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Visa Bulletin Employment-based Preferences Cut-off Dates

From EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki

E1E3The Visa Bulletin, published by United States Department of State, summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers each month.

Employment-based Visa allocation[edit]

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. Section 202 prescribes that the per-country limit for preference immigrants is set at 7% of the total annual family-sponsored and employment-based preference limits, i.e., 25,620. The dependent area limit is set at 2%, or 7,320.[1]

The employment-based preferences are defined as follows:

First – Priority Workers

  • 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required for fourth and fifth preferences.

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.

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". 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 Public Law 105-139, reduces this number by up to 5,000 annually beginning in the fiscal year 2002.

Fourth – Certain Special Immigrants

  • 7.1% of the worldwide level.

Fifth – Employment Creation

  • 7.1% of the worldwide level, not less than 3,000 of which reserved for investors in a targeted rural or high-unemployment area, and 3,000 set aside for investors in regional centers by Sec. 610 of Public Law 102-395.[2]

Employment-based Visa retrogression[edit]

In the early 2000s, "accounting problems" between USCIS's processing of LPR adjustments of status in the United States and Bureau of Consular Affairs (BCA), Department of State processing of LPR Visas abroad became apparent. Most employment-based LPRs are adjusting status from within the United States rather than being admitted to the United States from abroad. BCA is dependent on USCIS for current processing data on which to allocate the Visa numbers and calculate the employment-based Visa priority dates. Therefore, DOS may understate the actual number of approved petitions if USCIS does not forward "adjusting" LPR petitions to the National Visa Center in advance of BCA reaching the Visa priority date for each month.[3]

When the Visa priority dates move backward in time rather than forward, the phenomenon is known as Visa retrogression. Visa retrogression occurs when more people apply for a Visa in a particular category or country than there are Visas available.[3]

This can result from problems in forwarding approved petitions to the National Visa Center in a timely manner. To cite one example, the Visa Bulletin for September 2005 offered this explanation for Visa retrogression:[3]

The backlog reduction efforts of both Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Department of Labor continue to result in very heavy demand for Employment-based numbers. It is anticipated that the amount of such cases will be sufficient to use all available numbers in many categories ... demand in the Employment categories is expected to be far in excess of the annual limits, and once established, cut-off date movements are likely to be slow.

— U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Visa Bulletin, September 2005

The most substantial Visa retrogression occurred in July 2007. The Visa Bulletin for July 2007 listed the Visa priority dates as "current" for the employment-based preferences (except for the unskilled other worker category). On July 2, 2007, however, the State Department issued an Update to July Visa Availability that retrogressed the dates to "unavailable." The State Department offered the following explanation: "The sudden backlog reduction efforts by Citizenship and Immigration Services Offices during the past month have resulted in the use of almost 60,000 Employment numbers. ... Effective Monday July 2, 2007 there will be no further authorizations in response to requests for Employment-based preference cases." Visas in the employment-based categories were unavailable until the beginning of FY2008. Reportedly, USCIS now forwards all approved petitions to the National Visa Center, with the notable exception of those who would clearly be adjusting status within the United States.[3]

An additional Visa retrogression occurred in October 2015. DOS released a revised Visa Bulletin for October 2015, in which it stated that after consultation with DHS, some of the dates for filing applications had been adjusted to "better reflect a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process." With regard to employment-based preference categories, the retrogression affected the 2nd preference category for petitions from India and China.[3]

Historical data[edit]

This page tracks the Employment-based Preferences cut-off date movements for all oversubscribed countries and rest of the world.


Fiscal year 2020[edit]

Final Action Dates[edit]

Month/Year India China Rest of the

world

Philippines Mexico El Salvador

Guatemala

Honduras

E1 E2 E3/EW E1 E2 E3 EW E1 E3/EW E4 E4
Sep 2020
Aug 2020
Jul 2020
Jun 2020
May 2020
April 2020
Mar 2020
Feb 2020
Jan 2020 01JAN15 18MAY09 01JAN09 15DEC16 01AUG15 08JUN15 01OCT17 22JUN17 15APR17 22FEB16
Dec 2019 01JAN15 15MAY09 01JAN09 15MAY17 22JUN15 01NOV15 15JUL18 01MAR18 22JUL17 01JUL16
Nov 2019 01JAN15 13MAY09 01JAN09 01FEB17 15MAR15 01NOV15 01FEB08 01JUN18 01FEB18 22JUL17 01JUL16
Oct 2019 01JAN15 12MAY09 01JAN09 01NOV16 01JAN15 01NOV15 01JAN08 22APR18 15OCT17 01MAY17 01JUL16

Dates for Filing[edit]

Month/Year India China Rest of the

world

Philippines
E1 E2 E3/EW E1 E2 E3 EW E1 E3/EW
Sep 2020
Aug 2020
Jul 2020
Jun 2020
May 2020
April 2020
Mar 2020
Feb 2020
Jan 2020 15MAR17 01JUL09 01FEB10 01OCT17 08SEP15 01JAN16 01JUN08 01JUN18 01AUG17
Dec 2019 15MAR17 01JUL09 01FEB10 01SEP17 01AUG16 01MAR17 01AUG08 C C
Nov 2019 15MAR17 01JUL09 01FEB10 01SEP17 01AUG16 01MAR17 01AUG08 01JUL19 C
Oct 2019 15MAR17 01JUL09 01FEB10 01SEP17 01AUG16 01MAR17 01AUG08 01JUL19 C

Fiscal year 2019[edit]

Final Action Dates[edit]

Month/Year India China Rest of the

world

Philippines Mexico El Salvador

Guatemala

Honduras

E1 E2 E3/EW E1 E2 E3 EW E1 E3/EW E4 E4
Sep 2019 Unavailable 08MAY09 01JUL05 01JAN14 01JAN17 01JAN14 22NOV07 01OCT17 01JUL16 Unavailable Unavailable
Aug 2019 01JAN15 02MAY09 01JAN06 01JUL16 01JUL16 01JUL16 01JUL16 01JUL16
Jul 2019 24APR09 01JUL09 08MAY17 01NOV16 01JAN16 22APR18 Current
Jun 2019 19APR09 22FEB17 01AUG16 15SEP15 01SEP07 01NOV18 01OCT18 22MAR16
May 2019 22FEB17 16APR09 15MAY16 22AUG15 01MAR18 01JUN18 01AUG18 08MAR16
April 2019 12APR09 22JUN09 01APR16 01AUG15 22AUG07 01FEB18 01MAR18 01APR18
Mar 2019 09APR09 22MAY09 01JAN16 08JUL15 15AUG07 01JAN18 01DEC17 01JAN18 01MAR16
Feb 2019 08FEB17 06APR09 22APR09 08FEB17 01OCT15 01JUL15 01MAR16 01DEC17 01AUG17 01SEP17
Jan 2019 15DEC16 01APR09 01MAR09 15DEC16 01AUG15 08JUN15 01JUN07 01OCT17 22JUN17 15APR17 22FEB16
Dec 2018 01SEP16 01SEP16 01JUL15 01JUL17 15JUN17 01JAN17
Nov 2018 01JUN16 26MAR09 01JAN09 01JUN16 15MAY15 01JUN15 01MAY07 01APR17 08JUN17 22NOV16 15FEB16
Oct 2018 01APR15 01JUN17

Dates for Filing[edit]

Month/Year India China Rest of the

world

Philippines
E1 E2 E3/EW E1 E2 E3 EW E1 E3/EW
Sep 2019 01OCT17 01JUN09 01APR10 01OCT17 01JUN17 01JUN16 01JUN08 01SEP18 Current
Aug 2019 01FEB17
Jul 2019
Jun 2019 01NOV16 01JAN16 01JAN19
May 2019 01SEP16 01OCT18
April 2019 01JUL16 01JUN18 01JUL18
Mar 2019 22MAY09 01NOV15 01OCT17
Feb 2019
Jan 2019 08SEP15 01AUG17
Dec 2018 01JAN10 01DEC15
Nov 2018 01OCT09 15JUN15 08AUG15 01JUL17
Oct 2018

Fiscal year 2018[edit]

Final action dates[edit]

Month/Year E1 E2 E3/EW E4 Religious E5 (Non-Regional)
China

India

Rest of the

world

China India Rest of the

world

China

(E3)

China

(EW)

