168 responses so far ↓

• 1 che-che // Apr 28, 2008 at 5:22 am

  hopefully….. the VB will move until June 2007. Let’s all pray and hope for the best…Our prayers are not in vain..God is good..He is never late nor too early, God is always on time.

• 2 pummy // Apr 28, 2008 at 5:50 am

  hi John,My family first category f1 priority date is nov20th,2002.I been asking this question that seeing current movement when as per your prediction my priority will be current?Everytime I get answers lets see next bulletin or no one knows.I understand no one can predict whats up for next visa bulletin or when priority will be current.But i am sure that experience means something so based on your experience John,please predict the time when my priority is expected to be current?Thanks in advance.I hope I get answer this time…

• 3 Stephen // Apr 28, 2008 at 12:09 pm

  I am excited to see how fast my dates has moved forward. In Dec 207 it was still at 2002, and when i checked again for may 2008 it is now at 2006
  This is really good news.
  I am really optimistic for the VB of May
  Good luck to all awaiting for their dates to become current….God Bless

• 4 Blandine // Apr 28, 2008 at 8:12 pm

  Hello John,
  Thanks so much for the amazing amount of time you spend answering our questions. Although this is the first time I’m leaving a comment/question, I’ve been on your website a lot.
  My case is at the Texas center. I’m EB3 (European). My I-485 was received by the immigration services on November 17, 2004. My case has therefore been current since March 2008. What is the longest I could wait for before I receive my green card? Would it be fair to assume that I should receive it by the end of 2008, worst case…?
  Thanks again for your web site. It’s been an amazing source of support and information.

• 5 Belinda // Apr 29, 2008 at 1:38 am

  John, thank you for responding to my question in the May Visa Bulletin blog. You made me happy!! As mentioned I am FB-1 worldwide with a PD of 04/08/02. I am soon there! I have two questions:
  1) are interviews conducted for FB-1? If so, is it where the petitioner or beneficiary lives (my USC parent and I live in two different states). Also, how long does it take for the interview to be scheduled once I apply for AOS (I am here on an H visa).
  2) if I move to a different state after I apply for AOS, will this cause a problem to transfer my file to the new state? Will it take long to transfer the file or am I better off moving after I have the interview?
  THANKS AGAIN JOHN! SUPPORT MEANS SO MUCH TO US. I can’t wait to be GREEN!

• 6 MMS // Apr 29, 2008 at 2:17 pm

  Hello again John,

  I feel like I am calling a bet…but here is my guess.

  EB3 - ROW July/Aug 2006

• 7 CADude // Apr 29, 2008 at 3:31 pm

  Hi John,

  Are there any notes from the monthly AILA attorneys that would provide any relevant predictions to the June VB. Will there be any further movement for ROW EB3 in your opinion?

  Cheers!

• 8 CADude // Apr 29, 2008 at 3:32 pm

  Hi John,

  Are there any notes from the monthly AILA attorneys’ meeting that would provide any relevant predictions to the June VB. Will there be any further movement for ROW EB3 in your opinion?

  Cheers!

• 9 FD // Apr 29, 2008 at 3:36 pm

  Hi John:
  I’m sorry that at times some people demand that you answer right away when you are already spending so much time doing this for free. THANK YOU!
  I have a question. I’m from Uruguay, and my priority date is July 08, 2005. My receipt date for my I-485 is July 2, 2007 (Nebraska) and my I-140 was already approved. My case is an EB-3 Skilled Worker. Since the May Visa Bulletin shows March 01, 2006 and the processing time for Nebraska is July 11, 2007, I’m assuming that they will start processing my application in May. Do you know how long on average they take to process the application if everything is in place? I did my fingerprints back in September.
  Also, what happens if they start processing my application in May, and the priority date retrogresses again in June or July or later before they approve my green card?
  Thank you very much for your website!

• 10 che-che // Apr 29, 2008 at 4:23 pm

  Hello everyone…My prediction for June Vb in EB3 ROW and Phil- June 2007….hoping for the best..

• 11 Moi // Apr 30, 2008 at 4:03 am

  My prediction for F4 will likely be 22 Aug 97 or better still 01 Sept 97. Although, what I really want it to be is 15 Sept 97!

• 12 Mel // Apr 30, 2008 at 6:25 am

  I won’t make any predictions but I do want to express what I’m hoping for - no retrogression, please.

  Welcome back John and thank you for taking the time to answer our never-ending questions. We really appreciate it.

• 13 Slawek // Apr 30, 2008 at 10:11 am

  Hi everyone!

  Does anybody know when they send DS-3032 from? I’ve heard that it is before the priority date is current. But is it 1 month before or…?
  I’ve been waiting 10 years in FB4 category (Europe), and now it takes only 5 months in the vb for my priority date to by current. I keep me fingers crossed for that the family based categories will move little bit more in June, because the beginning of this year was really slow for FB.

  Thanks in advance!

• 14 Moi // May 1, 2008 at 3:51 am

  Slawek - The form is normally sent 9 months before your priority date, so you might want to consider contacting NVC. Note that they will send it to the address you had on file 10years ago when you applied, so if you have changed addresses since then, you might want to look into that

• 15 amor // May 1, 2008 at 12:44 pm

  hello john my priority date is aug 06 do you think it will be current by june vb?

• 16 elephant // May 1, 2008 at 2:39 pm

  hey john , how long does it take after applying for citizenship in newyork to become a citizen.

• 17 Slawek // May 1, 2008 at 4:55 pm

  Thanks Moi, I think it is a good idea to contact NVC in that case. The address has not changed, so I should have got it if it was sent. Thank you again!

• 18 Slawek // May 1, 2008 at 7:19 pm

  I called NVC and it turned out that they sent the Affidavit of Support processing fee bill and the immigrant visa fee bill to the attorney one month ago. (The attorney had called my mom in USA, but somehow they missunderstood each other). Moi, you saved me a few weeks or months of pointless waiting, many thanks and God bless you!

• 19 Moi // May 1, 2008 at 10:49 pm

  You’re welcome, Slawek

• 20 Justin // May 2, 2008 at 12:51 pm

  Hi John,

  My PD is Aug2006 for EB3 and I am from India. I have allready submited the DS230 in last Oct(don’t know the status whether they accept it or not).when I checked my status I got “On June 14, 2007, we shipped this approved or re-affirmed case to the Department of State for visa processing. For more information, please contact them directly” what it means? how can I contact “Department of State for visa processing”? how long you think it will take to get processed? John Please advise.
  Thanks in Advance!.

