EB3 Number Expectations
Posted Jan 07, 2005
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The retrogression of Employment-Based Third Preference, EB3, visa numbers for persons from India, mainland China, and the Philippines is an important issue for many green card applicants. As regular MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers know, the EB3 numbers retrogressed to January 1, 2002 on January 1, 2005. This leaves many asking, "When will the dates move forward again?" Those unfamiliar with this issue should review our December 10, 2004 article, Employment Visa Numbers Retrogress!
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The United States Department of State (DOS) has indicated to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) that movement in the EB3 dates is not expected until March 2005, at the earliest. They state that April 2005 is a more realistic estimate. There is no guarantee, however, that the numbers will move during either month or how much movement might occur. The visa bulletin containing this important information is generally issued in the middle of the preceding month. That is, the March Visa Bulletin is expected to be issued in mid February and the April Visa Bulletin is expected in mid March. The most up-to-date Visa Bulletin is always available on MurthyDotCom.
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We at The Law Office of Sheela Murthy, P.C. will continue to monitor this important issue for our readers.