India Philippines Rest of the

world

Mexico El Salvador

Guatemala

Honduras

India Mexico El Salvador

Guatemala

Honduras

India China Vietnam
Sep 2018[4] - - 01JAN13 01JAN07 01JAN13 01NOV14 - 01JAN03 01NOV16 01NOV16 15FEB16 08AUG14 08AUG14
Aug 2018[5] - 01MAY16 01MAR15 - - 01JUL14 - 01JAN09 01JUN17 - - - 08FEB16 - - 08FEB16 - -
Jul 2018[6] - - 01JAN15 15MAR09 - 01JAN13 - 01NOV08 - - 08FEB16 08FEB16 - 08FEB16 08FEB16 - - -
Jun 2018[7] - - - 26DEC08 - - - - - - - - - - - - 01AUG14 01AUG14
May 2018[8] - - 01SEP14 - - - 01MAY07 01MAY08 - - 22OCT16 - - 22OCT16 15DEC15 Current - 22JUL14
April 2018[9] 01JAN12 - 01AUG14 22DEC08 - 01JUN15 01APR07 01FEB08 01JAN17 - 08AUG16 15DEC15 - Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable - -
Mar 2018[10] - - 08DEC13 15DEC08 - 15NOV14 01MAR07 01JAN07 - - 01JUL16 - - 01JUL16 01DEC15 Current - -
Feb 2018[11] - - 01OCT13 08DEC08 - 15SEP14 01FEB07 01DEC06 01MAR16 - 22JUN16 - - - - - - -
Jan 2018[12] - - 08AUG13 22NOV08 - 15APR14 22DEC06 01NOV06 15FEB16 - 01JUN16 01DEC15 - Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable 22JUL14 -
Dec 2017[13] - - 01JUL13 01NOV08 - 08MAR14 01JUL06 - - - 22APR16 08NOV15 - - - - 15JUL14 -
Nov 2017[14] - - 15JUN13 08OCT08 - 01FEB14 01APR06 - 15JAN16 - 01APR16 - - - - - 01JUL14 -
Oct 2017[15] Current Current 22MAY13 15SEP08 Current 01JAN14 01JAN06 15OCT06 01DEC15 Current 01MAR16 01NOV15 Current Current Current Current 22JUN14 Current

Dates for filing[edit]

Month/Year E2 E3/EW E4/Religious E5
China India China

(E3)

China

(EW)

India Philippines El Salvador

Guatemala

Honduras

China
Sep 2018 - - - - - - - -
Aug 2018 - - - - - - - -
Jul 2018 01APR15 22MAY09 - - 01MAY09 - 01MAY16 01OCT14
Jun 2018 - - - - - - - -
May 2018 - 01APR09 - - 01SEP08 - - -
April 2018 - - - - 01APR08 01JUL17 - -
Mar 2018 01FEB15 - - - - 01OCT16 - -
Feb 2018 15NOV14 - 01JAN16 - - - - 01SEP14
Jan 2018 - - - - - - - -
Dec 2017 15NOV13 - - - - - - -
Nov 2017[14] - - - - - - - -
Oct 2017[15] 01OCT13 08FEB09 01SEP15 01JUN08 01JAN08 01AUG16 15APR16 01OCT14

Fiscal year 2017[edit]

USCIS has determined that for the month of October 2016, applicants for all family-sponsored and employment-based preferences may use the Dates for Filing Visa Applications chart, except for certain employment-based fourth preference (EB-4) non-minister religious workers and for employment-based fifth preference (EB-5) Regional Center Program participants. These two groups must use the Application Final Action Dates chart.[16]

Application final action dates and dates For filing Visa applications[edit]

Month/Year E1 E2 E3/EW E4/SR E5
Rest of the world China India Philippines Rest of world China India Philippines Rest of world China (E3) China (EW) India Philippines Rest of world Mexico El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras Rest of world China
Sep 2017[17] Final Current 01JAN12 01JAN12 Current 01JAN16 15MAY13 22AUG08 01JAN16 Current 01JAN12 15OCT06 01NOV15 Current 22OCT15 Current 15JUN14
Filing Current Current 01OCT13 01FEB09 Current 01SEP15 01JAN07 01JAN16 Current 01SEP14
Aug 2017[18] Final Current 01JAN12 01JAN12 Current 01APR15 22Apr13 22Jul08 01APR15 Current 01Jan12 15Jul06 01JUN15 Current 15SEP15 Current 15JUN14
Filing Current Current 01OCT13 01Feb09 Current 01SEP15 01Jan07 01JAN16 Current 01SEP14
Jul 2017[19] Final Current 01Jan12 01Jan12 Current Current 22Mar13 22Jul08 Current 08Jun17 01Jan12 15Feb06 15May14 Current 15AUG15 Current 08JUN14
Filing Current 01Oct13 01Feb09 Current 01Sep15 01Oct06 01Jul15 Current 01SEP14
Jun 2017[20] Final Current 01Mar13 01Jul08 Current 01Oct14 15Jul06 15May05
Filing 01OCT13 01FEB09 01SEP15 22APR06
May 2017[21] Final Current 08Feb13 22Jun08 Current 01Oct14 08Mar06 01Jun14
Filing 01Oct13 01Feb09 01Sep15
April 2017[22] Final Current 15Jan13 22JUN08 Current 15Aug14 24MAR05
Filing 22APR09 01JUL05
Mar 2017[23] Final Current Current Current 15DEC12 01JUN08 Current 01DEC16 15MAR14 01FEB06 22MAR05 15MAR12 01MAY14
Filing 01MAR13 22APR09 01MAY14 01JUL05
Feb 2017[24] Final Current Current Current 15NOV12 15APR08 Current 01OCT16 01OCT13 01DEC05 22MAR05 15OCT11 Current 15JUL15 Current 15APR14
Filing 01MAR13 22APR09 Current 01MAY14 01AUG09 01JUL05 01SEP13 Current Current 15JUN14
Jan 2017[25] Final Current Current Current 15OCT12 15APR08 Current 01AUG16 08SEP13 01DEC05 15MAR05 22JUL11 Current 15JUL15 Current 08APR14
Filing 01MAR13 22APR09 Current 01MAY14 01AUG09 01JUL05 01SEP13 Current Current 15JUN14
Dec 2016[26] Final Current Current Current 22SEP12 01FEB08 Current 01JUL16 01JUL13 01NOV05 15MAR05 01JUN11 Current 15JUL15 Current 22MAR14
Filing 01MAR13 22APR09 Current 01MAY14 01AUG09 01JUL05 01SEP13 Current Current 15JUN14
Nov 2016[27] Final Current Current Current 15JUL12 01NOV07 Current 01JUL16 15APR13 01SEP05 08MAR05 01APR11 Current 15JUL15 Current 08MAR14
Filing 01MAR13 22APR09 Current 01MAY14 01AUG09 01JUL05 01SEP13 Current Current 15JUN14
Oct 2016[28] Final Current Current Current 15FEB12 15JAN07 Current 01JUN16 22JAN13 01JAN05 01MAR05 01DEC10 Current / Unavailable 15JUN15 Current / Unavailable 22FEB14
Filing 01MAR13 22APR09 Current 01MAY14 01AUG09 01JUL05 01SEP13 Current Current 15JUN14

Fiscal year 2016[edit]

A significant change in FY 2016 of Visa bulletin is the separation of "Application Final Action Dates" and "Dates For Filing Applications". USCIS, in coordination with DOS, revised the procedures for determining Visa availability for applicants waiting to file for adjustment of status. The revised process is claimed to better align with procedures DOS uses for foreign nationals who seek to become U.S. permanent residents by applying for immigrant Visas at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad.[29]

The October 2015 Visa bulletin was revised on September 25, 2015.