• 21 Kumar // May 2, 2008 at 2:50 pm

  Hey John,
  can you please let me know what do they look for while approving the I485 application, provided the I140 is approved in EB2 category and the priority date is current.
  Are there any queries that they can ask during the i485 stage ?
  Thanks a bunch.
  Kumar.

• 22 nicejojo // May 2, 2008 at 3:47 pm

  Slawek
  What is your category and what is your priority date. Is it it F1 or F4?

• 23 Rizi // May 2, 2008 at 4:17 pm

  EB3 ROW will be Current in June 2008 bulletin. What do you guys think?

• 24 Dirk // May 2, 2008 at 6:08 pm

  Hi John,

  Thanks for answering all our questions and/or concerns.

  1. My PD is March 31, 2006. I sure welcomed the jump in the last VB. How much more do you believe it’ll move?

  2. How long does it normally take for the Neb. office to approve the 485 when the PD is current, and, yes ,what do they actually look for?

• 25 anna // May 2, 2008 at 9:32 pm

  Hi John!
  My PD is March 2004. I am under category FB-1, Vietnam-born. How soon do you think it will be current?
  Thanks!

• 26 che-che // May 3, 2008 at 4:21 am

  thanks for the link cha-chu, it helps a lot..

• 27 Slawek // May 3, 2008 at 8:57 am

  nicejojo, I am in F4 category and my PD is 09JAN1998

• 28 philip // May 3, 2008 at 1:23 pm

  hi my name is philip from the philippines,i just would like to know what will happen after my priority date will be current? how many months will i wait for my visa interview? thanks pls help me open my mind cause i really dont know what to do next

• 29 Carmen Pilapil // May 4, 2008 at 3:18 am

  Hi John,

  My PD is July 3, 2006 and under EB3 Phils, I have already talked with a customer rep. in NVC through phone and she said that within this week, they will send the paket for updated requirements to my attorney so that they can schedule me for interview and be given a visa number. I’m case complete since January 2007 so I know that these requirements are for updating purposes.
  With this news, is it possible to be issued a visa by this year, 2008? How long will we have to wait upon completion of updated docs before we may be able to have out interview date?
  Thanks so much…

• 30 che-che // May 4, 2008 at 3:37 am

  Congrats to you carmen and God bless !!

• 31 J. Chang // May 5, 2008 at 3:17 am

  Hi John,
  Once my PD is current, do I (or my lawyer) has to do anything? e.g notifying USCIS to start processing my 485, etc….I have I-140 approved from non-concurrent filing . I filed I-140 almost 2 years before filing for 485 (due to retrogression). OR just sit back and relax waiting for the 485 approval.

• 32 CADude // May 5, 2008 at 9:27 pm

  Hi John,
  We miss out here
  I am a little bit unclear about being “Current”. I thought all this time that being “Current” only mattered before you file I-485, but I see people still watching the Visa Bulletins even after they have filed the I-485. I am getting the impression (and I understand if many will be like “duh”) that being “Current” sort of matters twice in the GC process. Can you please clarify this for me?
  Thank you very much!

• 33 MD // May 5, 2008 at 10:21 pm

  I think ROW and Philippines cut - off dates will be be Jan 01 2007 for June VB.

  That’s me, being quite a pessimist as my PD is Jan 10 2007

• 34 Precious // May 6, 2008 at 1:33 am

  I’m a Registered Nurse under EB3 category. PD is April 2006, had my interview Dec 2007. Interview went ok but wasnt able to get GC since no available visa at that time so was advised by Immigration Officer to wait till VB for EB3 becomes current. As of May 2008, EB3 for PHils is March 2006. A month away from my PD. I am hoping the June 2008 will advance and make my PD current. If that will be the case, what are my chances to get my GC before the year 2008 ends? Can i follow up with USCIS if on June 2008, my PD is current already? when can i do that? Thanks and hope to hear from you.

• 35 FD // May 6, 2008 at 2:30 am

  Precious:

  That is my question too. Please, see my prior posting.
  As of May 01, my PD is current, but who knows if I will be getting my GC any time soon.
  PD = July 08, 2005 ROW
  I-140 = Approved over a year ago
  I-485 Receipt Date = July 02, 2007
  Fingerprints = September 27, 2007

  I keep hoping that it will be approved this month, but something tells me to not be too hopeful

• 36 Precious // May 6, 2008 at 3:01 am

  FD:

  Thank you for your comment. Mine is concurrent filing of I140 and I-485 in April 2006. Fingerprinted May 2006. I-140 approved Feb 2007. Case I-485 transferred from Nebraska to National Benefits Center on Oct 2007 for fast processing. Interviewed on Dec 2007 at USCIS Newark, passed interview , I-94 already surrendered to Immigration Officer, unable to get GC because of unavailability of Visa for EB3. Officer said to wait for VB availability.Only means GC processing is done including I-485 stage, just awaiting GC issuance. Just waiting for PD to be current on June 2008. Hoping and praying GC to be issued before 2008 ends. Fingers crossed!

• 37 MARIA CARINA TUAZON // May 6, 2008 at 6:51 am

  I just want to know & clear well about the priority date.What doe it mean?Is it the date when rceive in & approve in USCIS or receipt datein USCIS.Thanks.

• 38 bhut // May 6, 2008 at 11:39 am

  i want to know that is june visa bullition ends the retrogression of e3

• 39 jet // May 6, 2008 at 4:08 pm

  Precious question for you, if your PD was April 2006 what did you do or your lawyer do to schedule an appt and actually got an interview by Dec 07? I`m surprised you got an interview even if HB3 was under retro.
  My PD is May 2006 and I still have no schedule for interview, any comments? Congrats nonetheless..

• 40 jet // May 6, 2008 at 4:09 pm

  Precious I apologize I didnt read your last post, congrats again.

