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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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.

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Meanwhile, the cut-off date for Mexico F2B – Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents – retrogressed from April 1, 1994 back to May 1, 1993 (11 months).

The State Department notes:

D. MEXICO VISA AVAILABILITY

MEXICO F2B: The level of demand during recent months has been extremely heavy, in particular for cases filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for adjustment of status processing. Therefore, it has been necessary to retrogress the February cut-off date to May 1, 1993 in an attempt to hold number use within the annual per-country limit. Further retrogression of this cut-off date cannot be ruled out.

MEXICO F2A: Continued heavy demand in the Mexico F2A category will require the retrogression of this cut-off date to hold number use within the annual numerical limit. Such action is likely to occur within the next few months.

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Following a 1-year jump forward in the December 2013 Visa Bulletin, priority dates for EB-3 and "Other Workers", including Mainland China and Mexico, advance from October 1, 2011 to April 1, 2012 (6 months).  EB-3 Philippines slightly advances by 5 weeks – to February 15, 2007, while EB-3 India stays at September 1, 2003.

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