Application final action dates[edit]

Month/Year E1 E2 E3/EW E4/SR E5
Rest of world China, India Rest of world China India Rest of world China (E3) China (EW) India Philippines Rest of world India Mexico El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras Rest of world China
Sep 2016[30] Current 01JAN10 01FEB14 01JAN10 22FEB05 01MAY16 01JAN10 01JAN04 15FEB05 01JUL10 Current 01JAN10 Current 15FEB14
Aug 2016[31] Current 01JAN10 01FEB14 01JAN10 15NOV04 15MAR16 01JAN10 01JAN04 08NOV04 15MAY09 Current 01JAN10 Current 15FEB14
Jul 2016[32] Current Current 01JAN10 01NOV04 01MAR16 01JAN10 01JAN04 22OCT04 15FEB09 Current 01JAN10 Current 15FEB14
June 2016[33] Current Current 01JAN10 01OCT04 15FEB16 01JAN10 22APR07 22SEP04 01NOV08 Current 01JAN10 Current 15FEB14
May 2016[34] Current Current 01SEP12 22NOV08 15FEB16 15AUG13 22APR07 01SEP04 08AUG08 Current 01JAN10 Current 08FEB14
April 2016[35] Current Current 01SEP12 08NOV08 15FEB16 15AUG13 01MAR07 08AUG04 01MAY08 Current Current 01FEB14
March 2016[36] Current Current 01AUG12 15OCT08 01JAN16 01JUN13 01FEB07 15JUL04 15MAR08 Current Current 22JAN14
February 2016[37] Current Current 01MAR12 01AUG08 01OCT15 01OCT12 22DEC06 15JUN04 08JAN08 Current Current 15JAN14
January 2016[38] Current Current 01FEB12 01FEB08 01OCT15 01JUL12 01DEC06 15MAY04 01NOV07 Current Current Unavailable
December 2015[39] Current Current 01FEB12 01JUN07 01SEP15 15APR12 01AUG06 22APR04 01AUG07 Current Current 15DEC13
November 2015[40] Current Current 01FEB12 01AUG06 15AUG15 01JAN12 01APR06 01APR04 15JUN07 Current Current 22NOV13
October 2015[41] Current Current 01JAN12 01MAY05 15AUG15 15OCT11 01JAN06 08MAR04 01JAN07 Current Current 08OCT13

Dates For filing applications[edit]

Notes: the dates below are never used for application acceptance purpose by USCIS throughout the fiscal year.[42]

Month/Year E1 E2 E3/EW E4/SR E5
Rest of world China India Rest of world China (E3) China (EW) India Philippines Rest of world China
Sep 2016[30] Current Current 01JUN13 01JUL09 Current 01MAY15 01AUG09 01JUL05 01JAN13 Current Current 01MAY15
Aug 2016[31] Current Current 01JUN13 01JUL09 Current 01MAY15 01AUG09 01JUL05 01JAN13 Current Current 01MAY15
Jul 2016[32] Current Current 01JUN13 01JUL09 Current 01MAY15 01AUG09 01JUL05 01JAN10 Current Current 01MAY15
June 2016[33] Current Current 01JUN13 01JUL09 Current 01MAY15 01AUG09 01JUL05 01JAN10 Current Current 01MAY15
May 2016[34] Current Current 01JUN13 01JUL09 Current 01MAY15 01APR08 01JUL05 01JAN10 Current Current 01MAY15
April 2016[35] Current Current 01JUN13 01JUL09 Current 01MAY15 01AUG07 01JUL05 01JAN10 Current Current 01MAY15
March 2016[36] Current Current 01JUN13 01JUL09 Current 01MAY15 01FEB07 15JUL04 15MAR08 Current Current 01MAY15
February 2016[37] Current Current 01MAR12 01JUL09 01JAN16 01OCT12 22DEC06 15JUN04 08JAN08 Current Current 01MAY15
January 2016[38] Current Current 01FEB12 01JUL09 01OCT15 01JUL12 01DEC06 15MAY04 01NOV07 Current Current 01MAY15
December 2015[39] Current Current 01FEB12 01JUL09 01SEP15 15APR12 01AUG06 22APR04 01AUG07 Current Current 01MAY15
November 2015[40] Current Current 01JAN13 01JUL09 01SEP15 01OCT13 01JAN07 01JUL05 01JAN10 Current Current 01MAY15
October 2015[41] Current Current 01JAN13 01JUL09 01SEP15 01OCT13 01JAN07 01JUL05 01JAN10 Current Current 01MAY15

Notes for fiscal year 2016[edit]

Fiscal year 2015[edit]

Month/Year E1 E2 E3/EW E4/SR E5
Rest of world China India Rest of world China (E3) China (EW) India Philippines
Sep 2015[43] Current Current 01JAN06 01JAN06 15AUG15 22DEC04 01JAN04 22DEC04 22DEC04 Current Current
Aug 2015[44] Current Current 15DEC13 01OCT08 15JUL15 01JUN04 01JAN04 01JUN04 01JUN04 Current Current
Jul 2015[45] Current Current 01OCT13 01OCT08 01APR15 01SEP11 01JAN06 01FEB04 Unavailable Current Current
June 2015[46] Current Current 01JUN13 01OCT08 15FEB15 01SEP11 01JAN06 22JAN04 01JAN05 Current Current
May 2015[47] Current Current 01JUN12 15APR08 01JAN15 01MAY11 15NOV05 15JAN04 01JUL07 Current Current
April 2015[48] Current Current 01APR11 01SEP07 01OCT14 01JAN11 [fy15-note 1] 15AUG05 08JAN04 01OCT14 Current Current
March 2015[49] Current Current 01SEP10 01JAN07 01JUN14 22OCT11 15AUG05 01JAN04 01JUN14 Current Current
February 2015[50] Current Current 15MAR10 01SEP05[fy15-note 2] 01JAN14 01SEP11 15AUG05 22DEC03 01JAN14 Current Current
January 2015[51] Current Current 01FEB10 15FEB05 01JUN13 01MAR11 22JUL05 15DEC03 01JUN13 Current Current
December 2014[52] Current Current 01JAN10 15FEB05 01NOV12 01JUN10 22JUL05 01DEC03 01NOV12 Current Current
November 2014[53] Current Current 08DEC09 15FEB05 01JUN12 01JAN10 22AUG05 22NOV03 01DEC11 Current Current
October 2014[54] Current Current 15NOV09 01MAY09 01OCT11 01APR09 22JUL05 15NOV03 01OCT11 Current Current

Notes for fiscal year 2015[edit]

  1. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For April 2015:[48] Visa availability' Employment third, China
    China Employment-based third Preference: The cut-off date for this category was advanced very rapidly during the past seven months, in an attempt to generate demand to ensure that all numbers under the annual limit could be made available. Item E in the November 2014 Visa Bulletin notified readers that this rapid movement could require "corrective" action as early as February, once demand began to materialize.Continued heavy demand by applicants with very early priority dates has required a retrogression of this cut-off date for the month of April, to hold number use within the annual numerical limit. Potential forward movement of this cut-off date during the remainder of the fiscal year is dependent on the amount of demand received for applicants with very early priority dates....
  2. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For February 2015:[50] Visa availability' Employment Second, India: INDIA Employment-based Second Preference:Four to six months,The above projections for the Employment categories indicate what is likely to happen on a monthly basis through May based on current applicant demand patterns. Readers should never assume that recent trends in cut-off date movements are guaranteed for the future, or that "corrective" action will not be required at some point in an effort to maintain number use within the applicable annual limits. The determination of the actual monthly cut-off dates is subject to monthly fluctuations in applicant demand and a number of other variables...

Fiscal year 2014[edit]

Month/Year E1 E2 E3/EW E4/SR E5
Rest of world China India Rest of world China (E3) China (EW) India Philippines
Sep 2014[55] Current Current 08OCT09 01MAY09 [fy14-note 1] 01APR11 01NOV08 22JUL05 08NOV03 01APR11 Current Current
Aug 2014[56] Current Current 08OCT09 22JAN09 [fy14-note 2] 01APR11 01NOV08 22JUL05 08NOV03 01JUN10 Current Current
Jul 2014[57] Current Current 01JUL09 01SEP08 01APR11 01OCT06 01JAN03 01NOV03 01JAN09 Current Current
June 2014[46] Current Current 22MAY09 15NOV04 01APR11 01OCT06 01JAN03 15OCT03 01JAN08 Current Current
May 2014[58] Current Current 15APR09 15NOV04 01OCT12 01OCT12 01OCT12 01OCT03 01NOV07 Current Current
April 2014[59] Current Current 08MAR09 15NOV04 01OCT12 01OCT12 01OCT12 15SEP03 15JUN07 Current Current
March 2014[60] Current Current 15FEB09 15NOV04 01SEP12 01SEP12 01SEP12 15SEP03 15MAY07 Current Current
February 2014[61] Current Current 08JAN09 15NOV04 01JUN12 01JUN12 01JUN12 01SEP03 15APR07 Current Current
January 2014[62] Current Current 08DEC08 15NOV04 01APR12 01APR12 01APR12 01SEP03 15FEB07 Current Current
December 2013[63] Current Current 08NOV08 15NOV04 01OCT11 01OCT11 01OCT11 01SEP03 08JAN07 Current Current
November 2013[64] Current Current 08OCT08 15JUN08 01OCT10 01OCT10 [fy14-note 3] 01OCT10 [fy14-note 3] 22SEP03 15DEC06 Current Current
October 2013[65] Current Current 15SEP08 15JUN08 01JUL10 01JUL10 22SEP04 22SEP03 15DEC06 Current Current

