Visa Bulletin for August 2004
Compared with July 2004: 10 lines moved forward, 4 retrogressed, current for all countries: EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-3 Other Workers, EB-4, EB-4 Religious Workers.
Final action dates
| Family | All countries | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Oct 22, 2000 | – | Oct 22, 2000 | Jan 1, 1992−33.4 mo | Jul 15, 1990 |
| F2A | Apr 15, 2000+45 d | – | Apr 15, 2000+45 d | Sep 15, 1997+31 d | Apr 15, 2000+45 d |
| F2B | Jul 1, 1995+16 d | – | Jul 1, 1995+16 d | Dec 1, 1991−2.5 mo | Jul 1, 1995+16 d |
| F3 | Oct 15, 1997 | – | Oct 15, 1997 | May 1, 1992−34.2 mo | Sep 1, 1988−17.9 mo |
| F4 | Aug 15, 1992+7 d | – | Aug 1, 1991+40 d | Aug 15, 1992+7 d | Mar 22, 1982 |
| Employment | All countries | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Current | – | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-2 | Current | – | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-3 | Current | – | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-3 Other Workers | Current | – | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-4 | Current | – | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-4 Religious Workers | Current | – | Current | Current | Current |
What moved
Moved forward 10
What the State Department said
Retrogression of cut-off dates for augustAs mentioned in Visa Bulletin number 71, there has been a significant increase in demand for numbers in many categories. As the end of the fiscal year approaches, it has been necessary to retrogress the Philippines F3 and Mexico F1, F2B, and F3 cut-off dates for August to keep issuances within the annual numerical limits. Further retrogressions in these cut-off dates for September cannot be ruled out.
With the start of the new fiscal year in October, an attempt will be made to return the cut-off dates to the latest dates established during FY-2004.
Visa availability for the coming monthsDuring the past several years, the Citizenship and Immigration Service (CIS) demand for numbers has been low. To compensate for the lack of demand from CIS, the Visa Office advanced the immigrant visa cut-off dates very rapidly to provide sufficient qualified applicants at our overseas posts and permit the maximum use of immigrant visa numbers. Such advances also meant that many thousands of additional applicants became eligible to file for adjustment of status at CIS offices. During recent months, CIS demand for numbers has increased significantly as they have begun to address their backlog situation. This increase in CIS demand for numbers is expected to continue, and immigrant visa cut-off date movement is likely to slow or stop in the Family preference categories.
Depending upon the rate at which demand is received, it may become necessary to establish cut-off dates in Employment preference categories. At this time, it is not known if or when this may happen during FY-2005.
Released Jul 13, 2004. Official text: travel.state.gov.
Archive
Source: U.S. Department of State, Visa Bulletin (travel.state.gov), every monthly bulletin since 2003, parsed by 77.today. A bulletin can be revised after release; the State Department's page is the binding text. Not legal advice.