under the recently announced H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule, USCIS has received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 16,000 H-2B visas made available for returning workers only. We continue to accept petitions for H-2B nonimmigrant workers for the additional 6,000 visas allotted for nationals of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador (collectively called the Northern Triangle).

06/02/2021: USCIS Announces Pilot Program for Credit Card Payments Using Form G-1450 When Filing Form I-485

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a pilot program for accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, for U nonimmigrants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

The pilot program began on May 3 at the Nebraska Service Center and will be limited to this location. The service center started accepting credit card payments from certain Form I-485 applicants using Form G-1450. Applicants must be U nonimmigrants (victims of criminal activity). At the end of the pilot, USCIS will evaluate the results and determine the next steps for possibly expanding this payment option for other forms or other service centers. - USCIS

05/19/2021: June 2021 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for June 2021. The table below shows "Final Action (Approval)" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2017-05-01 151
China EB3 2018-09-01 109
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2010-12-01 122
India EB3 2011-11-01 273

05/17/2021: USCIS Announces Open Application Period for Citizenship and Integration Grant Program

USCIS is now accepting applications for two funding awards under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. This program will provide up to $10 million in competitive grants to immigrant-serving organizations that provide citizenship instruction and civic integration services to lawful permanent residents. The two funding awards are the following:

  • Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services
  • Refugee and Asylee Integration Services Program

05/13/2021: USCIS Temporarily Suspends Biometrics Requirement for Certain Form I-539 Applicants

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that effective May 17, 2021, we will temporarily suspend the biometrics submission requirement for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, requesting an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, and E nonimmigrant status. USCIS will adjudicate these Form I-539 applications based on biographic information and related background checks but without capturing fingerprints and a photograph. This suspension will apply through May 17, 2023, subject to affirmative extension or revocation of the suspension period by the USCIS director.

04/20/2021: May 2021 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for May 2021. The table below shows "Final Action (Approval)" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2016-12-01 91
China EB3 2018-05-15 61
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2010-08-01 92
India EB3 2011-02-01 153

04/12/2021: F-1 Students Seeking Optional Practical Training Can Now File Form I-765 Online

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that F-1 students seeking optional practical training (OPT) can now file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online if they are filing under one of these categories:

  • (c)(3)(A) – Pre-Completion OPT;
  • (c)(3)(B) – Post-Completion OPT; and
  • (c)(3)(C) – 24-Month Extension of OPT for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students.

03/15/2021: April 2021 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for April 2021. The table below shows "Final Action (Approval)" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 C C
China EB2 2016-09-01 48
China EB3 2018-03-15 35
India EB1 C C
India EB2 2010-05-01 106
India EB3 2010-09-01 62

02/23/2021: March 2021 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for March 2021. The table below shows "Final Action (Approval)" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 2020-08-01 213
China EB2 2016-07-15 30
China EB3 2018-02-08 38
India EB1 2020-08-01 213
India EB2 2010-01-15 95
India EB3 2010-07-01 91

02/16/2021: Overview of the H-1B Electronic Registration Process: A Webinar for Registrants

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services invites you to participate in a webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern. During this webinar, USCIS representatives will provide an instructional presentation of the H-1B electronic registration process in myUSCIS for registrants. We will hold another webinar specifically tailored for attorneys and representatives on Tuesday, Feb. 23. - USCIS

02/16/2021: USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2021 H-1B Cap

USCIS has received a sufficient number of petitions needed to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap, for fiscal year (FY) 2021.

We have completed sending non-selection notifications to registrants’ online accounts. The status for registrations properly submitted for the FY 2021 H-1B numerical allocations, but that were not selected, will now show: * Not Selected: Not selected for this fiscal year.

01/22/2021: February 2021 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for February 2021. The table below shows "Final Action (Approval)" cut-off dates and movement from the previous month, for all major employment-based categories. To see filing cut-off dates or family-sponsored categories please go to the Visa Bulletin page linked above. For our unique Visa Bulletin Graphical Tracker, cutoff date predictions and more information please refer to the Visa Bulletin Toolbox.

Employment Based Key Categories - Final Action Dates and Movement from Previous Month:

Chargeability Preference Cut-off Date (Y-M-D) Movement (Days)
ROW EB1 C C
ROW EB2 C C
ROW EB3 C C
China EB1 2020-01-01 122
China EB2 2016-06-15 14
China EB3 2018-01-01 17
India EB1 2020-01-01 122
India EB2 2009-10-12 4
India EB3 2010-04-01 10

See DOS Visa Bulletin Predictions.

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