• 41 Blandine // May 6, 2008 at 4:35 pm

  CADude:

  The visa bulletin does matter even after you filed your I-485. For example, my I-485 was filed in November,2004 (so my PD to get my green card is November 2004). I’m EB3 ROW. Until March 2008 I wasn’t eligible to receive my green card because the visa bulleting showed November 2002 (except for last july when all of a sudden we were all current).
  Now that my PD is current I can technically receive my green card (but I was told by my attorney that it can take up to 9 months between the time my PD is current and when my I-485 gets actually approved).
  So, yes, being current matters twice in the green card process. I hope that helps.

• 42 RG // May 6, 2008 at 5:46 pm

  It’ll move forward 2 weeks

• 43 Lizmarian // May 6, 2008 at 6:38 pm

  I think the the prioruty date will come available for Mexico on April to june 2003(eb-3).

• 44 erikvirgo // May 6, 2008 at 10:01 pm

  Hi guys…
  I really like this site. Thanks. I have a question.
  -When working on the CURRENT I-485, Would USCIS check what the actual current occupation/job whether it is the same as described in the LC- if the applicant works with the same company all this time - started with LC, I140, I485

• 45 raf // May 7, 2008 at 4:12 am

  hi everyone!

  my pd is june 2, 2006. any news onwhat to expect for june 2008 VB?

  by the way, i really like this site so much. more power to all of you.

  God bless!

• 46 Kanwaldeep Kaur Sekhon // May 7, 2008 at 6:15 am

  Hi i am a nurse from India.My case was approved on Oct.3,2007 and priority date is May 29,2007.I have not yet received my DS-230 forms.May i please know how much time it may take to get my visa alongwith spouse once retrogression is over?

• 47 Precious // May 7, 2008 at 11:07 am

  jet:

  To answer your question how i got a schedule for an interview… actually, it happened so fast.my I-485 was transferred by Nebraska to National Benefit Center on Oct 2007 for the reason of to expedite processing, after 3 weeks, i received a notice for interview telling me to go to USCIS - Newark 1st week of December , where i went with my lawyer. That’s how i got the interview. Don’t worry, your case will soon be process, i’ll pray for you.

• 48 dcboy08 // May 7, 2008 at 11:44 am

  Hi MD!

  I’d like to be an optimist here; my PD is like 9 days after yours!! so I’m hoping cut-off date would be Feb 01, ‘07 or even Mar 01′07 for ROW and EB3 Phil.

  How I wish each and everyone of us here would have our GC’s before this year ends. God bless us all!!

• 49 MD // May 7, 2008 at 1:49 pm

  Im keeping my fingers crossed, hopefully you’re right dcboy08!

• 50 che-che // May 7, 2008 at 5:08 pm

  my pd is may 9, 07..so im hoping that the Vb this coming june, would be around June 07..thanks!!! God bless us all

• 51 CADude // May 7, 2008 at 5:49 pm

  Anyone knows where the national stakeholders’ meeting notes for April 29th are? This is the meeting where visa number and other relevant things are discussed each month.

• 52 NM // May 7, 2008 at 9:05 pm

  Hi all,

  That’s my first post here. I have been reading your interesting and useful comments.

  I have a PD October 2007 for EB3.

  I just don’t get how some of you filed concurrently I-140 and I-485 for EB3 considering the I-485 instructions:

  “If you wish to concurrently file your Form I-485 and FormI-140 an immigrant visa number must be immediatelyavailable at the time of filing.”

  Thanks.

• 53 CADude // May 7, 2008 at 9:11 pm

  NM:

  The people who have filed concurrently are the ones who were ready to file their I-485 during July 2007 (see visa bulletin for July 2007 where all categories pretty much in all chargeability areas were “C”). Many people with pre-approved I-140’s or just approved labor (extremely lucky) were able to file. In your case, you need to wait until the visa bulletin shows a date later than your priority date or becomes “C” then you can apply for I-485 either concurrently if you haven’t filed the I-140 yet or just by itself if you already filed the I-140. Hope this helps. Good luck!

• 54 Bernard M. Magsakay // May 8, 2008 at 1:46 am

  All our hopes & prayers is for June 2008 EB3 Visa Bulletin to be current because our PERM application has been filed. Please do help us pray for it. Thanks.

• 55 Blandine // May 8, 2008 at 3:52 am

  NM and CADude:

  CA Dude is right. I’ll just add that a lot of us were able to file years ago right before the backlog. I filed my I-485 in 2004 (EB3 ROW) concurrently with my I-140 which was approved that year. Since then there hasn’t been available visa except for last july. That wasn’t long enough for those of us who have been waiting for years.
  I’m reading a lot of hopeful messages from people who think EB3 will move to 2007. I have been waiting for years and I haven’t seen it moving (except for the mistake of last july) like it has the past three months, so I’m pretty pessimistic about the odds of the dates moving forward much more this year. I do hope I’m wrong so as many people as possible become eligible.

• 56 Blandine // May 8, 2008 at 4:13 am

  “funny” immigration story:

  I hope John won’t mind me going a little off subject. My friends and co-workers had a good laugh but I think foreigners who have gone through the complex process of getting a visa or a green card will appreciate it even more.
  Upon my attorney recommendation I decided to call USCIS to try to get some news about my status.
  After a good 7-8 mn of pressing a bunch of numbers and listening to the exact same status update I’ver read numerous time on their web site (hey I’ve been reading it for almost 4 years almost everyday in the hope that there would be some new information) I finally get somebody on the phone who doesn’t seem to know much about the immigration process. I can tell she’s reading questions on a computer. She was not very nice and was not going to help me. She hung up and I hadn’ t learned anything except for the fact that I shouldn’t assume somebody who works at the immigration services knows what a I-485 is.
  I decide to call again hoping to get somebody else. I do get another lady who seemed nicer. But then it became funny:
  ” I need to ask you some questions: are you applying for American citizenship?”
  “No, I filed my I-485 -by then I know I shouldn’t assume she knows what that is so I keep going…-, I’ m applying to get my green card”
  “Are you an American citizen?”
  “No, I am applying for my green card, for the US residency -I thought I was clear the first time no?-”
  “ok, but are you an American citizen?”
  “….. no” (I was floored)
  I felt in the twilight zone. I did think up to this day that most people in the world know that the green card is for foreigners to get US residency. Maybe some people would think to get US citizenship.
  But I surely didn’t expect an American person working at the immigration services not to know that a US citizen couldn’t apply for a green card.
  It got a little scarier…
  “what visa did you come in?”
  “H1B”
  “….. -she looks somewhere- mmmm there’s a problem: an H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa and you are not allowed to get a green card.”
  “….. -my heart had dropped for a few seconds-, well ma’m I know probably more than 50 people who were on H1B and got their green card or who are in the process of getting it, I think there’s a little misunderstanding. I am sure you can apply for a green card while being on a H1B”
  “let me put you on hold for a second”
  She came back a minute later and went on with her questions without mentionning the fact that yes indeed I could get a green card while being on H1B (extended because of the approval of labor certification). She probably put me on hold 5 or 6 times, but at least she was checking the information she was giving me.
  I have to say: she was not the most knowledgeable person but she was very nice and she tried very hard to help me. In the end she opened a service request on my case which what I wanted. I thanked her many times, I was really grateful.
  Long story, but I thought it may make some of you laugh or smile while we’re all waiting for that little piece of paper…

• 57 nwendu // May 8, 2008 at 5:18 pm

  my prediction for worldwide Eb3 is sept/oct 2006. Think that is asking for too much? No!!! Wait in few days and see.
  It has to move this way so that the bulletin for july will move to jan 2007 and get my friend and her spouse in.
  all the best everyone ( in all categories!!!!!) Like in my case, it happens when you least expect it.

• 58 Carlos // May 8, 2008 at 5:58 pm

  FB1 will advance 1 month, that is my prediction. So, hang on everybody.

• 59 xyz // May 8, 2008 at 6:10 pm

  somebody in trackitt is saying VB for EB3 is capped out for this year. I don’t know if its true

• 60 CADude // May 8, 2008 at 6:26 pm

  Hi John,

  Can you please comment on @xyz’s comment about EB3 capped for this year? Is this true? If so, can you please add a link to the official article?

  Thanks a bunch!

• 61 xyz // May 8, 2008 at 6:33 pm

  i was talking about the post which is in trackitt.com.

• 62 Sean // May 8, 2008 at 6:46 pm

  I checked trackit, but cannot find anything. Also, many posts on trackit are for EB3 India. Can you perhaps post a link to the comment? Thx.

• 63 Sean // May 8, 2008 at 6:57 pm

  Everyone:

  I checked trackitt again in regards to XYZ’s comment. I came across this post:

  “Just called SRC and spoke with 2 different IOs, they told me that they just recieved a memo that as of today, all EB3’s are capped and they’ve used all the visa avaliable for that catagory. Don’t know what that really means but i’m deverstated!! I had been current since April…..I guess i’m just the unlucky ones. “

• 64 Sean // May 8, 2008 at 7:19 pm

  Everyone:

  I followed up on the postings on trackitt. I also found data on the USCIS site:

  “As of April 25, 2008, USCIS had adjudicated over 65 percent of its FY 2008 target for employment-based visas. ”

  In other words, this would mean USCIS has used all remaining 35% within 14 days??? I don’t think that’s possible. I guess, we can only wait for the official VB to come out.

• 65 NM // May 8, 2008 at 11:33 pm

  CADude and Blandine,

  Thank you for your answers.

  I filed I-140 last month, now I am waiting.

  Good luck to all of you. Let all dates be current.

• 66 Sean // May 8, 2008 at 11:55 pm

  Regarding the rumor of EB unavailability. It turns out that the rumor is not true. There is no news as of today and no internal memo ever went around.

• 67 Rachelle Joyce // May 9, 2008 at 4:25 am

  The Philippines F3 is not moving at all, duh. I hope it will move this month.

  I really really really hope it will move… I’m already 21 this coming July, and I’m freaking over aged! damn. >(

• 68 Blandine // May 9, 2008 at 5:07 am

  The June 2008 bulletin has been published on the Mumbai consulate web site if you want to check it out. I don’t think I can copy the link of the web site, but you can find it in the discussions going on on the immigration site “trackitt”.

• 69 pun // May 9, 2008 at 7:04 am

  Hi John,
  when do you think retrogression will be lifted up from family first preference?It is moving deadly slow….just a week in a month.

• 70 che-che // May 9, 2008 at 7:11 am

  Blandine, i saw the site..sadly the EB3 for ROW remain march 2006.. i still hope this is not official..

• 71 che-che // May 9, 2008 at 7:28 am

  oh sorry..i think i read the wrong site…

• 72 che-che // May 9, 2008 at 8:19 am

  John when is the official June Vb will be posted?

• 73 amor // May 9, 2008 at 8:46 am

  yes i agree the june visa bulletin is still march 2006 im so sad

• 74 che-che // May 9, 2008 at 10:17 am

  let’s keeps our hopes up..since all we read was from mumbai consulate link..maybe they will move the dates…God help us all

• 75 wuwu :) // May 9, 2008 at 10:50 am

  Though there’s a big possibility that is true,dont loose hope guys..lets wait for the official visa bulletin guys. Keep on praying.

• 76 Steve // May 9, 2008 at 12:08 pm

  The EB3 category for rest of world will have a cutoff date of March, 1st 2006.
  EB2 category for Indian born immigrants will move 3 months.

• 77 KY // May 9, 2008 at 12:28 pm

  June 2008 Visa Bulletin has been posted:
  Category India Most Other Countries
  F1 15 March 2002 15 March 2002
  FX 1 May 2002 1 May 2002
  F2A 15 July 2003 15 July 2003
  F2B 1 August 1999 1 August 1999
  F3 8 June 2000 8 June 2000
  F4 1 February 1997 22 August 1997
  E1 Current Current
  E2 1 April 2004 Current
  E3 1 November 2001 1 March 2006
  EX Unavailable Unavailable
  EW 1 January 2003 1 January 2003
  E4 Current Current
  E4-Religious Current

  Current

• 78 wenG // May 9, 2008 at 1:27 pm

  i just hope and pray the June vb will show progress..

• 79 Amar // May 9, 2008 at 3:43 pm

  Is this true? Taken from Oh Law Firm

  “The employment-based immigration visa number will practically remain stand still in that for the Rest of the World category, nothing will change, and for India, other than three month progress in EB-2, everything else will remain same as May 2008. There is an unconfirmed prediction that the visa number movement for the rest of the fiscal year ending at September 30, 2008 may not see progress or in worse situation, move backward in some categories. Please stay tuned.”

• 80 che-che // May 9, 2008 at 3:58 pm

  yes, amar i read that..its frustrating to read that news..but lets’ just remain hopeful. i wonder why the state department have not posted the VB yet. though we read from other sites regarding the June VB, im still quite hoping there will be changes..

• 81 carlita // May 9, 2008 at 4:01 pm

  what is FX for family-based visa? i see there is F1, F2A and F2B and F3 and F4. What is FX?

• 82 xyz // May 9, 2008 at 4:04 pm

  is it official though.

• 83 John C. // May 9, 2008 at 4:04 pm

  @Che-che: Keep in mind that some sites have announced dates but they turned out to be completely wrong. The Oh law firm’s site posted the incorrect dates last month (or the month before that?). I’ll post the official dates as soon as possible. The State Department might post them today, but more than likely early next week.

• 84 che-che // May 9, 2008 at 4:10 pm

  Thanks John!! at least we still have hope..

• 85 carlita // May 9, 2008 at 4:27 pm

  But why would the US consulate in Mumbia post the wrong dates? It seems that the consulate would have the right dates. I’m not trying to be pessimisstic but realistic. I think it will confirm the above bulletin. I have been waiting for over 6 years with no end in sight. But what is FX on the bulletin?

• 86 Grace Manifor // May 9, 2008 at 4:55 pm

  I am from the Phil, my priority date is on June 16, 1986. After having paying our visa, Will it take too long for our interview appointment? Thanks in advance.

• 87 CADude // May 9, 2008 at 7:07 pm

  From my experience (and I became sort of an expert in the visa bulletin’s whereabout every month), the Mumbai consulate is ALWAYS inline with the Official VB. I really hope they screwed up this time for my own sake since I am so close of being current.

• 88 Joseph S // May 9, 2008 at 7:46 pm

  Hi John, All,
  Another question/thought:
  When in the long process of EB3 ROW, the visa number is assigned?
  • After the DS-230 are reviewed/completed and just before they send it to the consulate?
  • At the time of arrive at the consulate and before the interview?
  • After the Interview?
  This question is to clarify exactly when you want to have your PD current, when it really matters the most to have it current….
  (I don’t have the answer LOL, just want to know what PPL and John’s thought about it are….)
  Good luck everyone…..

• 89 Moi // May 9, 2008 at 7:55 pm

  I was right about my prediction! F4 moved to 22 Aug 97 for June bulletin.

  Now here is my prediction for July bulletin:
  F4 will likely be 08 Sept 97. Although, what I really want it to be is 22 Sept 97!

• 90 Sean // May 9, 2008 at 8:35 pm

  My PD is March 31, 2006 under EB3 ROW. Is it likely that the VB moves forward in the next quarter (July-September)? When the PD is finally current, how long is the processing on average at the Neb office?

• 91 Blandine // May 9, 2008 at 9:04 pm

  Sean;
  I don’t know whether it helps assess an average time, but my PD is in 2004 and I haven’t heard anything from USCIS (I’m EB3 ROW like you)
  I registered on their web site for updates and to be able to see when the last time they touched my case was (LUDs).
  I became current March 1st and they haven’t touched my case at all. It makes me think that there’s a lot of 2003 and 2004 PD that are being processed or even waiting to be assigned to an officer (like for me).
  However, as somebody said before : immigration is chaos and some people that had a PD more than a year after mine, from the same country, same category got their green card on March 5th.
  So could be quick, could take a long time, there’s no way to really know as I’ve learned.

• 92 springaround // May 9, 2008 at 10:01 pm

  isn’t the mumbai consulate general part of the department of state?
  the cut off date posted by mumbai always turn out correctly.
  Hopefully begining of next quarter (July VB), EB3 ROW will be showered with overflow quota from EB1 & Eb2

• 93 j // May 9, 2008 at 10:19 pm

  Why is F3 at a stand still….???? It has hardly moved in the last few months….???

• 94 Rizi // May 9, 2008 at 10:24 pm

  Category India Most Other Countries
  F1 15 March 2002 15 March 2002
  FX 1 May 2002 1 May 2002
  F2A 15 July 2003 15 July 2003
  F2B 1 August 1999 1 August 1999
  F3 8 June 2000 8 June 2000
  F4 1 February 1997 22 August 1997
  E1 Current Current
  E2 1 April 2004 Current
  E3 1 November 2001 1 March 2006
  EX Unavailable Unavailable
  EW 1 January 2003 1 January 2003
  E4 Current Current
  E4-Religious Current Current

• 95 Njsam // May 10, 2008 at 2:33 pm

  My PD is July31,2006 under EB3 Phil..I hadcompleted docus for NVC last March 2007 and paid the fee bill. How can i get feedback re: receipt date and its approval?
  I am optimistic that June VB will move forward til PD Aug 2006. In my case..is it possible to be issued a visa by this year 2008. how long will we have to wait. Is there a need to submit an updated Ds230 ?
  Hope you could give me some advise. Thank you and may God bless us all!

• 96 owell // May 11, 2008 at 4:07 am

  hello, we are the same. my priority date is june 2006. paid the v bills. submitted ds230.. this all happen only if the vb covered my pd. I think if the vb date will cover our pd then it’s our time to move on to the next step. Next step is appointment letter. I advise you to have your vaccination completed before you receive your appointment letter. Some shots needs 1 month before the next shot.
  email me if you progress. so do i.

• 97 Rachelle Joyce // May 11, 2008 at 6:12 am

  I hope Philippines F3 will move this month.. Please!!!!!

• 98 myHONESTself // May 11, 2008 at 11:08 am

  Hi to all.

  I filed I-485 and I-140 concurrently. My Priority Date is October 20, 2006. I am an EB3-Philippines

  I am scheduled for an interview this coming June 19, 2008 at New York City.

  Most people that I have talked to said that the June 08 VB will be June or July 2007.

  Regarding the Mumbai Consulate. It’s just an estimation not an official bulletin. Remember, they are the ones who caused a great confusion in India about the CURRENT availability of all categories sometime July 2007 last year.

  All of us should have our fingers crossed.

• 99 marvin // May 11, 2008 at 1:37 pm

  hi myhonestself,
  we have the same PD. you mean you I140 and i485? My i140 is already approved do you think we can change status this coming july?

• 100 Njsam // May 11, 2008 at 5:08 pm

  Hi owell! i haven’t inquired re: vaccination. are you done with the said vaccinations? what hospitals are accredited to avail the required shots of vaccines? Thanks…

• 101 myHONESTself // May 11, 2008 at 6:39 pm

  marvin I filed I-140 and I-485 last October 2006.

  If the VB becomes current this June or July then you can file for I-485 (AOS).

• 102 myHONESTself // May 11, 2008 at 6:41 pm

  I hope that the EB3-Philippines will move up to November 2006 on my interview day on June 19.

  Still keeping two-fingers crossed.

• 103 myHONESTself // May 11, 2008 at 6:50 pm

  If the Mumbai June 2008 Visa Bulletin will be concurred by the Department of State post, then we just have to wait until the end of the Fiscal 2008 year (September 30, 2008).

  Most analyst say that if this trend will continue, the Visa for all categories will be “C” current on the start of Fiscal year 2009 (October 1, 2008).

  Praying and keeping my fingers crossed.

• 104 Karen // May 11, 2008 at 9:06 pm

  I am currently waiting for my priority date to come up Aug 02 family based so I can change my status. How long does it usually take to process it, I mean for the travel doc and work permit as I am wanting to travel overseas soon?

• 105 j // May 11, 2008 at 11:12 pm

  Does this freeze on cut off dates until the end of september 2008 apply to family visas as well, or is it only for the EB’s? Thanks

• 106 weng // May 12, 2008 at 4:51 am

  hi john, may i know how long will it take for me to come to the US in case my pd is current..i have already submitted my requiremnts to the NVC.

• 107 pvv // May 12, 2008 at 6:41 am

  hi john! need your advice. have no PD yet. i’m on B2(tourist) visa. i-94 good til aug 9th. i’m hopeful that the dates become current before august so i can file I-140 & I-485 concurrently. if not, what should i do? should i just file the I-140 and wait in RP? i’m seeing posts here that says waiting in RP would take several years… perhaps 3-4years. is that right?
  i might file for F1 visa for extension of 2years.
  anyone on the same boat?

• 108 Amar // May 12, 2008 at 2:25 pm

  Most analyst say that if this trend will continue, the Visa for all categories will be “C” current on the start of Fiscal year 2009 (October 1, 2008).

  Hi John,
  What are your comments on this? Thanks.
  Amar

• 109 John C. // May 12, 2008 at 2:39 pm

  @Amar and @myHONESTself:

  Most analyst say that if this trend will continue, the Visa for all categories will be “C” current on the start of Fiscal year 2009 (October 1, 2008).

  My first question would be, “Which analysts?”. The statement that all visa categories would be current at the start of the 2009 fiscal year seems completely unrealistic to me and I don’t know why anyone would be saying it. @myHONESTself, do you have any more information to support that statement?

  @Everyone: I will be answering your queries soon. Sorry for the delay. The June visa bulletin should be out any day now and I plan on answering all queries at that time. Thanks.

• 110 Amar // May 12, 2008 at 2:40 pm

  Thanks John. I was wondering the same thing about the analysts. My honset self please post some more info if you have it. Thanks. Would beneficial to all.

• 111 Justin // May 12, 2008 at 4:33 pm

  Here u can find the official June visa bulletin
  http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4231.html

• 112 carlita // May 12, 2008 at 4:37 pm

  Mumbai was right!

• 113 carlita // May 12, 2008 at 4:38 pm

  @myHONESTself-

  since your predictions seem to be true, what do you expect for FB-1 rest of world for July, August and Sept? How much will they advance do you think?

• 114 che-che // May 12, 2008 at 4:41 pm

  sadly the EB3 didnt move…

• 115 xyz // May 12, 2008 at 5:08 pm

  looks like it won’t move till next year

• 116 Sophia Barrett // May 12, 2008 at 5:08 pm

  hi John,

  great website and keep up the good work. im from Jamaica and my PD is June 03 in the F1 category could u please tell me how soon i will hear from immigration, also can i apply for a visiter to travel to the usa even though im being filed for. thanking u inadvanc for ur reply.

  sophie

• 117 Paul // May 12, 2008 at 5:19 pm

  June 2008 Visa numbers are out!

• 118 Joseph S // May 12, 2008 at 6:20 pm

  Se these note on the bulletin:

  E. EMPLOYMENT THIRD PREFERENCE VISA AVAILABILITY

  Demand for numbers, primarily by Citizenship and Immigration Services Offices for adjustment of status cases, is expected to bring the Employment Third preference category very close to the annual numerical limit in June. As a result, this category is likely to experience retrogressions or visa unavailability beginning in July. Such action would only be temporary, however, and a complete recovery of the cut-off dates would occur for October, the first month of the new fiscal year.

• 119 MD // May 12, 2008 at 7:22 pm

  :o( Hopefully those legislations re: EB immigration would see the light of day soon.

• 120 xyz // May 12, 2008 at 7:56 pm

  I was 24 days away from being current.

• 121 myHONESTself // May 12, 2008 at 8:50 pm

  let us see if the categories wil become “C” on the start of Fiscal year 2009 (October 1, 2008). Most likely we all have to wait a little bit longer.

  Still keeping fingers crossed.

• 122 marvin // May 12, 2008 at 9:24 pm

  So June VB is out and a lot of frustrations for us. We don’t know if there will be more movements for the next VB. We just Hope. But I think the next movement will be on the first day of 2009 fiscal year. Let’s just HOPE the July VB will move at least for 5 to 10 months.

• 123 MMS // May 12, 2008 at 9:50 pm

  “….Such action would only be temporary, however, and a complete recovery of the cut-off dates would occur for October, the first month of the new fiscal year.”

  I just hope that this means that the PD for EB3 - ROW may become Current.

• 124 Babette // May 12, 2008 at 10:45 pm

  Little bit disappointed with the June VB but I’m still
  hopeful that it will move amonth or two in July and it’ll be CURRENT tnis coming fiscal year.
  Let’s continue to PRAY, PRAY and PRAY .

