We have breaking news on immigrant visa availability for all nationalities, including, but not limited to, potential immigrants from India and China. The U.S. Department of State announced today that employment-based permanent residence numbers are at such high demand that first and second categories may become subject to cut-off dates in the coming months for all nationalities. Beginning on June 1st, EB-2 will be completely unavailable for citizens of China and India. Although EB-2 is current for foreign nationals from other countries, the June visa bulletin warns a cut-off date may be established worldwide in the next few months. Even EB-1 for international executive transferees and workers of extraordinary ability may see a cut-off date near the end of the fiscal year. There is hope, however. The new government fiscal year begins on October 1, 2012. At that time additional visa numbers will become available to all categories and nationalities.
If your company is considering an EB-2 or EB-1 permanent residence application for key employees, we urge you to contact our office as soon as possible. Our attorneys can guide you to the most advantageous filing status and strategy for the employee.