May Visa Bulletin

April 19, 2016

The Department of State has released the May Visa Bulletin. Separately, USCIS has confirmed that it will accept filings based on the “Final Action ” chart for both family-based applicants and employment-based applications.  Full charts are below (click to enlarge).

Chart to Use in May for Adjustment Applicants

Family-based: Final Action

Employment based: Final Action

If you are outside of the United States and will be applying for an Immigrant Visa at a U.S. Consulate, you should continue to exclusively consult the dates and information listed at the Department of State’s visa bulletin website.

Forward Guidance – Retrogressions Coming

The Department of State warned of possible retrogressions in the coming months (as early as June) for the following categories:

• China F4
• India F4
• China EB-3

In addition, they warn generally that “there have been extremely high levels of Employment-based demand in most categories for cases filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for adjustment of status.  If this sudden and unanticipated change in the demand pattern continues, it could impact final action dates in the coming months and possibly require corrective action in some.”

Related Links:

“Filing” Chart vs. “Final Action” Chart

Starting With November, USCIS To Issue Monthly Decision Between “Filing” and “Final Action” Charts

 

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