March Visa Bulletin Released.

The March Visa Bulletin was just realeased and the EB-2 dates for India and China moved forward again, as the DOS stated that they would.  They are now at May 10, 2010.  If the predictions of the DOS hold true, this may be it for this fiscal year in terms of movement.  However, we will see what the usage figures bring up for the next month.

How are those cut-off dates determined anyways?

Here is a link to a document from the Department of State which explains the visa numbers, how they determine cut-off dates and what the numbers look like for this year. 

February Visa Bulletin move EB-2 into 2010 for China and India

The Visa Bulletin for February 2012 has move the cut-off dates for the EB-2 category for both India and China to January, 2010.  According to the DOS, these dates may move up another six months or so in March, and then will most likely hold steady after that.  Of course it will all come down to usage numbers and how many people file adjustment application and how many are approved in that time fram as well.

January Visa Bulletin Moves EB2 for India and China into 2009

The January visa bulletin was just released and the priority date for EB2 applications for China and India has been moved forward to Jan. 2009, a significant jump.  According to the Department of States:

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.

Immigration Bill in Congress Passes through the House and moves to the Senate

H.R. 3012, the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act, introduced on September 22, 2011 by Rep. Chaffetz (R-UT), eliminates the employment-based per-country cap entirely by fiscal year 2015 and raises the family-sponsored per-country cap from 7% to 15%.

On 10/27/11, the House Judiciary Committee held a markup and H.R. 3012 was reported favorably out of committee by a voice vote. An amendment from Rep. Lofgren (D-CA) that would make adjustments to the three year phase-in period was accepted. H.R. 3012 must next be scheduled for House floor debate which may occur in the next few weeks.

On 11/29/11 the House passed H.R. 3012, the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act by a vote of 389-15 with no additional amendments. The measure now moves on to the Senate for consideration. We will update as soon as more information becomes available.