The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published the latest visa bulletin. Overall, there is little movement to report across most categories, further evidencing oversubscription.
                                                                                                               
Final action dates for employment-based preference petitions are as follows:

• The EB-1 category is current for all nationals, except for mainland-Chinese and Indian petitioners, whose dates are both January 1, 2012.
• In the EB-2 category, the cut-off date for nationals born in mainland China has moved up one month, from August 1, 2014, in April to September 1, 2014, this month. The cut-off date for Indian nationals has not changed: December 22, 2008. Aside from applicants born in mainland China, India, and the Philippines, the EB-2 category is current.
• In the EB-3 category, the cut-off date for China-mainland nationals remains June 1, 2015. The cut-off date for Indian nationals has moved up three months: May 1, 2008.
• In the EB-5 category, the cut-off date for nationals from mainland China has not changed since earlier this year: 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 date for China-mainland nationals has not budged since earlier this year, remaining at February 1, 2015. For Indian nationals, the cut-off date advanced two months: April 1, 2009.
• In the EB-3 category, the filing date for aliens from mainland China remains January 1, 2016, while for Indian nationals, the filing date advances five months to September 1, 2008.
• In the EB-5 category, the cut-off date for nationals born in mainland China also remains the same: September 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-two 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

 

(04/16/2018)