EB-2 and EB-3 Cut-Off Dates Move Ahead for Most Countries; Numbers for India Remain Static
According to the State Department’s February Visa Bulletin, cut-off dates for third preference professionals and skilled workers will advance by two months for most countries, to June 1, 2012, though EB-3 India will remain at September 1, 2003. EB-3 classification for the Philippines will advance by two months in February, to April 15, 2007. As has been the case for January, third preference “other worker” cut-off dates will continue to track those of professionals and skilled workers.
In terms of second preference, cut-off dates for China will advance by one month to January 8, 2009 in February, but EB-2 India will remain at November 15, 2004. EB-2 cases for all other countries will remain current.
In the family-based F-2A category for the spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents, the cutoff date will remain at September 8, 2013 for all countries except for Mexico, which will remain at September 1, 2013. The category was current for two months earlier in 2013 but had a cut-off date imposed as of October 1.
February 2014 Priority Date Cut-Offs
In February 2014, EB immigrant visa priority date cut-offs will be:
EB-1 Current for all countries.
EB-2 China: January 8, 2009
India: November 15, 2004
All other countries: Current
EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers China: June 1, 2012
India: September 1, 2003
Philippines: April 15, 2007
All other countries: June 1, 2012
EB-3 Other Workers China: June 1, 2012
India: September 1, 2003
Philippines: April 15, 2007
All other countries: June 1, 2012
EB-5 Current for all countries and subcategories.