Thursday, August 1, 2013

Employment Based Immigrant Visa Numbers


This month everyone whose EB2 India priority date is before 01-JAN-08 are current. Many are eagerly waiting for their green card. Many are curiously waiting for next visa bulletin. Many are preparing their I-485 documents to be filed. Long wait. Lot of activity.

This will give you an idea of how many Green cards has been issued over the last 10 years for folks whose country of charge-ability is India under EB1, EB2 and EB3 categories.






Data Source -- http://travel.state.gov/visa/statistics/statistics_1476.html

Good Luck to get your Green Cards sooner !!!

112 comments:

  1. Quick Question Folks... What will happen if I get fired after I apply for my 485? I work for a consultancy firm and on bench... in the process of applying for my 485 and Just kind of curious.. Any help to words this is greatly appreciated..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can move to same or similar job and file AC 21 and keep the application and priority date if:
      1. I-485 is pending for more than 180 days
      2. I-140 is approved
      3. EAD in hand

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    2. Hi Ambals,

      What if the layoff happens before the 180 days have passed? I don't know if it is true, but I have heard many people who were laid off shortly after I-485 filing successfully filing AC 21. Is it true? Does having an EAD help in this case?

      Thank you,
      Sam

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    3. Ambals,

      Do you know the answer to Sam's question ?

      Delete
    4. Technically, you need 180 days. But, yes, I have heard people even after I-140 approved, move to other jobs or before 180 days. I think a good immigration lawyer is the best person to answer based on your situation.

      Delete
  2. As per my understanding, you are allowed to change jobs 180 days after filing of 485. When you do this, you have to file a document called AC21 which basically suggests that your new job in "similar" in role and responsibility to the previous job (the one for which the 485 was filed)

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  3. Thanks for the post Ambals!

    Folks,
    Please post some comment if you are approved. In that way it sheds some light to others.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ambals....thank you for the to-the-point analysis you keep providing. I received the June 2013 RFE for verification of status like thousands of others who were waiting for the PD to get current. I did respond to the RFE on July 19, 2013. While they acknowledged receiving the RFE response, I don't have any other update. When do you think, they will start approving cases and card production?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are more the 100 trackitt users have approved till date. So, we will see how it goes.

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  5. My company lawer said- they will be filing all the documents by sometime next week- I am am hoping I am not delayed in the process of getting the EAD.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you papers are fine, you should get your EAD in 60 days or so. Sooner the better for getting GC, as it has to remain current to get GC. Keep following up with your lawyer.

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  6. Hi Ambals,

    My PD is Nov-6-2007 EB2 and missed GC last time. Now that it is current, and random approvals happening (as usual), after how many days do you think I should contact USCIS and open a SR. Also is there any other way to make sure my application is looked into.
    Your help is highly appreciated !

    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1. You can call USCIS anytime and ask if you case is pre-adjudicated.
      2. You can contact your local congressman/senator's office and ask them to check with USCIS about your status.

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    2. Could you please post your experience, which ever option you had opted for (1 or 2). My PD is OCT-26-2007 and applied 485 first time in EB2 for both.

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    3. I didn't choose any option. I got a SMS today early morning for me and my spouse which said "card/document in production". After 4 more hours received another set of message saying "decision". I am hoping these 2 messages mean the same.

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    4. Yes. They will send you the Green Card soon.

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  7. Hi guys ,I call uscis 2 weeks ago and ask about whether my 485 is pre adjudicated or not. I got call from them few day later and he did not specify anything. But today I got call 8773768929 again and they said my file pre adjudicated and waiting for visa number. My priority date in July 2007. And I have applied I 485 for my wife in my eb2 category this month. Do u think I will get my gc
    first then my wife will get it and how long its takes to get green card.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Looks like you will get your GC this month and your wife has to wait for about 2 months for the processing and then for it to become current.

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    2. I hope that true. thank you very much . it was encouraging for me.

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  8. Hi, thanks for all the insight and data. My PD is Oct 26th, 2007, ported from EB3 to EB2 and applied for(first time) 485, AP and EAD this month for myself and wife. not yet recived any number and USCIS checks are not yet credited. What are your predictions? on GC and EAD? Appreciate your insight!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you should get your EAD in 60 days.
      If your priority date is current for next 3 months, you should get your GC. If not, next August.

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    2. Thanks for your reply. Hopefully my PD stays current :)

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    3. When did you filed? 1st of August?

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    4. Yes. I filed it on 1st of August.

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    5. Ambals - do you mean first time filers can get GC if the PD is current for 3 months or 4 months ? i.e. Aug-Oct or Aug-Nov ?

