September 2014 Visa Bulletin: EB2 India, EB3 Philippines, and FB2A Categories Advance

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) released the September 2014 Visa Bulletin. The employment-based, second preference (EB2) category for Indian nationals continues to move forward, but is expected to retrogress in the coming months. Cutoff dates for the family-based, second preference “A” category advance across the board. The employment-based, third preference (EB3) category for people born in the Philippines also takes another significant leap forward.

Family-Based, Second Preference “A”

The FB2A category is for spouses and (unmarried, minor) children of lawful permanent residents (LPRs, or “green card” holders). FB2A Mexico advances by more than one year to April 22, 2012. FB2A for all other countries moves up to January 1, 2013.

Employment-Based, Second Preference (EB2)

The EB2 category stays current for all countries, except India and China. EB2 India advances by more than three months to May 1, 2009. However, the visa bulletin notes that “…it will be necessary to retrogress the cutoff date, possibly as early as November…” for the EB2 India category. EB2 China holds steady at October 8, 2009.

Employment-Based, Third Preference (EB3)

EB3 Philippines advances by nearly a year, to April 1, 2011. There is no other movement in the EB3 category, with EB3 India at November 8, 2003, EB3 China at November 1, 2008, and all other countries of chargeability at April 1, 2011.

Other Workers Category

With the exception of China, the EB3 other workers cutoff dates are the same as the general EB3 dates. This category for China has a cutoff date of July 22, 2005.

Conclusion

Those with priority dates that will be current in September, especially those with EB2 India cases, should not procrastinate. Failure to act timely and properly could result in continued delays, or worse. Those with questions or in need of proper representation should schedule a consultation with a Murthy Law Firm attorney.

Copyright © 2014, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved