October 2015 Visa Bulletin Priority Dates Revised
In early September 2015, the Department of State (DoS) changed the visa bulletin system to include both an approval and filing cutoff dates which will allow many applicants to apply early. Recently, the priority dates given was changed to “better reflect a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process”.
Some changes in the priority dates include EB-2 for China (mainland) and India born applicants. The previousDoS released October bulletin stated the EB-2 priority dates for China and India born are May 1st, 2014 and July 1st, 2011 respectively. However, the newly released October 2015 bulletin have pushed these dates back to January 1st, 2013 for China born applicants and July 1st, 2009 for India born applicants. In addition, various other priority dates have been chanced including EB-3 for Philippines born applicants and various family sponsored priority dates. To see the new priority dates, please visit http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-policy/bulletin/2016/visa-bulletin-for-october-2015.html.
The revised priority dates will adversely affect many applicants and will extend the waiting period compared to the previously given dates. If you or your loved ones have been affected by these changes, Zhang and Associates urge you to write to your local Congress representatives to express your concern.
A similar situation occurred in the summer of 2007 when the DoS released its July 2007 Bulletin and announced that employment based immigration visa numbers were available for all categories except unskilled workers. However, the DoS revised these dates on July 2nd and announced that USCIS would not be accepting any new I-1485 filings until October 1st, 2007. This revision completely destroyed all the efforts of applicants and attorneys who were preparing to file according to the previously given dates. This incident caused an out roar of frustration and concern from the immigrant community and the legal immigration field. As a result of contacting legislators and other efforts to voice their anger, DoS announced on July 17, 2007 that the Visa Bulletin date changes were reversed and will accept I-485 petitions in July. This past incident indicates that with the proper motivation and concern, these new changes to the October 2015 Bulletin Dates can also be reversed. To learn more about the July 2007 incident, please visit http://www.hooyou.com/news/news091107change.html.
Zhang & Associates, P.C. has successfully represented many adjustment of status and visa application cases. If you would like to contact us, please email us at info@hooyou.com. Our attorneys will use their experience, expertise, and teamwork to ensure the highest quality of service. If you already retained another attorney but want to know a second opinion or have further concerns, you are welcome to retain us for fee-based consultation or quality control services.
Founded in 1996, Zhang & Associates, P.C. offers legal services to clients nationwide in all aspects of U.S immigration law. We have successfully handled thousands of immigration cases.
At Zhang & Associates, P.C., our attorneys and supporting professionals are committed to providing high-quality immigration and non-immigration visa services. We specialize in NIW, EB-1, PERM, and I-485 cases. In the past
nineteen years, we have successfully helped thousands of clients get green cards. If you plan to apply for a green card, please send your CV to Attorney Jerry Zhang (info@hooyou.com) for a free evaluation.
Zhang & Associates, P.C.
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Email: | info@hooyou.com |
website: | http://www.hooyou.com |
(09/26/2015)