DV visa availability through the very end of FY-2022 cannot be taken for granted. this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS. Unless otherwise indicated on the U.S. For Employment-Based Preference Filings: For all employment-based preference categories, you must use the Dates for Filing chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin for February 2023. Since the EW final action date reached November 19, 1997 during Fiscal Year 2001, the reduction in the EW annual limit to 5,000 began in Fiscal Year 2002. Fourth: (F4) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens: 65,000, plus any numbers not required by first three preferences. C.THE DIVERSITY (DV) IMMIGRANTCATEGORY RANK CUT-OFFSWHICH WILL APPLY IN OCTOBER. (F2B) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents: 23% of the overall second preference limitation. Talk to thousands of members on our discussion forums. C.THE DIVERSITY (DV) IMMIGRANTCATEGORY RANK CUT-OFFSWHICH WILL APPLY IN NOVEMBER. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart below may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of States National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. Fifth:Employment Creation: 7.1% of the worldwide level, of which 32% are reserved as follows: 20% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a rural area; 10% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a high unemployment area; and 2% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in infrastructure projects. November 2022 Visa Bulletin Predictions. Visit www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for information on whether USCIS has determined that this chart can be used (in lieu of the chart in paragraph 4.A.) EB-2: China will remain at July 1, 2018, and India will remain at September 1, 2011. Similarly, spouses and children accompanying or following to join DV-2023 principals are only entitled to derivative DV status until September 30, 2023. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart below may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of States National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbersBELOWthe specified allocation cut-off number: Except: Iran 3,000 DATES FOR FILING OF EMPLOYMENT-BASEDVISAAPPLICATIONS. The H1B Guy Forecasts: March 2022 Visa Bulletin Predictions. K. FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON VISA PROCESSING AT U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATESDURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, PLEASE VISIT THE BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS WEBSITEAT TRAVEL.STATE.GOV. Procedures for determining dates. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. C.THE DIVERSITY (DV) IMMIGRANTCATEGORY RANK CUT-OFFSWHICH WILL APPLY IN DECEMBER. *Employment Third Preference Other Workers Category: 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 Pub. The worldwide level for annual employment-based preference immigrants is at least 140,000. Supply is fixed at 226,000 per year for family based (FB) categories. A. As a result, the estimated employment-based annual limit will be 197,000 for FY-2023. 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. 6833, enacted on September 30, 2022, extended the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category until December 16, 2022. These provisions apply at present to the following oversubscribed chargeability areas: CHINA-mainland born, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, HONDURAS, INDIA, MEXICO, and PHILIPPINES. If it becomes necessary during the monthly allocation process to retrogress a final action date, supplemental requests for numbers will be honored only if the priority date falls within the new final action date announced in this bulletin. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If it becomes necessary during the monthly allocation process to retrogress a final action date, supplemental requests for numbers will be honored only if the priority date falls within the new final action date announced in this bulletin. This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during Novemberfor: Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing Applications, indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center. To avoid delays in processing while waiting for the USCIS data, the Visa Office (VO) bases allocations on reasonable estimates of the anticipated amount of visa numbers to be available under the annual limits, in accordance with Section 203(g) of the INA. Allocations in the charts below were made, to the extent possible, in chronological order of reported priority dates, for demand received by December8th. Allocations in the charts below were made, to the extent possible, in chronological order of reported priority dates, for demand received by October 3rd. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. (F2B) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents: 23% of the overall second preference limitation. ForFebruary, immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2022 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. The worldwide level for annual employment-based preference immigrants is at least 140,000. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbersBELOWthe specified allocation cut-off number: D.SCHEDULED EXPIRATION OF EMPLOYMENT FOURTH PREFERENCE (SR) RELIGIOUS WORKERSCATEGORY. (F2A) Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents: 77% of the overall second preference limitation, of which 75% are exempt from the per-country limit; B. Except for El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, all countries are subject to a final action date of 22JUN22 and an application filing date of 22JUL22. January 2022 About the Visa Bulletin DOS publishes current immigrant visa availability information in a monthly Visa Bulletin. The final action date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who could not be reached within the numerical limits. DV visas are divided among six geographic regions. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. A. This reduction is to be made for as long as necessary to offset adjustments under the NACARA program. The listing of a date for any category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than the listed date may file their application. DATES FOR FILING FAMILY-SPONSOREDVISA APPLICATIONS. No I5 or R5 visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases after June 30, 2021. Section 203(d) provides that spouses and children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status, and the same order of consideration, if accompanying or following to join the principal. Philippines - Next Month's Predictions Latest Published Visa Bulletin India F4 - Next Month's Prediction Latest Published F4 Visa Bulletin Gain access to 20+ year prediction for your personal timeline or message us with a question. INA Section 203(e) provides that family-sponsored and employment-based preference visas be issued to eligible immigrants in the order in which a petition in behalf of each has been filed. 