• 125 Tim // May 12, 2008 at 11:27 pm

  Hello guys!
  I just received the third package for consular processing row. Can somebody tell me what do I have to send back to nvc? I’m in standard review consulate rest of the row. Do I have to send only the ds-230 part 1 and copy of the passport? I’m so confuse!!! Thank you very much!!!!

• 126 Jonathan Mann // May 13, 2008 at 12:44 am

  EB1 and EB2 Rows are Current, the unused numbers assign for them should go to EB3 Row. Isn’t that right ?? so why EB3 Rows do not move at all ???

  and why EB2 india /china moved by 3 months? I have read some articles saying that unused EB2 ROWs go to india /china instead EB3ROW. Can anybody confirm?

  regarding the article below..is this for all countries? or just for certain countries ?

  —————————-

  E. EMPLOYMENT THIRD PREFERENCE VISA AVAILABILITY

  Demand for numbers, primarily by Citizenship and Immigration Services Offices for adjustment of status cases, is expected to bring the Employment Third preference category very close to the annual numerical limit in June. As a result, this category is likely to experience retrogressions or visa unavailability beginning in July. Such action would only be temporary, however, and a complete recovery of the cut-off dates would occur for October, the first month of the new fiscal year.

• 127 springaround // May 13, 2008 at 1:17 am

  Jonathan Mann :
  from april VB:
  Section 202(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act provides that if total demand will be insufficient to use all available numbers in a particular Employment preference category in a calendar quarter, then the unused numbers may be made available without regard to the annual “per-country” limit.

  I used to think EB3ROW get unused visa before per country limit., but now they are saying if the category is current (ex. EB2ROW), the per country limit (EB2India) won’t apply any more…………..

  I am EB3ROW, and i am 5 months away to my 485. Endless wait…….

• 128 j // May 13, 2008 at 1:36 am

  Can anyone provide a prediction for F3, next month? Thanks.

• 129 ALYANNA // May 13, 2008 at 5:05 am

  TIM:
  Hi! Fill-out Part I of DS-230 completely and do not leave an item unanswered. Write N/A if necessary. Attached a copy of your passport, Original birth certificate from the statistics office and original Police clearance from your country. Make sure you put your Case number on the upper right corner of each documents you will send NVC. And always keep a copy of the documents you send.
  Hope this helps. Good day!

• 130 Amar // May 13, 2008 at 1:54 pm

  John what are your comments on the VB? Will EB3 ALL retrogress in July? Will EB2 India and China also go back? Thanks.
  Amar

• 131 Sophia // May 13, 2008 at 2:36 pm

  hi john,

  keep up the gd work. im from jamaica and im currently being filed for by my dad im in the F1 category and my PD June 03 can u please tell me how soon i will be able to hear information on my filing from immigration, also can i apply for a visitor visa to travel to the usa while being filed. would be grateful for your reply.

  thanks

• 132 Hin // May 13, 2008 at 4:47 pm

  Hello!

  I’m currently filing for EB3(ROW) - I’m just in the process of getting the labor certificate. Does anyone know whether I can switch from EB3 filing to EB2 filing given that I meet all the requirements for EB2 filing? Thanks very much.

• 133 Sim // May 13, 2008 at 8:13 pm

  u didn`t answer me on may visa bulleten plz ans me here my country is from Pakistan .
  Thank you

• 134 Huy // May 13, 2008 at 9:35 pm

  Hi John,
  My priority date (May 18, 2000) has passed two months ago. However, I did not receive a notification to be sent USCIS for adjusting my status (I am under a student visa – F1). Please tell me what should I do now? Thanks

• 135 pummy // May 14, 2008 at 4:04 am

  Hi John,
  june visa bulletin is also out.hOPE this helps to answers my question that my pd for family first is nov 2002,how many months do I have to wait for my pd to be current(india)?Please post something this time.Thanks

• 136 wenG // May 14, 2008 at 2:00 pm

  so sad..guess i have to wait another year again..

• 137 aron // May 15, 2008 at 3:11 am

  hi, why nvc wanted us to send back again our ds230? my I140 is approved last feb 2007.VB is still March06, my pd is sept 06? does that mean eventhough its not current they are still processing our papers? is it a good news then?

• 138 lostboy // May 15, 2008 at 3:28 am

  John,

  Please start July prediction and comments on what the bulletin will look like will be appreciated. Thanks again for your time.

• 139 Amar // May 15, 2008 at 7:13 pm

  when will the comments come? Thanks

• 140 Mel // May 16, 2008 at 12:41 am

  Hello John. What’s your prediction for May processing times, specifically Nebraska? Is there a chance that it will move forward by at least one month? Thanks!

• 141 John C. // May 16, 2008 at 1:16 pm

  Forums @ The Visa Bulletin are coming soon. More information.

  I will be moving comments that are not related to the June Visa Bulletin from this post over to the forums. Sorry for the delay in my response, but the new system should be a lot better for everyone going forward. Check back soon!

• 142 kate // May 16, 2008 at 2:30 pm

  Hi John,
  I forgot to mention that my files are at Texas service center

• 143 kate // May 16, 2008 at 2:35 pm

  Hi John, when do you think my I-140 and I-485 will be approved?
  PD: may 2007 as B2 Turkey
  EAD: received in Nov. 2007
  FP: done in Dec 2007
  I-140: filed in Sept. 2007
  I-485: filed in Oct 2007
  thank you

• 144 kate // May 16, 2008 at 2:37 pm

  I meant EB2 ( born in Turkey)
  Perm filed in May 2007 and I’m on H1B visa also.

• 145 maria // May 17, 2008 at 1:08 am

  prayers can overcome our fear… lets be positive always

• 146 hyde // May 17, 2008 at 2:23 pm

  hey guys, I see that everyone keeps mentioning that EB3 didn’t move at all but is this a typo or something? My LC was approved April 2008. Can anyone please predict when I’ll be able to file for I-485? Should I ask my lawyer to keep the application ready to go? Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 147 hyde // May 17, 2008 at 2:25 pm

  Sorry forgot to mention the class, “All charge-ability areas Except those listed”

  Any predictions will be much appreciated!!

