July 2021 Visa Bulletin Check-In

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently held its monthly YouTube program with Charlie Oppenheim, Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division. During the program, Mr. Oppenheim provided some updated predictions for the rest of fiscal year 2021 (FY21), which runs through September 30, 2021, as well as a few predictions for fiscal year 2022 (FY22).

Advancement of Cutoff Dates for Family-Based Categories

Most family-based green card cases are processed through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Throughout the pandemic, the embassies and consulates have generally been either closed or operating under limited capacity, resulting in relatively few family-based cases being processed to completion. Now, however, in areas where COVID-19 is largely under control, more and more appointments are being made available at the U.S. consulates and embassies for family-based cases. Mr. Oppenheim expects that this will result in his being able to advance those cutoff dates more rapidly in the coming months.

No Retrogression for Foreseeable Future

Mr. Oppenheim does not expect to have to retrogress any cutoff dates in the final action charge (Chart A) or the dates for filing chart (Chart B) for the foreseeable future. He noted that, when possible, if retrogression is necessary, he tries to only retrogress dates in August and/or September. This year, however, he does not expect to have to retrogress any dates.

EB2 and EB3 Predictions for Coming Months

Mr. Oppenheim expects that EB2 and EB3 for both China and India will see some forward movement throughout the rest of FY21. However, he does not yet know how quickly the dates will progress.

He did note that EB3 India is expected to move relatively slowly for the rest of the fiscal year. But, in October 2021, which is when FY22 begins, the cutoff dates for both EB2 and EB3 India should move ahead more rapidly.

EB5 China Update

Mr. Oppenheim does not expect that the cutoff date for EB5 China will advance further before the start of FY22.

Conclusion

MurthyDotCom will continue to monitor and report predictions and movements related to the monthly visa bulletin. Subscribe to the MurthyBulletin to receive future updates and other news each week.

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