Congress caps the number of green cards that are issued each year. Due to the high demand for green cards, there is usually a consistent backlog. The visa bulletin was created to inform people of when they are allowed to submit their final permanent residence application and when they can receive approval for their green card.

For October 2020, USCIS stated that there are 261,000 immigrant visas that are available. This amount of available visas is historically high. The reason why so many visas are available is attributable to Covid-19 creating a slowdown in consular processing and lower demand for visas in FY 2020. As October 1st is the beginning of the FY 2021, these impacts has been reflected in a higher amount of visas available.

To accommodate these available visas, USCIS has stated that the Dates for Filing can be used in place of Final Action Dates in the month of October. This is significant because the Dates for Filing has significant advancement over the Final Action Dates, allowing eligible applicants to file for adjustment of status much sooner even if it takes years to adjudicate the actual cases. One benefit of this early filing is that applicants can port to a new job in the same occupational category 180 days after filing their adjustment of status without filing for a new H-1B case. Furthermore, those who have submitted their adjustment of status application can concurrently file for employment authorization and advanced parole. These impacts allow for greater flexibility for the application.

However, please be aware that the dates for filing may change in November. As such, it is advised that you contact a legal immigration expert if you are able to file in October. Here at Zhang and Associates, we have successfully represented thousands of non-immigrant and immigrant visas cases. We also understand that during this hectic time, your immigration needs are extremely important. If your needs are neglected, there can be very serious consequences that might disrupt your life. Here at Zhang & Associates, we try to keep you informed and ready. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any immigration related issue, our seasoned staff will be happy to help. For a free evaluation on your case or situation, please email us at info@hooyou.com.

------
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

 

(10/05/2020)