Client Payment Portal

December 2022 Visa Bulletin – Update

Nov 21, 2022 | Immigration Updates

On Thursday, November 17th, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed that it will honor the State Department’s Date for Filing chart from the State Department’s December 2022 Visa Bulletin. The December 2022 Visa Bulletin was released late in the monthly cycle which may be a sign that USCIS and State Department were wrestling with challenges internally before issuing this month’s Visa Bulletin.

Most notably, the December Visa Bulletin introduces a final action priority date of November 1, 2022 for EB-2 “All Other Countries.” This restriction, also in place for dates for filing, for the EB-2 classification for “All Other Countries” this early in the government’s fiscal year may linger and may further challenge green card timelines for applicants previously planning to concurrently submit their I-140 Immigrant Petitions with their I-485 Adjustment of Status Applications. Lastly, the further retrogression for India EB-2 final action date (now October 8, 2011) will result in continued lengthy adjudication timelines for this category.

Dates for Filing: Notes

  • EB-1: All countries will remain current.
  • EB-2: China EB-2 will remain at July 8, 2019.
  • India EB-2 will remain at May 1, 2012.
  • El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, the Philippines and all other countries for EB-2 will change from current to Dec. 1, 2022.
  • EB-3: China EB-3 will advance over a month to Sept. 1, 2018.
  • India EB-3 will advance one month to Aug. 1, 2012.
  • All other countries under EB-3 will remain current.
  • EB-5: Unreserved India and China remain backlogged.

Family Based Information: USCIS to honor Dates for Filing chart for family-based applicants in December 2022. Please refer to the State Department’s full Visa Bulletin for further details available here.

Related Posts:

Rapid-Fire Wednesdays Q&A | International Travel for Foreign National Employees | 11/20/2024 Recap

The transcript version of our weekly Q&A livestream for corporate immigration professionals By Kimberley (Best) Robidoux & Miki Kawashima Matrician 🔥Question: What are the main concerns for foreign nationals planning international travel during the holidays? Response: While leaving the U.S. is straightforward, returning can pose challenges if foreign nationals aren’t prepared. Key concerns include ensuring they have the correct documentation, such as valid passports, visa stamps, and any necessary supporting paperwork. Preparing for potential consular interviews is also critical to avoid complications at the consular posts as well as at U.S. ports of entry. 🔥Question: What documents should foreign nationals prioritize when preparing to return to the U.S.? Response: At a minimum, a passport valid for at least six months beyond the return date is essential. For those on temporary work visas, a valid visa stamp is generally required unless specific exceptions apply. In addition, individuals may need employment verification letters or other supporting evidence to submit with visa applications or to present at the port of entry. Planning weeks or even months in advance for consular processing is strongly recommended. 🔥Question: Do all foreign nationals need consular interviews to renew visa stamps? Response: Not always. Some consular posts offer […]

Read More

Immigration Update

In this edition, read about the extension of travel restrictions at Canada and Mexico land borders, a change in procedure for change of status for F-1 students, the expansion of the credit card payment pilot program for certain premium processing applicants, and more! U.S. Extends Nonessential Travel Restrictions at Canada, Mexico Land Borders; Canada Opens to U.S. Citizens/Permanent Residents August 9 The United States has once again extended travel restrictions at its borders with Canada and Mexico for nonessential travel into the United States at least through August 21, 2021. The United States has done so monthly since March 2020 in response to the pandemic. Canadians and many other U.S.-bound international travelers can fly into the United States if they receive a negative COVID-19 test. Canada announced on July 19, 2021, that fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents can enter the country as of August 9, 2021. U.S. travelers to Canada must submit information electronically through ArriveCAN, meet eligibility and testing requirements, and bring vaccination documentation. Canada plans to open its borders for discretionary travelers from any country, traveling by any means, on September 7, 2021, if they have been fully vaccinated with Canadian government-accepted vaccines at least 14 […]

Read More