May 2014 Visa Bulletin Is Out: EB-3 Philippines Advances; F2A To Retrogress

The May 2014 Visa Bulletin shows continued movement in some of the employment-based (EB) category – EB-2 Mainland China, EB-3 India, and EB-3 Philippines, which has the most noticeable cut-off date advancement of over four (4) months.

Meanwhile, cut-off dates for Worldwide F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents) are expected to retrogress due to continued heavy demand. This would include Mexico F2A despite its initial retrogression, from September 1, 2013 back to April 15, 2012 (over 16 months), last March.

The State Department notes:

WORLDWIDE F2A: From early 2013 through September 2013, the level of demand for numbers in this preference category was extremely low. As a result, the F2A cut-off date was advanced at a very rapid pace, in an attempt to generate demand so that the annual numerical limit could be fully utilized. As readers of the Visa Bulletin were advised during that time, such cut-off date advances were not expected to continue, and at some point they could stop, or retrogression might be required.

The level of demand being experienced for FY-2014 has resulted in the Worldwide F2A cut-off date being held since October. Despite no forward movement of the cut-off date, the level of demand has continued to increase dramatically. At the current rate, such demand will require a retrogression of the F2A cut-off date within the next several months. That action would be necessary to hold number use within the annual numerical limit.

MEXICO F2A: Despite an earlier retrogression of this cut-off date, the level of demand remains extremely heavy. As a result, it is likely that another retrogression of this cut-off date will be required to hold number use within the annual numerical limit.

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