The Visa Bulletin for December 2016 includes information on oversubscription of Mexico employment-based fourth and certain religious workers preference categories, the scheduled expiration of two employment visa categories, and projections on future employment-based visa availability.
Note: As of November 9, 2016, USCIS has not advised whether in December 2016, it will accept adjustment of status applications for family- or employment-based petitions based on filing dates, rather than final action dates. USCIS anticipates that this information will be released within one week of the monthly Visa Bulletin.
There are many applicants across the family categories who can now process their (and their family members’) I-485 Adjustment of Status applications from within the U.S. or process their immigrant visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if our office can help you take advantage of this (very time-sensitive for some) opportunity to file I-485 applications. We are also happy to provide a free quote for preparing and filing your I-485 application.
We also invite you to contact us if our office can be of any assistance in your immigration matters or you have any questions or comments about the December 2016 Visa Bulletin.
FINAL ACTION DATES FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCE CASES
On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); “C” means current, i.e., numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants; and “U” means unauthorized, i.e., numbers are not authorized for issuance. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the final action date listed below.)
| Family- Sponsored |
All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed |
CHINA-mainland born |
INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
| F1 | 01DEC09 | 01DEC09 | 01DEC09 | 15APR95 | 15SEP05 |
| F2A | 22FEB15 | 22FEB15 | 22FEB15 | 15FEB15 | 22FEB15 |
| F2B | 08MAY10 | 08MAY10 | 08MAY10 | 15OCT95 | 01MAR06 |
| F3 | 15FEB05 | 15FEB05 | 15FEB05 | 08DEC94 | 15AUG94 |
| F4 | 22DEC03 | 01OCT03 | 01APR03 | 15MAY97 | 22MAY93 |
FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES
First: (F1) Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:
Second: Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents:
A. (F2A) Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents:
B. (F2B) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents:
Third: (F3) Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:
Fourth: (F4) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens: