Key Takeaways:
- The January Visa Bulletin shows significant progress for EB-1 category applicants from India and China, indicating reduced backlogs.
- Other employment-based visa categories also see modest gains, with advancements in priority dates for India and China.
- USCIS allows filing of adjustment of status applications in January, offering opportunities for earlier filing for applicants from multiple countries.
Understanding the January Visa Bulletin: Key Updates and Changes
The Visa Bulletin, updated monthly by the Department of State, is an important resource for determining when a sponsored foreign national can either apply for a green card or have their application finalized. The latest January Visa Bulletin brings a mix of advancements and minor adjustments for various employment-based categories.
Significant Progress for India and China in EB-1 Category
One of the standout shifts in the January bulletin is the substantial leap forward for Indian nationals in the EB-1 category, with dates advancing by 3 years and 8 months to September 1, 2020. Meanwhile, China sees a 4.5-month move to July 1, 2022. This is a significant change from the previous month, indicating an easing of backlogs for these highly skilled workers.
Other Employment-based Categories Show Modest Gains
For other employment-based visa categories, the progress varies:
- India:
- EB-2 moves 2 months forward to March 1, 2012.
- EB-3 and EB-3 Other Workers see a 1-month advancement to June 1, 2012.
- China:
- EB-2 pushes ahead by 2 months and 10 days to January 1, 2020.
- EB-3 rises by 7 months and 10 days to September 1, 2020.
- EB-3 Other Workers jumps a full year to January 1, 2017, offering substantial improvements for applicants.
Updates for All Other Countries
Applicants from other countries also experience positive changes, with all categories remaining current or advancing:
- EB-1 maintains a current status.
- EB-2 steps 3.5 months forward to November 1, 2022.
- EB-3 jumps 8 months to August 1, 2022.
- EB-3 Other Workers inches ahead by 1 month to September 1, 2020.
Filing Windows Open for Adjustment of Status Applications
The USCIS has announced that for January, they will accept I-485 applications for adjustment of status, using the Department of State’s Dates for Filing chart. This allows applicants to file earlier than their priority date would typically permit:
- Chinese nationals gain an additional:
- 6 months for EB-1.
- 6 months for EB-2.
- 10 months for EB-3.
- 5 months for EB-3 Other Workers.
- Indian nationals benefit from extra:
- 4 months in EB-1.
- 2.5 months in EB-2.
- 2 months for both EB-3 and EB-3 Other Workers.
- Nationals from other countries have the opportunity to file:
- 3.5 months earlier in EB-2.
- 6 months in advance for EB-3.
- 3.5 months earlier in EB-3 Other Workers.
For individuals looking to navigate the visa bulletin and immigration process, visiting the official U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin page and consulting with immigration professionals are recommended.
The January Visa Bulletin signifies important strides for many awaiting their green cards, particularly for applicants from India and China. The use of the Dates for Filing chart presents a unique opportunity to fast-track the final steps of the green card process for eligible foreign nationals.
So there you have it, folks! The January Visa Bulletin brings us some exciting advancements for folks from India and China in the EB-1 category. Plus, there are little boosts in various employment-based categories for applicants from all over the world. But hey, don’t just take my word for it – for more juicy details, head over to visaverge.com and dive into the visa world. It’s like diving into a treasure chest, but with less water and more paperwork! Happy exploring!
This Article in a Nutshell:
The January Visa Bulletin brings updates to employment-based categories. Notably, Indian nationals see a 3-year, 8-month advancement in the EB-1 category, while Chinese nationals move forward by 4.5 months. Other categories show modest gains. Filing windows are open, allowing earlier adjustment of status applications. Check the official Visa Bulletin for more information.
