The March 2017 DOS Visa Bulletin “Final Action” chart for employment-based preference cases reflects progress as we head into the sixth month of the government’s fiscal year (“FY”) 2017: EB-2 “Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability” category for China and India progresses 1 month and 6 weeks to cut-off dates of December 15, 2012 and June 1, 2008, respectively. EB-3 “Skilled Workers / Professionals / Other Workers” for All Chargeability areas, Mexico, and El Salvador / Guatemala / Honduras continues its steady movement by advancing 2 months to a cut-off date of December 1, 2016. EB-3 China and the Philippines advances 5 months to cut-off dates of March 15, 2014 and March 15, 2012, respectively.
The DOS projects that EB-1 Priority Workers for China and India categories, which are presently current, will likely have a cut-off date by August 2017. The DOS anticipates potential monthly progress by 5 weeks and 1 month for EB-2 China and India, respectively. For EB-3, the DOS expects potential monthly movement at the following rates: All Chargeability – up to 3 months; China – up to 6 months; India – limited forward movement; Mexico – remain current; and Philippines – up to 6 months.
Continue monitoring the Blog for further developments.