The Department of State just came out with the Visa Bulletin for February 2016. Unfortunately there was not much movement on either the family or employment front. Below we summarize what movement there was.
Family Based Immigrant Visas:
Final Action Dates: Most categories moved forward between 1-2 months.
Dates For Filing: Again, they moved 1-2 months forward across the board.
Employment Based Immigrant Visas:
Final Action Dates: EB-2 – China moved forward slightly from February 1, 2012 to March 1, 2012. India moved forward a good bit from February 1, 2008 to August 1, 2008. a jump of 6 months. EB-3 – Worldwide and Mexico did not move and are still at October 15, 2015. China moved from July 1, 2012 to October 1, 2012. India moved from May 15, 2004 to June 15, 2004 and the Philippines moved from November 1, 2007 to January 8, 2008.
DatesFor Filing: There was no movement on these dates.
Dates Used by USCIS:
As you know, USICS has stated that they will inform the public each month as to whether the Final Action Dates or the Dates for Filing can be used by the public in terms of determining when you can file the I-485.
Last month (for January, 2016), USCIS stated the following:
Family Based Cases: Dates for Filing
Employment Based Cases: Final Action Dates
For this month, USCIS has not yet stated what they will be following. Hopefully this information will be released shortly. As soon as it is we will update you.
Please remember, as always, this blog does not offer legal advice. If you need legal advice, consult with a lawyer instead of a blog. Thank you.
Immigration Briefs 