The Department of State’s October 2014 visa bulletin was released today. This is the first visa bulletin of fiscal year 2015.
EB-3: In the employment-based permanent residence categories, the most notable change was a six months forward movement in the EB-3 category across the board, except for India and China. Worldwide, Mexico and Philippines moved from April 1, 2011, to October 1, 2011. EB-3 China moved a healthy five months from November 1, 2008, to April 1, 2009, with EB-3 China other workers staying put at July 22, 2005. EB-3 India moved one week, from November 8, 2003, to November 15, 2003.
EB-2: Worldwide, as well as Mexico and the Philippines, remain current for EB-2. EB-2 China moved about six weeks, from October 8, 2009, to November 15, 2009. India EB-2 stayed the same at May 1, 2009. The Bureau of Consular Affairs warns that EB-2 India is likely to retrogress soon, likely in November.
EB-1, EB-4 and EB-5 are current for October 2014. This is good news for China EB-5 which was cut off in recent weeks due to high demand.
FB-1: The first family-based category, for unmarried adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, moved three weeks forward for worldwide, China, and India, from May 1, 2007, through May 22, 2007. Mexico also moved three weeks, from June 1, 1994, to June 22, 1994. The Philippines moved one month, from August 1, 2004, to September 1, 2004.
FB-2A: 2A, for spouses and minor children of permanent residents, moved one month forward for worldwide, China, India, and the Philippines, from January 1, 2013, to February 1, 2013. 2A moved three months for Mexico, from April 22, 2012, to July 22, 2012.
FB-2B: The category for adult unmarried sons and daughters of permanent residents stays largely the same, with two months of movement for worldwide, China and India, from September 1, 2007, to November 1, 2007. Mexico 2B moved from May 15, 1994, to August 1, 1994, which is lightning fast for this stagnant category. Philippines 2B moved just two weeks, from December 1, 2003, to December 15, 2003.
FB-3: Adult married children of U.S. citizens in the FB-3 category moved one to two weeks for everyone. Worldwide, China, and India moved from November 15, 2003, to December 1, 2003, while Mexico went forward just one week, from October 15, 1993, to October 22, 1993. Philippines FB-3 moved from May 22, 1993, to June 1, 1993.
FB-4: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens are still waiting a minimum of 12 and a half years to immigrate. Worldwide, China and India moved from January 1, 2002, to January 22, 2002. Mexico went from January 22, 1997, to February 1, 1997, and Philippines from March 15, 1991, to April 8, 1991.