THE JANUARY 2010 PRIORITY DATES
By Michael J. Gurfinkel Esq.
Petitions by Citizens:
The priority date for the First Preference Category, F-1 (unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, over 21 years of age) moved forward by 1 month from November 1, 1993 to December 1, 1993.
The Third Preference Category, F-3 (married sons and daughters of United States citizens) priority date moved forward by 16 days from November 15, 1991 to December 1, 1991.
The Fourth Preference, F-4 (brothers and sisters of United States citizens) priority date moved forward by 1month and 9 days from March 22, 1987 to May 1, 1987.
Petitions by Green Card Holders:
The Second Preference, F-2A (Spouse and minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder) moved forward by 2 months from November 1, 2005 to January 1, 2006.
The Second Preference, F-2B (unmarried sons and daughters, over 21 years of age, of green card holders) remained the same at July 1, 1998.
Petitions by Employers:
The Third Preference (professionals and skilled workers) of Employment-Based Petitions (Labor Certification) priority date moved forward by 2 months from June 1, 2002 to August 1, 2002. The priority date for unskilled (other) workers remained the same at June 1, 2001.
Each month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes the priority dates for that particular month. This means that visas (or green cards) would now be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current”, but retrogressed (or became “unavailable”) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.
The January 2010 priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:
FAMILY CATEGORY: |
|
Priority Date: |
First Preference |
Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (over 21 years of age) |
December 1, 1993
(In December 2009, the priority date was November 1, 1993.) |
Second Preference |
(2A) Spouse and minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder |
January 1, 2006
(In December 2009, the priority date was November 1, 2005.) |
|
(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (over 21 years old) of green card holder |
July 1, 1998
(In December 2009, the priority date was the same.) |
Third Preference |
Married sons and daughters of U.S. Citizens |
December 1, 1991
(In December 2009, the priority date was November 15, 1991.) |
Fourth Preference |
Brothers and sisters of U.S. Citizens. |
May 1, 1987
(In December 2009, the priority
date was March 22, 1987.) |
LABOR CERTIFICATION: |
Third Preference |
Professional/Skilled Workers |
August 1, 2002
(In December 2009, the priority date was June 1, 2002.) |
Other workers |
Non-Skilled Workers |
June 1, 2001
(In December 2009, the priority date was the same.) |
EBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com
Four offices to serve you: PHILIPPINES: 894-0258 or 894-0239; LOS ANGELES; SAN FRANCISCO; NEW YORK : TOLL FREE NUMBER: 1-866-GURFINKEL (1-866-487-3465)
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