Visa Bulletin March 2016
February 9, 2016
The Department of State just released its monthly Visa Bulletin listing the two categories for “Application Final Action Dates,” and “Dates for Filing Applications.” Employees must wait until the USCIS validates the Dates for Filing Applications and check the USCIS website in the next few days before relying on that second category.
The March Visa Bulletin shows some advancement in the Application Final Action Dates category for India and China EB-2 nationals, and some movement in the Dates for Filing Applications category for China.
First Cut-Off Date Category for Employment-Based Preference Cases
“Application Final Action Dates”
EB1
- all still “CURRENT”
EB2
- All others – still “CURRENT”
- China – advances 5 months to August 1, 2012
- India – advances 2 months to October 15, 2008
- Mexico – still “CURRENT”
- Philippines – still “CURRENT”
EB3
- All others – advances 3 months to January 1, 2016
- China – advances 8 months to June 1, 2013
- India – advances 1 month to July 15, 2004
- Mexico – advances 3 months to January 1, 2016
- Philippines – advances 2 months to March 15, 2008
Second (New) Cut-off EARLY Date Category for Employment-Based Cases
“Dates for Filing Visa Applications”
Note: Always Check the USCIS website’s upcoming validation for the current Visa Bulletin before relying on these dates.
EB-1
- all still “CURRENT”
EB2
- All others – still “CURRENT”
- China –advances 5 months to June 1, 2013
- India – remains at July 1, 2009
- Mexico – still “CURRENT”
- Philippines – still “CURRENT”
EB3
- All others – still “CURRENT”
- China – advances 1 year and 7 months to May 1, 2015
- India – remains July 1, 2005
- Mexico – still “CURRENT”
- Philippines – remains at January 1, 2010