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. Entitlement to immigrant status in the DV category lasts only through the end of the fiscal (visa) year for which the applicant is selected in the lottery. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart below may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of States National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. L. 105-139, provides that once the Employment Third Preference Other Worker (EW) cut-off date has reached the priority date of the latest EW petition approved prior to November 19, 1997, the 10,000 EW numbers available for a fiscal year are to be reduced by up to 5,000 annually beginning in the following fiscal year. 2. The visa prorating provisions of Section 202 (e) apply to allocations for a foreign state or dependent area when visa demand exceeds the per-country limit. Section 203(c) of the INA provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to permit additional immigration opportunities for persons from countries with low admissions during the previous five years. Refresh . INA Section 203(e) provides that family-sponsored and employment-based preference visas be issued to eligible immigrants in the order in which a petition in behalf of each has been filed. Your priority date should be before this date. *Employment Third Preference Other Workers Category: 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 Pub. This situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly. Due to patterns we have seen in the past, the USCIS typically tries to narrow the gap between India EB2 and EB3 priority dates. Section 203(a) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Family-sponsored immigrant visas as follows: First:(F1)Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens: 23,400 plus any numbers not required for fourth preference. It was necessary to retrogress the final action date for the China-mainland born Employment-Based Fifth Preference unreserved categories due to heavy demand for numbers, primarily for visa issuances abroad. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. 3. C.THE DIVERSITY (DV) IMMIGRANTCATEGORY RANK CUT-OFFSWHICH WILL APPLY IN FEBRUARY. The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. F.ESTABLISHMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECOND PREFERENCE FINAL ACTION AND APPLICATION FILING DATES. Please see below for more details or click here to view in PDF format. Since the EW final action date reached November 19, 1997 during Fiscal Year 2001, the reduction in the EW annual limit to 5,000 began in Fiscal Year 2002. A. The C listing indicates that the category is current, and that applications may be filed regardless of the applicants priority date. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS. B. Section 203(c) of the INA provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to permit additional immigration opportunities for persons from countries with low admissions during the previous five years. Employment-based visas In 2021 there are approximately 262,000 employment-based visas. Entitlement to immigrant status in the DV category lasts only through the end of the fiscal (visa) year for which the applicant is selected in the lottery. The remaining 68% are unreserved and are allotted for all other qualified immigrants. 2. The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. This will result in reduction of the DV-2023 annual limit to approximately 54,850. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the final action date listed below.). 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. Nepal 3,200. These provisions apply at present to the following oversubscribed chargeability areas: CHINA-mainland born, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, HONDURAS, INDIA, MEXICO, and PHILIPPINES. 1. 1. 6833, enacted on September 30, 2022, extended the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category until December 16, 2022. The dependent area annual limit is 2%, or 10,150. ), B. For Fiscal Year 2022 this reduction will be limited to approximately 150. If at any time an annual limit were reached, it would be necessary to immediately make the preference category unavailable, and no further requests for numbers would be honored. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If there is legislative action extending this category, the December dates would be applied for the entire month. Numbers could be exhausted prior to September 30. Section 203(d) provides that spouses and children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status, and the same order of consideration, if accompanying or following to join the principal. Therefore, further corrective action has been necessary to ensure that the limited supply of visa numbers is allocated by priority date in accordance with INA 203(e). No one country can receive more than seven percent of the available diversity visas in any one year. There has been a steady increase in both USCIS and Department of State demand patterns for employment-based visas during the fiscal year. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the final action date listed below. INA Section 203(e) provides that family-sponsored and employment-based preference visas be issued to eligible immigrants in the order in which a petition in behalf of each has been filed. Higher than expected demand in the Employment Fourth category for El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras may necessitate corrective action to hold number use within the maximum allowed under the Fiscal Year 2023 annual limit. The final action dates for the I5 and R5 categories have been listed as Unavailable for January. H. FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON VISA PROCESSING AT U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, PLEASE VISIT THE BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS WEBSITE AT TRAVEL.STATE.GOV, Department of State Publication 9514 F2A numbersSUBJECT to per-country limitare authorized for issuance to applicants chargeable to all countriesEXCEPT MEXICOwith priority dates beginning 22APR19. Beyond the detailed analysis that we shared, this has been stated numerous times by Charlie Oppenheim, who is the head of . The visa prorating provisions of Section 202(e) apply to allocations for a foreign state or dependent area when visa demand exceeds the per-country limit. A. Entitlement to immigrant status in the DV category lasts only through the end of the fiscal (visa) year for which the applicant is selected in the lottery. B. High demand in the Employment Fourth category may necessitate the establishment of a worldwide final action date in the coming months to hold number use within the maximum allowed under the Fiscal Year 2023 annual limit. This will result