December 2018 Visa Bulletin: All Employment-Based Categories Progresses Slightly

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published the latest visa bulletin for December 2018.  Notably, cut-off dates for most employment-based visa categories remain unchanged in November.
                                                                                 
Final action dates for employment-based preference petitions are as follows:

  • The EB-1 category is still no longer current for any foreign national. For mainland-Chinese and Indian petitioners, the cut-off dates have advanced from June 1, 2016 to September 1, 2016. For petitioners from all other countries and regions, the cut-off dates have advanced from April 1, 2017 to July 1, 2017. 
  • In the EB-2 category, which becomes current worldwide except China-Mainland and India, the cut-off date for nationals born in mainland China has advanced from May 15, 2015 to July 1, 2015. The cut-off date for Indian nationals has advanced from March 26, 2009 to April 1, 2009.
  • In the EB-3 category, which becomes current worldwide except China-Mainland, India and Philippines, the cut-off date for China-mainland has advanced from June 1, 2015 to June 8, 2015. The cut-off date for Indian nationals has advanced from January 1, 2009 to March 1, 2009.
  • In the EB-5 category, the cut-off date for nationals from mainland China has advanced from August 15, 2014 to August 22, 2014. EB-5 visa numbers are available to all nationals, aside from applicants from mainland China and Vietnam (cut-off date is May 1, 2016). 

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

  • The EB-1 category is no longer current for any foreign national. For mainland-Chinese and Indian petitioners, the cut-off dates remain October 1, 2017. For petitioners from all other countries and regions, the cut-off dates remain June 1, 2018. 
  • In the EB-2 category, the cut-off date for nationals born in mainland China has advanced from June 15, 2015 to September 8, 2015. The cut-off date for Indian nationals remain May 22, 2009.
  • In the EB-3 category, the cut-off date for China-mainland has advanced from August 8, 2015 to December 1, 2015. The cut-off date for Indian nationals has advanced from October 1, 2009 to January 1, 2010.
  • In the EB-5 category, the cut-off date for nationals born in mainland China is likewise unchanged, remaining at 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 over 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 1,300 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.

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

 

(11/14/2018)