The September 2018 Visa Bulletin marked a pivotal moment for immigrant visa applicants, bringing significant movement across numerous categories. For families and professionals navigating the complex U.S. immigration system, this month offered a mix of advances and plateaus, reshaping priorities and waiting times. Understanding the specific retrogression and progression detailed in this edition was crucial for individuals planning their next steps toward lawful permanent residency.
Key Movements in Family Preference Categories
Family-based immigration saw substantial forward momentum in September 2018, particularly for relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The priority dates for all family preference categories (F1 through F4) experienced significant jumps, effectively reducing waiting times for thousands of applicants. This advancement signaled a robust processing pace, offering renewed hope to those long caught in administrative delays.
Specific Family Category Advances
Within the family categories, specific groups witnessed notable shifts. F2A, designated for spouses and minor children of green card holders, moved considerably forward, with dates leaping several months. Similarly, the F4 category, reserved for siblings of U.S. citizens, demonstrated uncommon progress, a development that rarely occurs and underscores the dynamic nature of visa allocation that month.
Employment-Based Visa Bulletin Shifts
Employment-based preferences (EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3) continued their trajectory of improvement, a trend that had begun earlier in the year. The September bulletin focused on resolving backlogs for skilled workers and professionals, with many dates leaping forward by years. This acceleration was particularly impactful for individuals holding advanced degrees and those with exceptional abilities, bringing them closer to securing permanent positions.
EB-2 and EB-3 Specific Analysis
For EB-2 and EB-3 applicants, both with and without National Interest Waivers, the movement was dramatic. Final action dates for these categories jumped significantly, sometimes advancing multiple years in a single month. This surge reflected increased visa availability and efficient adjudication, temporarily alleviating the extensive waits that typically plague these routes.
Addressing Retrogression in Other Categories
Despite the widespread advances, the September 2018 Visa Bulletin also highlighted areas of stagnation. Certain diversity visa categories and specific country allocations experienced retrogression, moving back to earlier dates. This patchwork of progress and pause is a common feature of the system, requiring applicants to meticulously track their specific country and category to understand their true standing.
Strategic Planning for Applicants
For immigration attorneys and consultants, the September 2018 data provided a clear roadmap for advising clients. The significant jumps in family and employment categories created a strategic window for action, particularly for those nearing final approval. Professionals needed to advise clients to prepare for potential interviews and documentation requests, capitalizing on the favorable movement while it lasted.
Long-Term Implications of the September Bulletin
The events of September 2018 served as a reminder of the fluid nature of immigrant visa processing. The substantial forward movement in key categories not only alleviated immediate pressure for many families but also indicated a potential shift in administrative priorities. Observing these trends helps stakeholders anticipate future changes and adjust their long-term immigration strategies accordingly.
