The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs released on March 11th the April 2013 visa bulletin (available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/bulletin_5900.html). Although the bulletin reports no significant progress was made in the employment-based categories, there was some progression. Progress in priority date movement in employment-based categories includes EB-2 China moving from February 15, 2008 to April 1, 2008. EB-3 All Chargeability Areas and EB-3 Mexico moved from May 1, 2007 to July 1, 2007. In addition, EB-3 China moved from January 22, 2007 to April 22, 2007. Unfortunately, the EB-2 India category remained static.
What has yet to be seen is the impact the recent federal budget sequester will have on the progression of visa priority dates. Jackson Lewis attorneys will continue to follow the situation and provide employers with these and other immigration-related updates.