• 148 ASR // May 18, 2008 at 5:25 am

  Hi John , I am indian citizen , Staff nurse , Eb3
  I-140 approved on june ,2006.
  packet 3 recieved and updated .waiting for pack 4
  In June Visa bullletin 2008, last but one paragraph shows in october they might be recovery of cut off dates .what does it mean , Does it mean all categories will become current .
  Please let me know this status

• 149 Shoba // May 18, 2008 at 11:22 pm

  John,

  Thank you so much for being there for those of us who have many questions! I just looked at the June Bulletin which says that the cutoff date for India is April 1, 2004. My I-485 was filed on March, 19 2004. Does that mean I can expect my Green Card anytime soon?

  Please please advice!
  Thanks

• 150 J.K.DAVE // May 19, 2008 at 10:59 am

  Dear Sir.
  my pd is-oct-31-2000-F/3 When I exp.
  pl.give me obligy.
  thanks.& regards.

• 151 muni // May 19, 2008 at 12:29 pm

  hi john,
  i have seen sudden advancement in the priority dates recently.I remember in the past dates have gone in the opposite direction.what is the chance of that happening again?i am not very optimistic given their recent track record and looking at the recent rates of change in the pd over the last few years, looks like a good 8-9 year wait till i actually get the gc.
  eb-2 priority date sept 2007.i-140 filed.

• 152 amor // May 20, 2008 at 9:15 am

  im hopeless now maybe i still have to wait another year

• 153 Pat // May 20, 2008 at 4:34 pm

  Hi John, my wife is in the F4 category and her priority date is in 6 month. We’ve just had a email from NVC saying they are awaiting a DS-3032 from us. We have never received one, so is this something I can print off and send in, or do I need to call them to send another ?? They are resending the I-864 to my brother-in-law as they had an old address, so this should be OK.

  Also, what is the application process for me (beneficiaries husband) and our 2 kids. Is this something we perform at the same time when the priority date is finally current, or should we be doing something about this now ??

  Pat.

  ps. Great website !!!

• 154 oheet_teesh // May 22, 2008 at 11:28 pm

  Hi!

  Do you know something about the CSPA rules? There was an IV Fee Bill for myself even if I’m over 21 y/o. I’m a derivative under F-4 Category and the PD is August 1986.

  Hope someone can help me…

  Thanks!

• 155 KY // May 23, 2008 at 2:18 am

  The I-485 processing date in Texas Service Center (that’s where my application is) has moved back to June 21, 2007 from June 29, 2007.

  Is it another sign that priority dates might retrogress in upcoming months ?

• 156 Hitesh,NYC,NY // May 23, 2008 at 7:39 pm

  Texas service senter is processing I-140 at a faster rate . Just got EB-2 approval today, receipt daye september,2007

• 157 sunil // May 24, 2008 at 12:30 am

  Hi John,
  I am from Nepal. I just got my EB2 based labor approved ( in 60 days). As my country of origin is Nepal, visa is current for EB2. So my lawyer just filed I-140 and I-485 concurrently. My H1 b is in 7th yr session and going to expire in Octobor 2008. So, it will be very kind if you can tell me- how long will it take to get 140 and I485 get approved? Thanks for the info in advance.

• 158 hiba // May 24, 2008 at 2:43 am

  I’m in EB3 Mexico, 1995. My family and I
  have been waiting for more than 10 years. Is there some hope it will reach that date by this year maybe before september?

• 159 georgevarughese // May 25, 2008 at 4:48 am

  my application is field on sept 2001when i shoud ecpect the visa

• 160 georgevarughese // May 25, 2008 at 11:48 am

  My F3 catagory aplication is field on sept 2001,my nationalty Indian
  Whan i should except the visa

• 161 Maria // May 27, 2008 at 8:04 pm

  I am a Greek citizen and my father who is a US permanent resident has filed a petition for me that has been approved. My priority date is October 2002. I would like to know when I should expect a visa number to be available for me.

• 162 John C. // May 30, 2008 at 9:42 pm

  The comments on this blog will be moderated more strictly from now on so that only comments directly related to the main article will be published. Please post questions in the Forums.

  Go create your profile and get things started by adding a new topic!

  PS — If I haven’t responded to your question, please post it again over in the forums. Sorry for the inconvenience.

• 163 maria // Jun 7, 2008 at 10:24 am

  hello JOHN,

  I’m from phils and under the category of EB3.. We had our interview last week. The consul hold our visa due to the reason that my husband was not a NCLEX passer . They gave us a blue copy stating our lacking documents for submission. My concern right now if this coming july will retrogress, is there chances that our petition will affect also that retrogress? My husband is planning to take his NCLEX next month. I know you can give a good advice to us… more power and god bless

• 164 owell // Jun 8, 2008 at 3:34 pm

  maria. does your husband hold a visascreen certificate? as far as i’m concerned visascreen is needed to obtain visa and not nclex. you can obtain visascreen if you pass either cgfns or nclex. pls. clarify your stand so we may help you.

• 165 maria // Jun 8, 2008 at 4:51 pm

  To Owell,

  Wer done of our interview and sad to say that the consul hold us because they want my husband to take NCLEX here in phils. My husband submitted already is visa screen during our interview. I hope it is clear for you. Thanks and more power

• 166 rnopywriter // Jun 8, 2008 at 5:25 pm

  What’s the use of manila nclex center if the husband say he will take it in the US?According to the NVC petition only nurses not nurse in the Philippines but US nurse registered. In the past visa screen is applicable with cgfns exam, but the results are disappointing because the petitioned nurse cant practice as a nurse because he/she isn’t registered in the state. So what did the Petitioned nurse do? Nursing Aid. Did it help the US of their Nursing shortage? No.

• 167 iyamims // Jun 8, 2008 at 8:47 pm

  hi maria,

  that’s what happened to my friend, her interview was way before she took her NCLEX, she was told that the visa will be issued as soon as she pass her exam, so i think you dont have to worry…
  fyi, she’s now in the US for nearly 2 yrs…

  good luck!

• 168 maria // Jun 9, 2008 at 9:48 am

  hello rnopy0writer

  Its consul’s descision to hold our visa temporary. She wants my husband to take NCLEX in phils and we can’t insist if its the decision of the consul. In short the consul is not a family person. Thank you for sharing your knowlegde. god bless and more power

  hello iyamims,

  If you don’t mind ur friend how long did she wait after she pass her NCLEX and get a visa? Coz next month the EB3 will be available and we might affected that retrogression… Thanx and god bless