Predictions for October 2021 Visa Bulletin

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 updated predictions for fiscal year 2022 (FY22), which begins on October 1, 2021.

Predictions for Start of FY22

Mr. Oppenheim does not expect any of the dates for employment-based categories on the final action chart (Chart A) to advance in the October 2021 Visa Bulletin. Moreover, it may be several months before we see any forward movement on Chart A for most employment-based categories.

In October, Mr. Oppenheim does anticipate that most of the employment-based categories in the dates for filing chart (Chart B) will also remain unchanged. However, there is a chance that the cutoff dates for EB2 India and China may advance on Chart B next month. While the final decision will be left to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it is Mr. Oppenheim’s understanding that the USCIS likely will allow for applicants current under Chart B to file in October.

No Immediate Expectation of Retrogression

In response to a question about the possibility of EB2 and/or EB3 India retrogressing during FY22, Mr. Oppenheim said that he does not expect this will be necessary. If he is forced to retrogress the dates, however, it would not happen until near the end of the new fiscal year.

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 immigration news each week.

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