October 2019 Visa Bulletin: Worldwide EB-1 Advances

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published the latest visa bulletin for October 2019.  Notably, EB-1 cut-off dates for petitioners from all countries and regions worldwide advance in October.
                                                                                 
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  • The EB-1 category is still no longer current for any foreign national.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 petitioners, the cut-off date has advanced from January 1, 2014 to November 1, 2016. For Indian petitioners, the cut-off date has advanced from unauthorized to January 1, 2015. For petitioners from all other countries and regions, the cut-off dates have advanced from October 1, 2017 to April 22, 2018. 
  • In the EB-2 category, the cut-off date for nationals born in mainland China has retrogressed from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2015. The cut-off date for Indian nationals has advanced from May 8, 2009 to May 12, 2009. For petitioners from all other countries and regions, the cut-off dates have advanced from January 1, 2018 to Current. 
  • In the EB-3 category, the cut-off date for China-mainland has advanced from January 1, 2014 to November 1, 2015. The cut-off date for Indian nationals has advanced from July 1, 2005 to January 1, 2009. For petitioners from all other countries and regions (except Philippines), the cut-off dates have advanced from July 1, 2016 to Current.
  • In the EB-5 category (non-regional center), the cut-off date for nationals from mainland China has remained on October 22, 2014. EB-5 (non-regional center) visa numbers are available to all nationals, aside from applicants from mainland China, Vietnam (cut-off date has advanced from October 22, 2014 to October 15, 2016) and India (cut-off date has advanced from September 1,2017 to November 22, 2017). 

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

  • The EB-1 category is stillno longer current for any foreign national. For mainland-Chinese petitioners, the cut-off dates have retrogressed from October 1, 2017 to September 1, 2017. For Indian petitioners, the cut-off dates have retrogressed from October 1, 2017 to March 15,2017.For petitioners from all other countries and regions, the cut-off dates have advanced from September 1, 2018 to July 1, 2019. 
  • In the EB-2 category, the cut-off date for nationals born in mainland China has retrogressed fromJune 1, 2017 to August 1, 2016. The cut-off date for Indian nationals has advanced from June 1,2009 to July 1, 2009. For petitioners from all other countries and regions, the cut-off dates have remained Current. 
  • In the EB-3 category, the cut-off date for China-mainland has advanced from June 1, 2016 to March 1, 2017. The cut-off date for Indian nationals has retrogressed from April 1, 2010 to February 1, 2010. For petitioners from all other countries and regions, the cut-off dates have remained Current. 
  • In the EB-5 category, the cut-off date for nationals born in mainland China has advanced from November22, 2014 to January 1, 2015. For petitioners from all other countries and regions, the cut-off dates have remained Current. 

According to USCIS, for Employment-Based Preference Filings:

You must use the Dates for Filing chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin for October 2019.

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 3,200 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 1,500 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

 

(09/23/2019)