- DOS has confirmed that it is sending e-mails to some employers who have submitted immigration proceedings on behalf of beneficiaries. The e-mails come from a contractor at the DOS and ask employers to confirm that a beneficiary will be providing services at the company. If you receive such an e-mail from the e-mail address clientverification@state.gov, please contact your immigration counsel as soon as possible.
- The August 2017 DOS Visa Bulletin “Final Action” chart for employment-based preference cases contains some important updates as we head into the eleventh month of FY2017. As anticipated, the DOS established a cut-off date of April 1, 2015 for EB-2 “Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability” for All Chargeability areas, Mexico, El Salvador / Guatemala / Honduras, and the Philippines. The DOS expects these EB-2 categories will become current in October when the new fiscal year begins. EB-3 “Skilled Workers / Professionals” for All Chargeability areas, Mexico, and El Salvador / Guatemala / Honduras is current. EB-3 Philippines advances 1 year to a cut-off date of June 1, 2015 while EB-3 India continues its steady movement by advancing 5 months to July 15, 2006. Please stay tuned for the latest update and contact your immigration counsel with questions and to plan immigration proceedings filing based on the Bulletin data.