Notes for fiscal year 2014[edit]

  1. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For September 2014:[55] Visa availability' Employment Second, India: INDIA Employment-based Second Preference: The use of potentially "otherwise unused" Employment numbers prescribed by Section 202(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) has allowed the India Employment Second preference cut-off date to advance very rapidly in recent months. Continued forward movement of this cut-off date during the upcoming months cannot be guaranteed, however, and no assumptions should be made until the dates are formally announced. Once there is a significant increase in India Employment Second preference demand it will be necessary to retrogress the cut-off date, possibly as early as November, to hold number use within the fiscal year 2015 annual limit.
  2. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For August 2014:[56] Visa availability' Employment Second, India: During the past two months, the India Employment Second preference cut-off date has advanced very rapidly based on the projected availability of "otherwise unused" numbers under the worldwide preference limit. It must not be assumed that this cut-off date will continue to advance at the same pace during the coming months. A cut-off date does not mean that everyone with a priority date before such cut-off date has already been processed to conclusion. It remains to be seen how heavy the demand for Visa numbers by applicants will be in the coming months, and what the priority dates of such applicants may be. Heavy demand by applicants with priority dates significantly earlier than the established cut-off date is expected to materialize within the next several months, at which time the cut-off date is likely to retrogress significantly.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For November 2013:[64]
    EMPLOYMENT-based Third Preference, China: Rapid forward movement of the cut-off date, as a result of there being insufficient demand to use all available numbers, allowed the category to reach the Worldwide Third preference cut-off date in May 2013. The continued lack of demand has allowed the "otherwise unused" numbers available under that limit to be provided for use in the China Employment Third preference Other Workers category. The continued addition of those numbers has allowed the cut-off date for that category to reach the China Third preference date for November. This is the same action which has been possible for the Other Worker category in other "oversubscribed" countries such as India and Mexico. A sudden increase in demand for China Employment Third preference Visas could require corrective action in the China Other Worker cut-off date at any time.

Fiscal year 2013[edit]

Month/Year E1 E2 E3/EW E4/SR E5
Rest of world China India Rest of world China (E3) China (EW) India Philippines
September 2013 [66] Current Current 08AUG08 15JUN08 [fy13-note 1] 01JUL10 [fy13-note 2] 01JUL10 [fy13-note 2] 15JUN04 [fy13-note 2] 22SEP03 [fy13-note 2] 01DEC06 [fy13-note 2] Current Current
August 2013 [67] Current Current 08AUG08 01JAN08 [fy13-note 3] 01JAN09 01JAN09 22MAR04 22JAN03 22OCT06 Current Current
July 2013 [68] Current Current 08AUG08[fy13-note 4] 01SEP04 [fy13-note 5] 01JAN09 [fy13-note 6] 01JAN09 [fy13-note 7] 22MAR04 22JAN03 [fy13-note 8] 01OCT06 [fy13-note 9] Current Current
June 2013 [69] Current Current 15JUL08 01SEP04 01SEP08[fy13-note 10] 01SEP08[fy13-note 10] 22OCT03 08JAN03 22SEP06 Current Current
May 2013 [1] Current Current 15MAY08 01SEP04 01DEC07[fy13-note 11] 01DEC07 [fy13-note 11] 01SEP03 22DEC02 15SEP06 Current Current
April 2013 [70] Current Current 01APR08 01SEP04 01JUL07 22APR07 01AUG03 08DEC02 08SEP06 Current Current
March 2013 [71] Current Current 15FEB08 01SEP04 [fy13-note 12] 01MAY07 22JAN07 01JUL03 22NOV02 01SEP06 Current Current
February 2013 [72] Current Current 15JAN08 01SEP04 15MAR07 15NOV06 01JUL03 15NOV02 22AUG06 Current Current
January 2013 [73] Current Current 08DEC07 01SEP04 01FEB07 22SEP06 01JUL03 08NOV02 15AUG06 Current Current
December 2012 [74] Current Current 22OCT07 01SEP04 22DEC06 01JUL06 01JUL03 01NOV02 15AUG06 Current Current [fy13-note 13]
November 2012 [75] Current Current 01SEP07 01SEP04 22NOV06 15APR06 01JUL03 22OCT02 08AUG06 Current Current
October 2012 [76] Current 01JAN12 15JUL07 01SEP04 22OCT06 08FEB06 22JUN03 15OCT02 22OCT06 Current [fy13-note 14] Current [fy13-note 14]

Notes for Fiscal year 2013[edit]

  1. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For September 2013:[66] VISA AVAILABILITY
    Employment Second, India: This cut-off date has been advanced significantly more than originally expected, based on the projection that there would be "otherwise unused" numbers under the overall Employment Second preference annual limit. This is the result of a decrease in Employment First preference number use, and a similar decrease in Employment Second preference demand for most other countries during the past two months. It is expected that such movement will generate a very significant amount of new India demand during the coming months.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For September 2013:[66] Visa availability' Employment Third: The Employment-based Third preference cut-off date for most countries was advanced at an extremely rapid pace in April through July in an effort to generate demand. Historically such movements have resulted in a dramatic increase in applicant demand for numbers within a few months. At this time there is no indication that the expected increase is materializing or will do so in the near future. This has resulted in significant movements in the September cut-off for all countries.
    It is unlikely that there will be any forward movement of most Employment-based cut-off dates during the next couple of months. In addition, a sudden surge in demand could require the retrogression of a cut-off date at any time. Such action would be required if it appears that such number use could impact Visa availability under the FY-2014 annual limits.
  3. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For August 2013:[67] Visa availability' Employment Second, India: This cut-off date has been advanced in an effort to fully utilize the numbers available under the overall Employment Second preference annual limit. It is expected that such movement will generate a significant amount of new India demand during the coming months.
    These changes for ... India Employment Second preference categories reflect actions which have been taken based on current applicant demand patterns. Readers should expect that some type of "corrective" action will be required at some point during FY-2014 in an effort to maintain number use within the applicable annual limits. Such action would involve the establishment and retrogression of such cut-off dates, and could occur at any time.
  4. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For July 2013:[68] Visa availability in the coming months (August – October)
    Employment Second, China: Up to two months
  5. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For July 2013:[68] Visa availability in the coming months (August – October)
    Employment Second, India: At this time it appears that the availability of "otherwise unused" Employment Second preference numbers will allow for movement of this cut-off date in August and/or September. It is expected that such movement will generate heavy new applicant demand, primarily by those who are upgrading their status from the Employment Third preference category. A sustained level of heavy demand could impact the cut-off date at some point during fiscal year 2014.
  6. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For July 2013:[68] Visa availability in the coming months (August – October)
    Employment Third, Worldwide: No additional movement. This cut-off date has advanced 18 months during the past three months. Such rapid movement can be expected to generate a significant amount of new demand, with the impact not being felt for three to five months. Therefore, the cut-off date will be held until it can be determined what level of demand is to be expected, and whether it is likely to be sustained.
  7. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For July 2013:[68] Visa availability in the coming months (August – October)
    Employment Third, China: No additional movement.
  8. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For July 2013:[68] Visa availability in the coming months (August – October)
    Employment Third, India: Up to three weeks.
  9. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For July 2013:[68] Visa availability in the coming months (August – October)
    Employment Third, Philippines: Up to two weeks.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For June 2013:[69] Employment third preference Visa availability
    The Employment-based Third preference category cut-off date for most countries has advanced significantly for a second month in a row. This recent movement of the dates is not indicative of what can be expected in the future. Rapid forward movement of cut-off dates is often followed by a dramatic increase in demand for numbers within three to six months. Once such demand begins to materialize the cut-off date movement will begin to slow, or even stop for a period of time.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For May 2013:[1] Employment third preference Visa availability
    The Employment-based Third preference category cut-off date for most countries has advanced significantly. This has been done in an attempt to generate demand so that the annual numerical limits may be fully utilized, and such movements may continue for the next few months. The rapid movement of cut-off dates is often followed months later by a dramatic increase in demand for numbers. Once such demand begins to materialize the cut-off date movements will begin to slow or stop.
  12. ↑ Notes from Visa Bulletin For March 2013:[71] Despite the established cut-off date having been held for the past five months in an effort to keep demand within the average monthly usage targets, the amount of demand being received from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Offices for adjustment of status cases remains extremely high. Should the current rate of demand continue, it is likely that at some point the cut-off date will need to be retrogressed in an effort to hold demand within the FY-2013 annual limit.
  13. ↑ Note from Visa Bulletin For December 2012:[74] It appears likely that a cut-off date will need to be established for the China Employment Fifth preference category at some point during second half of fiscal year 2013. Such action would be delayed as long as possible, since while number use may be excessive over a 1- to 5-month period, it could average out to an acceptable level over a longer (e.g., 4- to 9-month) period. This would be the first time a cut-off date has been established in this category, which is why readers are being provided with the maximum amount of advance notice regarding the possibility.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Notes from Visa Bulletin for October 2012:[76] Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR): Pursuant to Section 568(a)(1) of Public Law 111-83, the non-minister special immigrant program expires on September 30, 2012. No SR Visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after September 30, 2012. Visas issued prior to this date will only be issued with a validity date of September 30, 2012, and all individuals seeking admission as a non-minister special immigrant must be admitted (repeat, admitted) into the U.S. no later than midnight September 30, 2012.
    Employment Fifth Preference Pilot Categories (I5 and R5): Section 548 of Public Law 111-83 extended this immigrant investor pilot program through September 30, 2012. The I5 and R5 Visas may be issued until close of business on September 30, 2012, and may be issued for the full validity period. No I5 or R5 Visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after September 30, 2012.
    The cut-off dates for the categories mentioned above have been listed as "Unavailable" for October. Congress is currently considering an extension of the SR, I5 and R5 Visa categories, but there is no certainty when such legislative action may occur. If there is legislative action extending one or both of these categories for FY-2013, those cut-off dates would immediately become "Current" for October.

