The March 2013 visa bulletin was released today. Here’s the pertinent information most of my readers are looking for:
For all countries except India, China, Philippines, and Mexico: F2A preference has advanced 30 days to priority date (PD) 22 November 2010. F2B preference advanced 48 days with PD at 1 Marchy 2005; F4 moves forward 8 days to 22 April 2001; EB2 is current and, and EB3 advances 48 days to 1 May 2007.
For India only: F2A preference has advanced 30 days to priority date (PD) 22 November 2010. F2B preference advanced 48 days with PD at 1 Marchy 2005; F4 moves forward 8 days to 22 April 2001; No movement in EB2 leaving PD at 1 September 2004. EB3 advances 8 days to 22 November 2002.
Visa availability prediction for April-June 2013
The Department of State indicates (see below copy text from the visa bulletin) that there is unlikely to be forward movement in EB2 India preference category, if anything there may be retrogression (I sincerely hope not!). There is also indication that EB5 China may face cut off dates depending on demand.
“D. VISA AVAILABILITY IN THE COMING MONTHS (April – June)
FAMILY-sponsored categories (potential monthly movement)
Worldwide dates:
F1: Three or four weeks
F2A: Three to five weeks
F2B: Three to five weeks
F3: One or two weeks
F4: Up to two weeks
EMPLOYMENT-based categories (potential monthly movement)
Employment First: Current
Employment Second:
Worldwide: Current
China: Three to six weeks
India: No movement. 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.
Employment Third:
Worldwide: Four to six weeks
China: Two to three months
India: Up to two weeks
Mexico: Four to six weeks
Philippines: Up to one week
Employment Fourth: Current
Employment Fifth: Current
Item D of the December 2012 Visa Bulletin alerted readers that a China cut-off date might be imposed at some point during the second half of the fiscal year. Currently there is no reason to believe that it will be necessary to establish a China Employment Fifth preference category cut-off date during FY-2013, since demand over first six months of FY-2013 has now averaged out to a manageable level.
The above projections for the Family and Employment categories are for what is likely to happen during each of the next few months based on current applicant demand patterns. Readers should never assume that recent trends in cut-off date movements are guaranteed for the future. The determination of the actual monthly cut-off dates is subject to fluctuations in applicant demand and a number of other variables which can change at any time. Those categories with a “Current” projection will remain so for the foreseeable future.”
We will update you on any other relevant news if and when available and will report on the April 2013 visa bulletin in due course.
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