United States: EB-2 India/China Immigrant Visas Reportedly Exhausted for the Year
The annual limit on immigrant visas for EB-2 India and mainland China was apparently reached on April 11, according to a report from the American Immigration Lawyers Association. USCIS will still accept EB-2 India/China adjustment applications based on priority dates cut-offs in the April and May Visa Bulletins, but these cases will be held in abeyance until October 1, 2012, when the FY 2013 immigrant visa allotment becomes available.
A senior State Department official has confirmed to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) that immigrant visas for EB-2 India and mainland China were exhausted for this fiscal year as of April 11. USCIS will nevertheless continue to accept EB-2 India/China adjustment of status applications based on the priority date cut-offs in the April and May 2012 Visa Bulletins, though these cases will be held in abeyance until October 1, 2012, when FY 2013 immigrant visa quotas become available.
EB-2 India /China applicants with priority dates earlier than May 1, 2010 can continue to file adjustment of status applications with USCIS through April 30, 2012. Those with priority dates earlier than August 15, 2007 can continue to file through May 31, 2012.
As we have reported, the State Department indicated several weeks ago that EB-2 India/China immigrant visa numbers were likely to become unavailable due to higher usage over the last several months. The unavailability should be officially reflected in the June Visa Bulletin, which is expected to be issued early next month.
Source: Fragomen