On August 12, 2016, the Department of State’s Chief of Visa Control and Reporting Division, Charles Oppenheim, provided his predictions for visa availability for the beginning of upcoming fiscal year 2017 when he recently spoke with the American immigration Lawyers Association.
Here are highlights of his predicted visa availability:
EB-1 China and India: This category is expected to become current in October, 2016.
EB-2 China: This category is expected to move to early 2007.
EB-3 China: This category will experience slow movement and remain at a 2005 date.
EB-4 India and Mexico: This category will become current in October, 2016.
EB-4 El Salvador/Guatemala/Honduras: This category will likely move to a summer, 2015 date in October, 2016.
EB-5 China: Mr. Oppenheimer was not able to predict EB-5 dates for the fiscal year. Information forthcoming in September and October, 2016 will assist will a prediction.
NOTE:
EB-1= persons with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and certain multi-national transferees.
EB-2 = members of the professional holding advanced degrees or persons of exceptional ability
EB-3 = skilled workers, professional, and other workers
EB-4 = Special Immigrant Juveniles and religious workers