Fiscal year 2012[edit]

Month/Year E1 E2 E3/EW E4/SR E5
Rest of world China India Rest of world China (E3) China (EW) India (E3) India (EW) Philippines (E3) Philippines (EW)
September 2012 [77] Current 01JAN09 Unavailable Unavailable 01OCT06 15DEC05 22JUN03 01OCT02 01OCT02 01AUG06 01AUG06 Current Current
August 2012 [78] Current 01JAN09 Unavailable Unavailable 08SEP06 08NOV05 15JUN03 01OCT02 01OCT02 15JUN06 08JUN06 Current Current
July 2012 [79] Current 01JAN09 [fy12-note 1] Unavailable [fy12-note 1] Unavailable 22JUL06 22SEP05 15JUN03 22SEP02 22SEP02 08JUN06 08JUN06 Current Current
June 2012 [80] Current [fy12-note 2] Current [fy12-note 2] Unavailable [fy12-note 3] Unavailable 08JUN06 08AUG05 22APR03 15SEP02 15SEP02 22MAY06 22MAY06 Current Current
May 2012 [81] Current Current 15AUG07 [fy12-note 4] 15AUG07 01MAY06 01APR05 22APR03 08SEP02 08SEP02 01MAY06 01MAY06 Current Current
April 2012 [82] Current Current 01MAY10 01MAY10 08APR06 01MAR05 22APR03 01SEP02 01SEP02 08APR06 08APR06 Current Current
March 2012 [83] Current Current 01MAY10 01MAY10 15MAR06 01JAN05 22APR03 22AUG02 22AUG02 15MAR06 15MAR06 Current Current
February 2012 [84] Current Current 01JAN10 [fy12-note 5] 01JAN10 22FEB06 01DEC04 22APR03 15AUG02 15AUG02 22FEB06 22FEB06 Current Current
January 2012 [85] Current Current 01JAN09 [fy12-note 6] 01JAN09 01FEB06 15OCT04 22APR03 08AUG02 01AUG02 01FEB06 01FEB06 Current Current
December 2011 [86] Current Current 15MAR08 15MAR08 01JAN06 08SEP04 22APR03 01AUG02 22JUL02 15JAN06 01JAN06 Current Current
November 2011 [87] Current Current 01NOV07 [fy12-note 7] 01NOV07 15NOV05 22AUG04 22APR03 22JUL02 15JUN02 22DEC05 01JAN06 Current Current
October 2011 [88] Current Current 15JUL07 [fy12-note 8] 15JUL07 15SEP05 08AUG04 22APR03 15JUL02 08JUN02 08DEC05 15SEP05 Current Current

Notes for fiscal year 2012[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For July 2012:[79] EMPLOYMENT SECOND PREFERENCE VISA AVAILABILITY
    Continued heavy demand for numbers in the Employment Second preference category has required the establishment of a Worldwide cut-off date for the month of July. This action has been taken in an effort to hold number use within the annual numerical limit. Should there be an increase in the current demand pattern, it may be necessary to make this category completely "unavailable" prior to September 30, 2012.
    The China and India Employment Second preference categories are already "unavailable", and will remain so for the remainder of the fiscal year.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Notes from Section E of Visa Bulletin For June 2012:[80] Employment first and second preference Visa availability
    Item F of the May Visa Bulletin (number 44) provided projections regarding Visa availability in the coming months. Information received from the USCIS after the publication of that item requires an update in the projections for the Employment First and Second preference categories.
    Employment First: Based on the current rate of demand, it may be necessary to establish a cut-off date at the end of the fiscal year in an effort to limit number use within the annual numerical limit.
    Employment Second: Based on the current rate of demand, it may be necessary to establish a cut-off date for this category for all countries other than China and India. Such action may be required at any time during the next few months.
    Please be advised that the above are only estimates for what could happen during the next few months based on applicant demand patterns experienced in recent months.
  3. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For June 2012:[80] China-Mainland and India employment second preference category is unavailable
    Despite the retrogression of the China and India Employment Second preference cut-off date to August 15, 2007, demand for numbers by applicants with priority dates earlier than that date remained excessive. Such demand is primarily based on cases which had originally been filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for adjustment of status in the Employment Third preference category, and are now eligible to be upgraded to Employment Second preference status. The potential amount of such "upgrade" demand is not currently being reported, but it was evident that the continued availability of Employment Second preference numbers for countries other than China and India was being jeopardized. Therefore, it was necessary to make the China and India Employment Second preference category "Unavailable" in early April, and it will remain so for the remainder of FY-2012.
    Numbers will once again be available for China and India Employment Second preference cases beginning October 1, 2012 under the FY-2013 annual numerical limitations. Every effort will be made to return the China and India Employment Second preference cut-off date to the May 1, 2010 date which had been reached in April 2012. Readers should be advised that it is impossible to accurately estimate how long that may take, but current indications are that it would definitely not occur before spring 2013.
    USCIS has indicated that it will continue accepting China and India Employment Second preference I-485 filings during May, based on the originally announced May cut-off date.
  4. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin for May 2012:[81] Retrogression of the China-Mainland and India employment second preference cut-off date
    Due to the rapid forward movement of the cut-off date, demand for China and India Employment Second preference numbers has increased dramatically during recent months, and at a much faster rate than had been expected. Therefore, it has been necessary to retrogress that cut-off date to August 15, 2007 in an attempt to hold number use within the annual limit while maintaining availability for those countries that have not yet reached their per-country limit. Notices were included in the November, January, and February Visa Bulletins alerting readers to the possibility of such a retrogression. While corrective action has become necessary earlier than was anticipated based on the information available at the time cut-off dates were determined, it is hoped that readers are not caught off guard by this retrogression.
    Should additional information regarding potential demand become available, it may be necessary to take additional corrective action at any time.
    Every effort will be made to return the China and India Employment Second preference cut-off date to the previously announced April date of May 1, 2010. This will be done as quickly as possible under the FY-2013 annual limits, which take effect October 1, 2012. It will not be possible to speculate on the cut-off date which may apply at that time until late summer.
    USCIS has indicated that it will continue accepting China and India Employment Second preference I-485 filings based on the originally announced April cut-off date.
  5. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin for February 2012:[84] Visa availability in the coming months
    China and India: Reports from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) indicate that the rate of new filings for adjustment of status in recent months has been extremely low. This fact has required the continued rapid forward movement of the cut-off date, in an attempt to generate demand and maximize number use under the annual limit. Once the level of new filings or USCIS processing increases significantly, it will be necessary to slow or stop the movement of the cut-off. Readers are once again advised that an eventual need to retrogress the cut-off date is also a distinct possibility.
  6. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin for January 2012:[85] China-Mainland and India employment second preference Visa availability in the coming months
    The China and India Employment Second preference cut-off date has been advanced at a rapid rate in recent months. As previously noted, this action was intended to generate significant levels of new filings for adjustment of status at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices. USCIS has reported that the rate of new filings is currently far below that which they had anticipated, prompting an even more aggressive movement of the cut-off date for January and possibly beyond. While this action greatly increases the potential for an eventual retrogression of the cut-off at some point during the year, it also provides the best opportunity to utilize all numbers available under the annual limit.
  7. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin for November 2011:[87] China-Mainland born and India employment-based second preference Visa availability in the coming months
    The November Employment-based Second preference cut-off date for applicants from China and India is the most favorable since August 2007. This advancement is expected to generate significant levels of demand based on new filings for adjustment of status at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offices. While significant future cut-off date movements are anticipated, they may not be made on a monthly basis. Readers should not expect such movements to be the norm throughout the fiscal year, and an eventual retrogression of the cut-off at some point during the year is a distinct possibility.
  8. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin for October 2011:[88] Visa availability in the coming months
    China and India: The current cut-off date is approaching the most favorable date previously reached for applicants from China and India. The rapid forward movement is intended to generate demand based on new filings for adjustment of status at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offices, which currently accounts for over 85% of all Employment-based number use. Once the level of demand increases sufficiently, it may be necessary to slow or stop the cut-off movement, and a retrogression of the cut-offs at some point during the year is a distinct possibility.

