14 Nov 2017 December 2017 Priority Dates: F-1 and F-2B Retrogress
The December 2017 priority dates bring bad news for those Filipinos petitioned as adult single children of US citizens (F-1) or green card holders (F-2B).
- For single adult children of US citizens (F-1), the priority date will retrogress (move backwards) approximately two years (from January 1, 2007 back to January 1, 2005)!
- For adult single children of green card holders (F-2B) the priority date will retrogress approximately one year (from January 1, 2007 back to July 1, 2006)!
The reason these priority dates will retrogress (move backwards) is that more people are seeking immigrant visas or adjustment of status in these categories than the number of visas available. Therefore, it’s a question of supply and demand. There are not enough visas in these categories to meet the demand. As stated in the Visa Bulletin: “In recent months the amount of applicant demand being received has been increasing at a steady pace. The level of such demand has reached a point where it has become necessary to retrogress each of those final action dates in an effort to hold the number use within the annual limit for these preference categories.” In addition, the “fiscal year” for visas is October 1 of each year, which has already passed. Therefore, it may not be until October 1, 2018 until there is a “new supply” of annual visas.
This also means that starting December 1, 2017, if your F-1 priority date is after January 1, 2005, you would not be able to file for adjustment of status or be issued an immigrant visa, even if your priority date is current at the present time. The same is true for F-2B: if your priority date is after July 1, 2006, starting December 1, 2017, you would not be eligible to file for adjustment of status or green card.
If your priority date is NOW current, but will retrogress in December 2017, it is important to make sure your adjustment of status application is filed or your immigrant visa is issued before retrogression.
Here are the priority dates for December 2017:
| FAMILY CATEGORY: | Application Filing Date | Visa Issuance Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Preference | Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (over 21 years of age) | October 1, 2007 | January 01, 2005 |
| Second Preference | (2A) Spouse and minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder | November 01 , 2016 | December 22, 2015 |
| (2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder | September 01, 2007 | July 01, 2006 | |
| Third Preference | Married sons and daughters of U.S. Citizens | June 15, 1995 | March 08, 1995 |
| Fourth Preference | Brothers and sisters of U.S. Citizens. | March 1, 1995 | August 01, 1994 |
| LABOR CERTIFICATION | Application Filing Date | Visa Issuance Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Preference | Advanced Degree (Masters) | Current | Current |
| Third Preference | Professional/Skilled Workers | August 01, 2016 | January 15, 2016 |
| Other workers | Non-Skilled Workers | August 01, 2016 | January 15, 2016 |
Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.
Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw
WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com
Four offices to serve you:
PHILIPPINES:
8894-0258 or 8894-0239;
LOS ANGELES; SAN FRANCISCO; NEW YORK:
TOLL FREE NUMBER: 1-866-GURFINKEL (1-866-487-3465)