DOS PROJECTS FORWARD MOVEMENT IN APRIL 2016 VISA BULLETIN

In the most recent Visa Bulletin, for March 2016, the Department of State made projections for potential monthly movement in all categories.   Notably the DOS projects forward movement in all Employment-based categories for the April 2016 Visa Bulletin.

Here are the DOS projections.  They have included a standard disclaimer, which we have included at the end of the excerpt.

EMPLOYMENT-based categories (potential monthly movement)

Employment First:  Current

Employment Second:

Worldwide: Current

China: Up to five months.

India: Up to three months.

Employment Third:

Worldwide: The rapid forward movement of this cut-off date during the past ten months should generate a significant amount of demand for numbers. When such demand begins to materialize it will be necessary to limit movement of this cut-off date.

China: Up to five months.

India: Up to one month.

Mexico:      Will remain at the worldwide date.

Philippines: Up to four months.

The above projections for the Family and Employment categories indicate what is likely to happen on a monthly basis through June based on current applicant demand patterns. Readers should never assume that recent trends in cut-off date movements are guaranteed for the future, or that "corrective" action will not be required at some point in an effort to maintain number use within the applicable annual limits. The determination of the actual monthly cut-off dates is subject to fluctuations in applicant demand and a number of other variables.