March 2014 Visa Bulletin Is Out: Retrogression for F2A Mexico

The Visa Bulletin for March 2014 shows further advancement in the employment-based (EB) category. Cut-off dates for EB-3 and "Other Workers", including Mainland China and Mexico advanced by three (3) months. While still no movement for India in the EB-2 category, India EB-3 shows slight movement (by two weeks) for the first time since December 2013.

Meanwhile, following an 11-month retrogression in Mexico F2B category (Unmarried Sons and Daughters – 21 years of age or older – of Permanent Residents), the Mexico F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents) cut-off date now retrogressed from September 1, 2013 back to April 15, 2012 (over 16 months).

The State Department notes:

D. MEXICO VISA AVAILABILITY

MEXICO F2A: Continued heavy demand in the Mexico F2A category has resulted in the retrogression of this cut-off date to hold number use within the annual numerical limit.

It should be noted that there are many applicants with priority dates which are earlier than any listed cut-off dates. A cut-off date does not mean that everyone with a priority date before such date has already processed their case to conclusion, and received a visa.

E. VISA AVAILABILITY IN THE COMING MONTHS

FAMILY-sponsored categories (potential monthly movement)

Worldwide dates:

F1: Two to four weeks

F2A: No forward movement is expected

F2B: Four to seven weeks

F3: Four to six weeks

F4: Two or three weeks

EMPLOYMENT-based categories (potential monthly movement)

Employment First: Current

Employment Second:

 • Worldwide: Current

 • China: Three to five weeks

 • India: No forward movement

Employment Third:

 • Worldwide: This cut-off date has been advanced over four and one half years since last spring in an effort to generate new demand. After such a rapid advance of a cut-off date applicant demand for number use, particularly for adjustment of status cases, can be expected to increase significantly. Once such demand begins to materialize at a greater rate it could have a significant impact on this cut-off date situation. Little, if any forward movement of this cut-off date is likely during the next few months.

 • China: Will remain at the worldwide date

 • India: Little if any movement

 • Mexico: Will remain at the worldwide date

 • Philippines: Three to six weeks

Employment Fourth: Current

Employment Fifth: Current

The above projections for the Family and Employment categories are for what is likely to happen during each of the next several months based on current applicant demand patterns. Readers should never assume that recent trends in cut-off date movements are guaranteed for the future, or that "corrective" action will not be required at some point in an effort to maintain number use within the applicable annual limits. The determination of the actual monthly cut-off dates is subject to fluctuations in applicant demand and a number of other variables. Unless indicated, those categories with a "Current" projection will remain so for the foreseeable future.

#immigrationupdates   #visabulletin  

Visa Bulletin For March 2014
Number 66. Volume IX Washington, D.C.. View as Printer Friendly PDF. A. STATUTORY NUMBERS. 1. This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during March. Consular officers are required to report to the Department of State documentarily qualified applicants for numerically …

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