Fiscal year 2011[edit]

Month/Year E1 E2 E3/EW E4/SR E5
Rest of world China India Rest of world (E3) Rest of world (EW) China (E3) China (EW) India (E3) India (EW) Mexico (E3) Mexico (EW)
September 2011[89] Current Current 15APR07 15APR07 22NOV05 01AUG05 15JUL04 22APR03 08JUL02 01JUN02 22NOV05 01AUG05 Current Current
August 2011[90] Current Current 15APR07 15APR07 01NOV05 01MAY05 08JUL04 22APR03 01JUN02 01JUN02 01NOV05 01MAY05 Current Current
July 2011[91] Current Current 08MAR07 08MAR07 08OCT05 22NOV04 01JUL04 22APR03 01MAY02 01MAY02 01JUL05 22NOV04 Current Current
June 2011[92] Current Current 15OCT06 [fy11-note 1] 15OCT06 [fy11-note 1] 15SEP05 08NOV03 15MAY04 22APR03 22APR02 22APR02 22DEC04 08NOV03 Current Current
May 2011[93] Current [fy11-note 2] Current [fy11-note 3] 01AUG06 [fy11-note 3] 01JUL06 [fy11-note 3] 22AUG05 08SEP03 15APR04 22APR03 15APR02 15APR02 08SEP04 08SEP03 Current Current
April 2011[94] Current Current 22JUL06 08MAY06 22JUL05 22JUL03 01MAR04 22APR03 08APR02 08APR02 08MAY04 22JUL03 Current Current
March 2011[95] Current Current 08JUL06 08MAY06 01JUL05 15JUN03 22JAN04 22APR03 15MAR02 15MAR02 08JAN04 01MAY03 Current Current
February 2011[96] Current Current 01JUL06 08MAY06 01APR05 01MAY03 01JAN04 22APR03 22FEB02 22FEB02 08JUL03 01MAY03 Current Current
January 2011[97] Current Current 22JUN06 08MAY06 22MAR05 22APR03 15DEC03 22APR03 01FEB02 01FEB02 15APR03 15APR03 Current Current
December 2010[98] Current [fy11-note 4] Current [fy11-note 4] 08JUN06 [fy11-note 4] 08MAY06 [fy11-note 4] 22FEB05 22APR03 08DEC03 22APR03 22JAN02 22JAN02 01JUL02 01JUL02 Current Current
November 2010[99] Current Current 01JUN06 08MAY06 22JAN05 01APR03 22NOV03 01APR03 22JAN02 22JAN02 01MAY01 01MAY01 Current Current
October 2010[100] Current Current 22MAY06 08MAY06 08JAN05 22MAR03 08NOV03 22MAR03 15JAN02 15JAN02 22APR01 22APR01 Current Current

Visa Bulletin For May 2011 also has a note on allocation of "otherwise unused" numbers in accordance with Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 202(a)(5).[fy11-note 5]

Notes for fiscal year 2011[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Notes from Visa Bulletin For June 2011[92] Visa availability in the employment second preference category
    As mentioned in the May Visa Bulletin, Section 202(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) prescribes rules for the use of potentially "otherwise unused" Employment numbers. During May the India Employment Second preference cut-off date is governing the use of such numbers, because India had reached its Employment Second annual limit. Since October there has been heavy demand by applicants "upgrading" their status from Employment Third to Employment Second preference. The rapid forward movement of the India Employment Second preference cut-off date in May had the potential to greatly increase such demand. Therefore, the determination of the June cut-off dates was delayed in order to monitor this demand. At this time the amount of new "upgrade" demand has been minimal; this has allowed the Employment Second preference cut-off date governing the use of the Section 202(a)(5) numbers to advance significantly for June. The same cut-off date will apply to both China and India Employment Second preference. Note that under INA Section 203(e) all of the "otherwise unused" numbers must be provided strictly in priority date order regardless of the applicant's chargeability. Cut-off date movement for upcoming months cannot be guaranteed, and because of the variables involved, no assumptions should be made until the dates are formally announced. Should there be a sudden or significant increase in India and China Employment Second preference demand it may be necessary to slow, stop, or retrogress that cut-off date as we approach the end of fiscal year 2011.
  2. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For May 2011:[93]Visa availability in the coming months
    Employment-based: At this time the amount of demand being received in the Employment First preference is extremely low compared with that of recent years. Absent an immediate and dramatic increase in demand, this category will remain "Current" for all countries. It also appears unlikely that a Second preference cut-off date will be imposed for any countries other than China and India, where demand is extremely high. Based on current indications of demand, the best case scenarios for cut-off date movement each month during the coming months are as follows:
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For May 2011:[93]Visa availability in the coming months
    Employment Second: Demand by applicants who are "upgrading" their status from Employment Third to Employment Second preference is very high, but the exact amount is not known. Such "upgrades" are in addition to the known demand already reported, and make it very difficult to predict ultimate demand based on forward movement of the China and India cut-off dates. While thousands of "otherwise unused" numbers will be available for potential use without regard to the China and India Employment Second preference per-country annual limits, it is not known how the "upgrades" will ultimately impact the cut-offs for those two countries. (The allocation of "otherwise unused" numbers is discussed below.)
    China: none to three weeks expected through July. No August or September estimate is possible at this time.
    India: One or more weeks, possibly followed by additional movement if demand remains stable. No August or September estimate is possible at this time.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Notes from Section F of Visa Bulletin for December 2010:[98] Visa availability in the coming months
    Employment-based: At this time it is unlikely that there will be any cut-off dates in the Employment First preference during the coming months. It also appears unlikely that it will be necessary to establish a cut-off date other than those already in effect for the Second preference category. Cut-off dates continue to apply to the China and India Second preference categories due to heavy demand.
  5. ↑ Notes from Section D of Visa Bulletin For May 2011:[93] Allocation of "otherwise unused" numbers in accordance with Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 202(a)(5)
    INA Section 202(a)(5) provides that if total demand in a calendar quarter will be insufficient to use all available numbers in an Employment preference, then the unused numbers may be made available without regard to the annual per-country limits. Based on current levels of demand, there will be otherwise unused numbers in the Employment First and Second preferences. Such numbers may be allocated without regard to per-country limits, once a country has reached its preference annual limit. Since under INA Section 203(e) such numbers must be provided strictly in priority date order regardless of chargeability, greater number use by one country would indicate greater demand by applicants from that country with earlier priority dates. Based on amount and priority dates of pending demand and year-to-date number use, a different cut-off date could be applied to each oversubscribed country, for the purpose of assuring that the maximum amount of available numbers will be used. Note that a cut-off date imposed to control the use of "otherwise unused" numbers could be earlier than the cut-off date established to control number use under a quarterly or per-country annual limit. For example, at present the India Employment Second preference cut-off date governs the use of numbers under Section 202(a)(5), India having reached its Employment Second annual limit; the China Employment Second preference cut-off date governs number use under the quarterly limit, since China has not yet reached its Employment Second annual limit.
    The rate of number use under Section 202(a)(5) is continually monitored to determine whether subsequent adjustments are needed in Visa availability for the oversubscribed countries. This helps assure that all available Employment preference numbers will be used, while insuring that numbers also remain available for applicants from all other countries that have not yet reached their per-country limit.
    As mentioned earlier, the number of applicants who may be "upgrading" their status from Employment Third to Employment Second preference is unknown. As a result, the cut-off date which governs use of Section 202(a)(5) numbers has been advanced more rapidly than normal, in an attempt to ascertain the amount of "upgrade" demand in the pipeline while at the same time administering use of the available numbers. This action risks a surge in demand that could adversely impact the cut-off date later in the fiscal year. However, it also limits the possibility that potential demand would not materialize and the annual limit would not be reached due to lack of cut-off date movement.