in reduction of the DV-2023 annual limit to approximately 54,850. Fifth:Employment Creation: 7.1% of the worldwide level, of which 32% are reserved as follows: 20% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a rural area; 10% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a high unemployment area; and 2% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in infrastructure projects. Procedures for determining dates. DATES FOR FILING FAMILY-SPONSOREDVISA APPLICATIONS. The year of entitlement for all applicants registered for the DV-2022 program ends as of September 30, 2022. Nepal 1,450. Section 203(b) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Employment-based immigrant visas as follows: First: Priority Workers: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required for fourth and fifth preferences. Fifth:Employment Creation: 7.1% of the worldwide level, of which 32% are reserved as follows: 20% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a rural area; 10% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a high unemployment area; and 2% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in infrastructure projects. C.THE DIVERSITY (DV) IMMIGRANTCATEGORY RANK CUT-OFFSWHICH WILL APPLY IN JANUARY. It does not include future demand (which can increase or decrease anytime). 2. The C listing indicates that the category is current, and that applications may be filed regardless of the applicants priority date. ForDecember, immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2023 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. ), B. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. To keep track of activity around your priority date, subscribe to the Green Card Dashboard. For October, immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2023 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. Section 203(a) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Family-sponsored immigrant visas as follows: First:(F1)Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens: 23,400 plus any numbers not required for fourth preference. The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Second: Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents: 114,200, plus the number (if any) by which the worldwide family preference level exceeds 226,000, plus any unused first preference numbers: A. These provisions apply at present to the following oversubscribed chargeability areas: CHINA-mainland born, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, HONDURAS, INDIA, MEXICO, and PHILIPPINES. This reduction is to be made for as long as necessary to offset adjustments under the NACARA program. For Fiscal Year 2022 this reduction will be limited to approximately 150. As a result, most employment-based preference category limits and/or the overall employment-based preference limit forFY 2022 are expected to be reached during September. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbersBELOWthe specified allocation cut-off number: D.EXPIRATION OF THE EMPLOYMENT-BASED FIFTH PREFERENCE I5 AND R5 REGIONAL CENTERVISA CATEGORIES. 3. The listing of a date for any category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than the listed date may file their application. this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS. H.ESTABLISHMENT OF EMPLOYMENT FOURTH CATEGORY FINAL ACTION AND APPLICATION FILING DATES FOR DECEMBER. The fiscal year 2022 limit for employment-based preference immigrants calculated under INA 201 is 281,507. * Note: Dates in red indicate that priority went backwards instead of forwards which is known as retrogression. These provisions apply at present to the following oversubscribed chargeability areas: CHINA-mainland born, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, HONDURAS, INDIA, MEXICO, and PHILIPPINES. (F2A) Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents: 77% of the overall second preference limitation, of which 75% are exempt from the per-country limit; B. com/visa-bulletin/2022/visa . Fourth: (F4) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens: 65,000, plus any numbers not required by first three preferences. This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during September for: "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing Applications," indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center. (F2B) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents: 23% of the overall second preference limitation. The SR category is subject to the same final action dates as the other Employment Fourth Preference categories per applicable foreign state of chargeability. DV visa availability through the very end of FY-2023 cannot be taken for granted. The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. The key of our prediction is that there will be no 'forward movement' for F1-All Countries until at least the summer of 2022, and most likely no movement until the end of fiscal year 2022 in September 2022. The results of the October 2022 Visa Bulletin were not only frustrating for potential green card applicants, but also shocking. The remaining 68% are unreserved and are allotted for all other qualified immigrants. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbersBELOWthe specified allocation cut-off number: Except: Iran 2,500 Preliminary consolidated number use by State and USCIS for all of FY-2022 shows there were approximately 57,000 unused family-sponsored visa numbers. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. 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". (F2A) Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents: 77% of the overall second preference limitation, of which 75% are exempt from the per-country limit; B. Visa Bulletin Range * to Categories to Graph Category 1 * Category 2 * Category 3 Category 4 Fields marked as * are required. EB-2: India will advance by 4 months to May 1, 2013, and China will remain at March 1, 2019. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. DV visas may not be issued to DV-2023 applicants after that date. 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. The situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments made accordingly. F. FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON VISA PROCESSING AT U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, PLEASE VISIT THE BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS WEBSITE AT TRAVEL.STATE.GOV, Department of State Publication 9514 5. 4. The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. However, higher than expected levels of demand in the Employment First and Employment Second categories has materialized this year, and as a result, fewer additional numbers will be available to India in the Employment Second category than originally estimated when the October and November final action and application filing dates were established. The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process.