Click here to view 2020 March Visa Bulletin. 

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) published the Monthly Visa Bulletin for March 2020, which most significantly shows EB-3 retrogression in the Final Action Dates for chargeability areas not backlogged in February, along with no movement of the Dates for Filing across backlogged preference categories except for EB-5 China.

EB-3 Beneficiaries Current in February 2020 Should Review Filing in February
Due to this retrogression of the EB-3 preference category, which is anticipated to be temporary but last until October 1, 2020, EB-3 beneficiaries whose priority dates, or Final Action Dates, were current as of the February 2020 Visa Bulletin may be recommended to file adjustment of status applications as soon as possible during the month of February.

Dates to Use for Filing
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) confirmed on its website that beneficiaries of employment-based immigrant petitions should use the Dates for Filing when filing adjustment of status applications during the month of March 2020. Although Dates for Filing are generally sooner than the Final Action Dates, or priority dates, please keep in mind that beneficiaries of immigrant petitions may utilize the Final Action Dates, if sooner, even when CIS directs the use of the Dates for Filing.

March 2020 Visa Bulletin
The Final Action Date Chart shows modest forward movement in the priority dates for EB-1, including one (1) week for China, two (2) months for India, and three (3) months for the remaining countries. EB-2 China moved forward one (1) month, whereas EB-2 India moved forward by three (3) days. EB-3 retrogressed to January 1, 2017, except for China which moved forward 2 months 3 weeks and India which moved forward one (1) week. All other categories remain current.

Please refer to the chart for the specific updates reflected on the March 2020 Visa Bulletin.

Beneficiaries of employment-based immigrant petitions who become eligible to file adjustment of status (“green card”) applications in March should start the planning and preparation now with your Foster immigration attorney. 

Foster LLP will continue to track immigrant visa availability and provide future updates via Immigration Updates© and posts on our website at www.fosterglobal.com