March 2012 Visa Bulletin Shows More Rapid Movement for India and China

The Department of State Visa Bulletin for March 2012 is showing another four months of advancement in the employment-based second categories for natives of China and India.  This is slower than the moves we have seen in recent months, but brings the EB 2 category to May 1, 2010, reducing the backlog to just over two years.  Those born in India or China with priority dates prior to May 1, 2010 should contact an attorney and prepare their adjustment applications quickly in order to be able to file before the end of March 2012.  It is possible the numbers will retrogress significantly in the near future.  All other employment-based categories will enjoy slow and steady movement during March, with the exception of Other Workers from China, which will remain at April 22, 2003.
 
Family-based categories show more movement in March, with many groups moving ahead by at least a month.  Priority dates for F2A, spouses and children of permanent residents, move ahead by at least six weeks for each group.  The only groups with no movement in March are F2B, Mexico; and F3, Philippines.
 
Departing from recent practice, the Department of State made no further predictions in the March Bulletin regarding future advances or retrogressions in visa availability. You may view the full Visa Bulletin here.
 
Mr. Ware will be meeting with Charles Oppenheim, who calculates visa availability for the Department of State, late next month, and we will be able to provide more information on further advances following that meeting.