The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published the latest visa bulletin. Though some categories’ priority dates have moved forward after stagnation the past two months, the most notable development is the significant retrogression in the EB-3 category for applicants from mainland China.
                                                                                                               
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 remain January 1, 2012.
• In the EB-2 category, the cut-off date for nationals born in mainland China has advanced four months since last month: January 1, 2015. The cut-off date for Indian nationals has moved up considerably, too, from December 26, 2008, last month to March 15, 2009, this month. 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 has retrogressed by more than two years: from June 1, 2015, last month to January 1, 2013, this month. In contrast, the cut-off date for Indian nationals has advanced six months: November 1, 2008.
• In the EB-5 category, the cut-off date for nationals from mainland China remains August 1, 2014. EB-5 visa numbers are available to all other nationals, aside from applicants from China and Vietnam. 

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

• The EB-1 category remains current for all chargeability areas.
• In the EB-2 category, the cut-off date for China-mainland nationals has finally moved up since earlier this year, advancing two months to April 1, 2015. For Indian nationals, the cut-off date has advanced a little less than two months: May 22, 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 has advanced eight months: from September 1, 2008, to May 1, 2009.
• In the EB-5 category, the cut-off date for nationals born in mainland China moves forward a month: 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-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

 

(06/18/2018)