For February, there are some advancements for the EB-2 and EB-3 categories. Most significantly, EB-3 China moves forward by 5 months while EB-2 China advances by 7 weeks. India's EB-2 and EB-3 move forward by 2 weeks and 1 month respectively. It should be noted that the Filing Date for EB-2 China also advances by 1 year, which should help overseas applicants to start the processing a lot quicker.
Advancement of China's EB-3 category is expected to continue and, hence, Chinese applicants with I-140 approvals under the EB-2 category should consider downgrading to take advantage of the situation.
There are some moderate advancements in the family-based categories. Family 1st for Philippines moves up by 7 months in February.
AD: Dates for Final Action (Approval) FD : Dates for Filing Applications
1st: Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Citizens (about 23,000 per year).
2A: The 2 "A" preference is for Spouses and Children (under 21 & unmarried) of LPR's.
2B: The 2 "B" Preference is for Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 or older) of LPR's.
3rd: Married Sons and Daughters of Citizens.(about 23,000 per year)
4th: Brothers and Sisters of Adult Citizens.(about 65,000 per year)
1st: Priority Workers (Extraordinary ability aliens, multinational companies executives/managers, outstanding prof./researchers)
2nd: Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability.
3rd: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers (Unskilled.)
4th: "Special Immigrants" (Religious & others) 5th: Employment Creation (Investors)
Notes: The following two categories (not listed above) have become "unavailable" in February 2018:
- Certain Religious Workers for all countries.