The Department of State’s (DOS) January 2016 Visa Bulletin showed minor movements in the employment-based visa categories. The most significant movement was in the Indian EB-2 category which advanced by another 8 months, to Feb. 1, 2008 (the December 2015 bulletin showed a 10 month jump). There was also movement in the Dates for Filing in the employment-based categories, except in both of the “All Chargeability Areas” and “Mexico” EB-3 and Other Workers categories, which moved from Sept. 1, 2015, to Jan. 1, 2016.

The January Visa Bulletin also advised about the upcoming, scheduled expiration of the immigrant investor pilot program (EB-5 Visas) on Dec. 11, 2015, unless Congress acts to extend these programs. The Visa Bulletin states that no I5 visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after Dec. 11, 2015. The cut-off date for this category has been listed as “unavailable” for January. Congress is currently considering an extension of the I5 visa category, but there is no certainty when such legislative action may occur. If there is legislative action that extends this category for FY-2016, the cut-off dates would immediately become “current” for January, for all countries except China-mainland born I5.

Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases

Dates for Filing of Employment-Based Visa Applications