Fiscal year 2010[edit]

Month/Year E1 E2 E3/EW E4/SR E5
Rest of world China India Rest of world (E3) Rest of world (incl. China) (EW) China (E3) India (E3) India (EW) Mexico (E3) Mexico (EW)
September 2010[101] Current Current 08MAY06 08MAY06 15DEC04 22MAR03 22OCT03 01JAN02 01JAN02 Unavailable Unavailable Current Current
August 2010[102] Current Current 01MAR06 01MAR06 01JUN04 15MAY02 22SEP03 01JAN02 01JAN02 Unavailable Unavailable Current Current
July 2010[103] Current Current 22NOV05 01OCT05 15AUG03 01JUN01 15AUG03 22NOV01 01JUN01 Unavailable Unavailable Current Current
June 2010[104] Current Current 22NOV05 01FEB05 22JUN03 01JUN01 22JUN03 22OCT01 01JUN01 Unavailable Unavailable Current Current
May 2010[105] Current Current 22SEP05 01FEB05 22APR03 01JUN01 22APR03 01OCT01 01JUN01 Unavailable Unavailable Current Current
April 2010[106] Current Current 22AUG05 01FEB05 01FEB03 01JUN01 01FEB03 08SEP01 01JUN01 01JUL02 01JUN01 Current Current
March 2010[107] Current Current 08JUL05 01FEB05 15DEC02 01JUN01 15DEC02 01JUL01 01JUN01 01JUL02 01JUN01 Current Current
February 2010[108] Current Current 22MAY05 22JAN05 22SEP02 01JUN01 22SEP02 22JUN01 01JUN01 01JUL02 01JUN01 Current Current
January 2010[109] Current Current 01MAY05 22JAN05 01AUG02 01JUN01 01AUG02 22JUN01 01JUN01 01JUL02 01JUN01 Current Current
December 2009[110] Current Current 01APR05 22JAN05 01JUN02 01JUN01 01JUN02 01MAY01 01MAY01 01JUN02 01JUN01 Current Current
November 2009[111] Current Current 01APR05 22JAN05 01JUN02 01JUN01 01JUN02 22APR01 22APR01 01JUN02 01JUN01 Current Current
October 2009[112] Current Current 22MAR05 22JAN05 01JUN02 01JUN01 22FEB02 15APR01 15APR01 01MAY02 01JUN01 Current Current

Notes for fiscal year 2010[edit]

Fiscal year 2009[edit]

Month/Year E1 E2 E3/EW E4/SR E5
Rest of world China India Rest of world (E3) Rest of world (EW) China (E3) China (EW) India (E3) India (EW) Mexico (E3) Mexico (EW)
September 2009[113] Current Current 08JAN05 08JAN05 Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Current
August 2009[114] Current Current 01OCT03 01OCT03 Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Current Current
July 2009[115] Current Current 01JAN00 01JAN00 Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Current Current
June 2009[116] Current Current 15FEB05 01JAN00 Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Current Current
May 2009[117] Current Current 15FEB05 15FEB04 Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Current Current
April 2009[118] Current Current 15FEB05 15FEB04 01MAR03 01MAR01 01MAR03 01MAR01 01NOV01 01MAR01 01MAR03 01MAR01 Current Current
March 2009[119] Current Current 15FEB05 15FEB04 01MAY05 15MAR03 22OCT02 22OCT02 15OCT01 15OCT01 15AUG03 15MAR03 Current Current
February 2009[120] Current Current 01JAN05 01JAN04 01MAY05 15MAR03 01OCT02 01OCT02 15OCT01 15OCT01 01APR03 15OCT01 Current Current
January 2009[121] Current Current 08JUL04 08JUL03 01MAY05 15MAR03 01JUN02 15MAR03 15OCT01 15MAR03 15NOV02 15MAR03 Current Current
December 2008[122] Current Current 01JUN04 01JUN03 01MAY05 15JAN03 01FEB02 15JAN03 01OCT01 15JAN03 01SEP02 15JAN03 Current Current
November 2008[123] Current Current 01JUN04 01JUN03 01MAY05 15JAN03 01FEB02 15JAN03 01OCT01 15JAN03 01SEP02 15JAN03 Current Current
October 2008[124] Current Current 01APR04 01APR03 01JAN05 01JAN03 01OCT01 01JAN03 01JUL01 01JAN03 01JUL02 01JAN03 Current Current

Notes for fiscal year 2009[edit]

Fiscal year 2008[edit]

Month/Year E1 E2 E3/EW E4/SR E5
Rest of world China India Rest of world (E3) Rest of world (EW) China (E3) China (EW) India (E3) India (EW) Mexico (E3) Mexico (EW)
September 2008[125] Current Current 01AUG06 01AUG06 Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Current Current
August 2008[126] Current Current 01JUN06 01JUN06 Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Current Current
July 2008[127] Current Current 01APR04 01APR04 Unavailable 01JAN03 Unavailable 01JAN03 Unavailable 01JAN03 Unavailable 01JAN03 Current Current
June 2008[128] Current Current 01APR04 01APR04 01MAR06 01JAN03 22MAR03 01JAN03 01NOV01 01JAN03 01JUL02 01JAN03 Current Current
May 2008[129] Current Current 01JAN04 01JAN04 01MAR06 01JAN03 22MAR03 01JAN03 01NOV01 01JAN03 01JUL02 01JAN03 Current Current
April 2008[130] Current Current 01DEC03 01DEC03 01JUL05 01MAR02 08FEB03 01MAR02 01OCT01 01MAR02 01OCT01 01MAR02 Current Current
March 2008[131] Current Current 01DEC03 Unavailable 01JAN05 01JAN02 01DEC02 01JAN02 01AUG01 01JAN02 01MAY01 01JAN02 Current Current
February 2008[132] Current Current 01JAN03 Unavailable 01NOV02 01OCT01 15NOV01 01OCT01 08MAY01 01OCT01 22APR01 01OCT01 Current Current
January 2008[133] Current Current 01JAN03 01JAN00 15OCT02 01OCT01 01NOV01 01OCT01 01MAY01 01OCT01 22APR01 01OCT01 Current Current
December 2007[134] Current Current 01JAN03 01JAN02 01SEP02 01OCT01 15OCT01 01OCT01 01MAY01 01OCT01 22APR01 01OCT01 Current Current
November 2007[135] Current Current 01JAN06 01APR04 01AUG02 01OCT01 01SEP01 01OCT01 22APR01 01OCT01 22APR01 01OCT01 Current Current
October 2007[136] Current Current 01JAN06 01APR04 01AUG02 01OCT01 01SEP01 01OCT01 22APR01 01OCT01 22APR01 01OCT01 Current Current

Notes for fiscal year 2008[edit]

Fiscal year 2007[edit]

Month/Year E1 E2 E3/EW E4/SR E5
Rest of world China India Rest of world China India Mexico (E3) Mexico (EW)
September 2007[137] 01Jan07 01Jan07 01Jan06 01Apr04 01Aug02 Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable 01Jan07 01Jan07
August 2007[138] Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable
July 2007[139] Current Current Current Current Current Current Current Current Unavailable Current Current
June 2007[140] Current Current 01Jan06 01Apr04 01Jun05 01Jun03 01Jun03 01Jun03 01Oct01 Current Current
May 2007[141] Current Current 22Apr05 08Jan03 01Aug03 01Aug02 08May01 15May01 Unavailable Current Current
April 2007[142] Current Current 22Apr05 08Jan03 01Aug02 01Aug02 08May01 15May01 01Oct01 Current Current
March 2007[143] Current Current 22Apr05 08Jan03 01Aug02 01Aug02 08May01 15May01 01Oct01 Current Current
February 2007[144] Current Current 22Apr05 08Jan03 01Aug02 01Aug02 08May01 15May01 01Oct01 Current Current
January 2007[145] Current Current 22Apr05 08Jan03 01Aug02 01Aug02 08May01 15May01 01Oct01 Current Current
December 2006[146] Current Current 22Apr05 08Jan03 01Aug02 01Aug02 22Apr01 08May01 01Oct01 Current Current
November 2006[147] Current Current 15Apr05 01Jan03 01Jul02 01Jul02 22Apr01 08May01 01May01 Current Current
October 2006[148] Current Current 01Apr05 15Jun02 01May02 01May02 22Apr01 01May01 01Jan01 Current Current

