7-Year retrogression for Filipino workers!!!
THE May 2015 Visa Bulletin provides disappointing news for Filipinos, as the priority dates in the employment based categories (EB-3 and Other Workers) will retrogress (move backwards) over seven years, from October 1, 2014 all the way back to July 1, 2007. This means that starting May 1, 2015, people with priority dates AFTER July 1, 2007 will no longer be eligible to adjust status or receive an immigrant visa unless and until their priority date becomes current again.
If you have a priority date that is now “current” (meaning a case filed before October 1, 2014), it is important that you file for adjustment of status before the retrogression on May 1, 2015—if you are eligible, and take steps to preserve your children’s eligibility under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). If you believe you may be eligible to file, you should seek the immediate assistance of an attorney, to analyze your case, and to make sure you file before the retrogression!
Each month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning that immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and 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.
* * *
Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar 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. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does 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.
WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com
Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US:
(866)—GURFINKEL
Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES
