We at Tulip, PLLC are dedicated to serving your immigration law needs and we aim to keep you in the know of the most applicable and up-to-date information. Today, we'll guide you through the recently published June 2023 Visa Bulletin issued by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). This Bulletin is critical for prospective immigrants who seek to understand the current green card wait times and their potential implications.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin
Firstly, it's vital to understand what a Visa Bulletin is. The DOS releases this document monthly, providing details about the availability of immigrant visas, also known as green cards. The bulletin allows you to know when you can submit the final step of the green card process or, if it's already pending, when the final step can be reviewed.
Employment-Based Categories Updates
The June 2023 Visa Bulletin shows some movement in employment-based categories, with each being assigned a 'priority date' – the day your sponsor or you submitted the initial immigrant petition. Here are the main takeaways:
Employment-Based First Preference (EB-1): The EB-1 category remains current for all countries. So if you are in the EB-1 category, you can immediately proceed with your green card application.
Employment-Based Second Preference (EB-2): The EB-2 category for most countries, especially for Indian nationals, has seen a significant advancement. However, Chinese nationals may experience a slower progression rate.
Employment-Based Third Preference (EB-3): The EB-3 category shows a mixed bag of progression rates. Countries like the Philippines have seen steady advancement, whereas progression for Indian and Chinese nationals appears slower.
Family-Based Categories Updates
Similar to employment-based categories, family-based categories have also seen some changes in the June 2023 Visa Bulletin.
Family-Sponsored First Preference (F1): This category, for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, has seen slow but steady forward movement across most countries. However, applicants from Mexico and the Philippines have seen no movement this month.
Family-Sponsored Second Preference (F2A): This category for spouses and children of green card holders remains current for all countries, meaning eligible applicants can proceed with their applications.
Family-Sponsored Third and Fourth Preferences (F3 and F4): These categories for married children and siblings of U.S. citizens have seen some forward movement, but the waiting times remain lengthy, particularly for applicants from Mexico, India, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Your Next Steps
Now that you're familiar with the latest Visa Bulletin, consider the following actions:
Stay Updated: Regularly monitor the Visa Bulletin to track how your category is progressing and predict when you might be eligible to apply for your green card.
Consider Alternatives: If your category is progressing slowly, explore other visa options. Consultation with an immigration attorney can uncover opportunities you may not be aware of.
Engage an Immigration Attorney: Each immigration case is unique, and expert advice from an immigration attorney can be indispensable in navigating these complex processes.
The June 2023 Visa Bulletin brings changes and progression rates that can significantly impact your immigration journey. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the way. Feel free to reach out for any personalized advice or concerns.
Stay tuned for our insights on the next Visa Bulletin!
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