Notes for fiscal year 2007[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Visa Bulletin For May 2013
  2. ↑ http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-106/pdf/STATUTE-106-Pg1828.pdf
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Argueta, Carla N. (2016), "Numerical Limits on Permanent Employment-Based Immigration: Analysis of the Per-country Ceilings" (PDF), CRS Report, Congressional Research Service. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. ↑ "SEP 2018 Bulletin" (PDF).
  5. ↑ "AUG 2018 Bulletin" (PDF).
  6. ↑ "July 2018 Bulletin" (PDF).
  7. ↑ "Visa Bulletin For June 2018". travel.state.gov. Retrieved 2018-06-07.
  8. ↑ Visa Bulletin For May 2018
  9. ↑ Visa Bulletin For April 2018
  10. ↑ Visa Bulletin For March 2018
  11. ↑ Visa Bulletin For February 2018
  12. ↑ Visa Bulletin For January 2018
  13. ↑ Visa Bulletin For December 2017
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Visa Bulletin For November 2017
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Visa Bulletin For October 2017
  16. ↑ "DOS Publishes Visa Bulletin for October 2016". USCIS. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  17. ↑ Visa Bulletin For September 2017
  18. ↑ Visa Bulletin For August 2017
  19. ↑ Visa Bulletin For July 2017
  20. ↑ Visa Bulletin For June 2017
  21. ↑ Visa Bulletin For May 2017
  22. ↑ Visa Bulletin For April 2017
  23. ↑ Visa Bulletin For March 2017
  24. ↑ Visa Bulletin For February 2017
  25. ↑ Visa Bulletin For January 2017
  26. ↑ Visa Bulletin For December 2016
  27. ↑ Visa Bulletin For November 2016
  28. ↑ Visa Bulletin For October 2016
  29. ↑ "Visa Availability and Priority Dates". USCIS. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Visa Bulletin For September 2016
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Visa Bulletin For August 2016
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Visa Bulletin For July 2016
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Visa Bulletin For June 2016
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Visa Bulletin For May 2016
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 Visa Bulletin For April 2016
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Visa Bulletin For March 2016
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 Visa Bulletin For February 2016
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 Visa Bulletin For January 2016
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 Visa Bulletin For December 2015
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 Visa Bulletin For November 2015
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 Visa Bulletin For October 2015
  42. ↑ "When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application for Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based Preference Visas: September 2016". USCIS.
  43. ↑ Visa Bulletin For September 2015
  44. ↑ Visa Bulletin For August 2015
  45. ↑ Visa Bulletin For July 2015
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 Visa Bulletin For June 2014
  47. ↑ Visa Bulletin For May 2015
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 Visa Bulletin For April 2015
  49. ↑ Visa Bulletin For March 2015
  50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 Visa Bulletin For February 2015
  51. ↑ Visa Bulletin For January 2015
  52. ↑ Visa Bulletin For December 2014
  53. ↑ Visa Bulletin For November 2014
  54. ↑ Visa Bulletin For October 2014
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 Visa Bulletin For September 2014
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 Visa Bulletin For August 2014
  57. ↑ Visa Bulletin For July 2014
  58. ↑ Visa Bulletin For May 2014
  59. ↑ Visa Bulletin For April 2014
  60. ↑ Visa Bulletin For March 2014
  61. ↑ Visa Bulletin For February 2014
  62. ↑ Visa Bulletin For January 2014
  63. ↑ Visa Bulletin For December 2013
  64. ↑ 64.0 64.1 Visa Bulletin For November 2013
  65. ↑ Visa Bulletin For October 2013
  66. ↑ 66.0 66.1 66.2 Visa Bulletin For September 2013
  67. ↑ 67.0 67.1 Visa Bulletin For August 2013
  68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 68.2 68.3 68.4 68.5 68.6 Visa Bulletin For July 2013
  69. ↑ 69.0 69.1 Visa Bulletin For June 2013
  70. ↑ Visa Bulletin For April 2013
  71. ↑ 71.0 71.1 Visa Bulletin For March 2013
  72. ↑ Visa Bulletin For February 2013
  73. ↑ Visa Bulletin For January 2013
  74. ↑ 74.0 74.1 Visa Bulletin For December 2012
  75. ↑ Visa Bulletin For November 2012
  76. ↑ 76.0 76.1 Visa Bulletin For October 2012
  77. ↑ "Visa Bulletin For September 2012". Archived from the original on 2012-08-15. Retrieved 2012-08-23. Unknown parameter |url-status= ignored (help)
  78. ↑ Visa Bulletin For August 2012
  79. ↑ 79.0 79.1 "Visa Bulletin For July 2012". Archived from the original on 2013-04-23. Retrieved 2013-04-20. Unknown parameter |url-status= ignored (help)
  80. ↑ 80.0 80.1 80.2 Visa Bulletin For June 2012
  81. ↑ 81.0 81.1 Visa Bulletin For May 2012
  82. ↑ Visa Bulletin For April 2012
  83. ↑ Visa Bulletin For March 2012
  84. ↑ 84.0 84.1 Visa Bulletin For February 2012
  85. ↑ 85.0 85.1 Visa Bulletin For January 2012
  86. ↑ Visa Bulletin For December 2011
  87. ↑ 87.0 87.1 Visa Bulletin For November 2011
  88. ↑ 88.0 88.1 Visa Bulletin For October 2011
  89. ↑ Visa Bulletin For September 2011
  90. ↑ Visa Bulletin For August 2011
  91. ↑ Visa Bulletin For July 2011
  92. ↑ 92.0 92.1 Visa Bulletin For June 2011
  93. ↑ 93.0 93.1 93.2 93.3 Visa Bulletin For May 2011
  94. ↑ Visa Bulletin For April 2011
  95. ↑ Visa Bulletin For March 2011
  96. ↑ Visa Bulletin For February 2011
  97. ↑ Visa Bulletin For January 2011
  98. ↑ 98.0 98.1 Visa Bulletin For December 2010
  99. ↑ Visa Bulletin For November 2010
  100. ↑ Visa Bulletin For October 2010
  101. ↑ Visa Bulletin For September 2010
  102. ↑ Visa Bulletin For August 2010
  103. ↑ Visa Bulletin For July 2010
  104. ↑ Visa Bulletin For June 2010
  105. ↑ Visa Bulletin For May 2010
  106. ↑ Visa Bulletin For April 2010
  107. ↑ Visa Bulletin For March 2010
  108. ↑ Visa Bulletin For February 2010
  109. ↑ Visa Bulletin For January 2010
  110. ↑ Visa Bulletin For December 2009
  111. ↑ Visa Bulletin For November 2009
  112. ↑ Visa Bulletin For October 2009
  113. ↑ Visa Bulletin For September 2009
  114. ↑ Visa Bulletin For August 2009
  115. ↑ Visa Bulletin For July 2009
  116. ↑ Visa Bulletin For June 2009
  117. ↑ Visa Bulletin For May 2009
  118. ↑ Visa Bulletin For April 2009
  119. ↑ Visa Bulletin For March 2009
  120. ↑ Visa Bulletin For February 2009
  121. ↑ Visa Bulletin For January 2009
  122. ↑ Visa Bulletin For December 2008
  123. ↑ Visa Bulletin For November 2008
  124. ↑ Visa Bulletin For October 2008
  125. ↑ Visa Bulletin For September 2008
  126. ↑ Visa Bulletin For August 2008
  127. ↑ Visa Bulletin For July 2008
  128. ↑ Visa Bulletin For June 2008
  129. ↑ Visa Bulletin For May 2008
  130. ↑ Visa Bulletin For April 2008
  131. ↑ Visa Bulletin For March 2008
  132. ↑ Visa Bulletin For February 2008
  133. ↑ Visa Bulletin For January 2008
  134. ↑ Visa Bulletin For December 2007
  135. ↑ Visa Bulletin For November 2007
  136. ↑ Visa Bulletin For October 2007
  137. ↑ Visa Bulletin For September 2007
  138. ↑ Visa Bulletin For August 2007
  139. ↑ Visa Bulletin For July 2007
  140. ↑ Visa Bulletin For June 2007
  141. ↑ Visa Bulletin For May 2007
  142. ↑ Visa Bulletin For April 2007
  143. ↑ Visa Bulletin For March 2007
  144. ↑ Visa Bulletin For February 2007
  145. ↑ Visa Bulletin For January 2007
  146. ↑ Visa Bulletin For December 2006
  147. ↑ Visa Bulletin For November 2006
  148. ↑ Visa Bulletin For October 2006


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