The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published the February 2012 Visa Bulletin. The priority cut-off dates for China and India in the employment-based, second preference (EB-2) category advanced one year, to January 1, 2010. Foreign nationals having a priority date before the established cut-off date are eligible to file immigrant visa or adjustment of status applications. As a result of this advancement, many foreign nationals previously subject to visa retrogression will become eligible to file adjustment of status applications in February. It is important to note that all foreign nationals must be in the United States on the date of filing an adjustment of status application. Eligible applicants should consider any international travel plans accordingly.
Priority cut-off dates for the most common employment-based categories are provided below.
Employment-based, first preference (EB-1):
Employment-based, second preference (EB-2):
Employment-based, third preference (EB-3) professional/skilled workers:
Employment-based, third preference (EB-3) “other” workers:
The full text of the February 2012 Visa Bulletin is available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/bulletin_5640.html.
If you have any questions about this alert, please contact your Gibney representative or email immigrationalerts@gibney.com.
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This immigration article is provided as general information for clients and friends of Gibney, Anthony & Flaherty, LLP. It does not constitute, and should not be construed as, legal advice. The contents of this article may be considered attorney advertising in some states.