The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published the first visa bulletin for calendar year 2018. Cut-off dates have moved up across several categories, with the EB-2 and EB-3 categories for mainland China-born nationals advancing the most. As has been the case since the start of fiscal year 2018, the EB-1 preference group continues to be current.
                                                                                                               
Final action dates for employment-based preference petitions are as follows:

• The EB-1 category is current for all nationals.
• In the EB-2 category, the cut-off date for nationals born in mainland China has moved up five weeks, from July 1, 2013, last month to August 8, 2013, this month. The cut-off date for Indian nationals has again advanced three weeks: November 22, 2008. The EB-2 category is current for all other aliens.
• In the EB-3 category, the cut-off date for China-mainland nationals advances five weeks since last month to April 15, 2014. The cut-off date for Indian nationals has finally moved up since the last two months, albeit by two weeks: November 1, 2006.
• In the EB-5 category, the cut-off date for China-mainland has moved up just one week: July 22, 2014. EB-5 visa numbers are available to all other nationals. 

Filing dates for employment-based preference petitions are as follows:

• The EB-1 category is current for all chargeability areas.
• In the EB-2 category, the cut-off dates for China-mainland and Indian nationals remain the same as the past two months: November 15, 2013, and February 8, 2009, respectively.
• In the EB-3 category, there has similarly been no movement in the filing dates for beneficiaries from mainland China and India, which remain at September 1, 2015, and January 1, 2008, respectively.
• In the EB-5 category, the cut-off date for nationals born in mainland China has not advanced: October 1, 2014. 

Our Thoughts

If you believe you qualify for a National Interest Waiver (NIW) but are not sure if you’re as strong a candidate for an EB-1, we recommend starting your NIW application as soon as possible. In general, we encourage our clients to file NIW applications (provided they meet the requirements). Our attorneys have a strong track record of winning approvals: since 2008, Zhang & Associates has helped nearly 3,000 foreign nationals obtain NIWs. 

After you successfully apply for an NIW, and thereafter continue to garner achievements in your field, you may want to consider applying in the first-preference category. Our firm is here to help: since 2012, our attorneys have assisted more than 1,100 clients obtain EB-1 visas. 

Before you start the application process, it’s imperative that you consult with experienced immigration attorneys. If you’re interested in filing an NIW, EB-1, or any other employment-based visa application, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. 

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Former U.S. Consular officer, Attorney Sechyi Laiu joined Zhang & Associates, P.C. on June 26, 2017

At Zhang & Associates, P.C., Attorney Laiu specializes on Consular Processing cases and business development. Attorney Laiu also focuses on TN visas, E visas, CBP administrative proceedings (monetary confiscation, deferred inspection), and overseas financial compliance.

Prior to joining Zhang & Associates, P.C., Attorney Laiu worked for the U.S. Department of State as a Chinese and Portuguese speaking diplomat. As a consular-coned officer who served in Vancouver (Canada), Shenyang (P.R. China), and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Attorney Laiu processed over 30,000 visa cases and worked in every section of Consular Affairs overseas (Fraud Prevention Unit, Immigrant Visas, Non-Immigrant Visas, and American Citizen Services).

He will use his experience and expertise to deliver the highest quality of service to our clients.

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Founded in 1996, Zhang & Associates, P.C. offers legal services to clients worldwide in all aspects of U.S immigration law. We have successfully handled over ten thousand 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, EB-5, PERM, I-485 I-130, H-1B, O, L and J cases. In the past twenty-one years, we have successfully helped over ten thousand 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.

Silicon Valley • New York • Los Angeles • Chicago • Houston • Austin • Seattle • Sunnyvale • Madison • Honolulu

Tel:	1-800-230-7040, 713-771-8433
Email:	info@hooyou.com
website:	http://www.hooyou.com

 

(12/17/2017)