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    6. Yes. Typically, if it takes 3 months to get GC. So, if it is current for 3 months, then you should get your GC.

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    7. I hope we get gc in 3 months but from what is worrying is we are seeing from past trends is that it takes 4-7 months for processing. Is that true ? What are the chances that PD will not retrogress in Oct 203 bulletin ?

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    8. Process takes longer, if there is RFE or name check takes more time.
      At this point, it will likely retrogress.

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  9. When did you filed? Can you call the USCIS to get the status right away? may be that will expedite the process?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are few things you cannot do anything to speed up -- like -- USCIS have to assign you a receipt number and then follow a set process and call you for finger printing and then once you do finger printing, FBI has to do name check and finger printing check......

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  10. oh ok. thank you- so when can we expect the receipt number? Does this come to lawer or to our home address? Will the finger print request come first or the EAD?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The original will go to the lawyer and the copy should come to you. Normally, finger printing comes after that. Then, the EAD.

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  11. Dear Ambals,
    Firstly, your dedication and analysis to this rather important part of our immigrant life here in the US is commendable!!! Kudos!!

    My PD is Feb 2003, EB-3. I see in your analysis for August 2013 VB you mention that... "Cut-off dates for EB3 India is 22 JAN 03 and EB3 China is 01 JAN 09. As expected, EB3 India is moving at one week or two weeks per month pace. For EB3 India, it is going to move at this pace only till there is a legislative change...."

    Can you kindly explain the last statement in realtion to "legislative change" and its effect on EB3 India. I presume you mean the passing of the CIR Bill in the senate. Do you see EB3 India moving faster (more than 2 weeks), or a major surge in Sept 2013 VB?

    Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. Any bill that has one of more of these provisions -- remove the per-country cap or re-capture unused visas or exempts dependents or exempt STEM graduates -- will help.
      I don't think there will be any movement next visa bulletin. Even if there is, there might be 2 weeks movement. Surely, there will be movement in October Visa Bulletin.

      Delete
  12. My case was filed in EB3 and 140 approved with Priority Date April 14, 2006. I got EAD in 2007 and been working on EAD since July 2008.
    My Spouse case was filed in EB3 and 140 approved with Priority Date August 9, 2010. Again the company filed the Green Card in EB2 and this 140 was approved in Dec 2012. Now my spouse is on EAD (from my 485 application) since June 2013. Spouse is no longer working with the company who filed the GreenCard.

    We got a letter from USCIS saying "If you wish to be considered a dependent on your Form I485 and have your spouse be the principal applicant, please send us a letter asking for that change"

    My question is, since my spouse is not working for the company who filed the greencard, is it ok to make the spouse as primary applicant? Now we both are working on EADs that we got from my 485 application.
    Any help is really appreciate it.
    Sorry if I post my question in the wrong place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it is best to show all your case details and consult an immigration lawyer.

      Delete
  13. Hello, My company is filling tomorrow the papers for the last steps. So, what can I expect after that? Will there be a letter in the mail about EAD or anything else I will receive before hand as to track what is the status of my application?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They should send a receipt number to your lawyer and a copy to you. That will help you check the case status online.

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    2. When you say send- through regular email? right? as I never provided my email in any of the form or it was never asked.

      Thank you!

      Delete
  14. Quick questions Ambals.

    USCIS processing time were updated. Looks like Vermont and Texas center have 4 months of processing time for 485. Do you think this would make an impact on upcoming visa bulletin in either ways?

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi, does anyone has an experience of I-485 case status resetting from "RFE Response Review" to "Initial Review"? My priority date is Oct 2006 and I ported from Eb3 to Eb2 in Dec 2012. Got RFE on I-485 to submit employment details in June 2013. Suddenly my case status reset to 'Initial Review' today. Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi,

    My EB2 pd is 26 jan 2009. When can we anticipate it to be current. Thank you for your reply.

    ReplyDelete
  17. It is being preadjudicated, call USCIS to confirm. L2 officer generally tells the status.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hello, My 485 app was received today to Texas office. Can anyone tell- if Texas is a fast processing center? Online it says- 4 months processing... does it really takes that long? Just trying to make sure- that I don't run in to retrogress.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Did you get a receipt number for your AOS or just confirmation of delivery of your documents by postal service?

      Delete
    2. Typically in 3 months, you get GC. For you to get GC, your PD has to be current that long.

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  19. Through the fed ex tracking. I checked online

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  20. Quesion: Is recipt number issued after or before USCIS checks are credited? My lawyer did receive FedEx confirmation and it says delivered on 2nd August! I also see that checks are not yet credited.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Guys- How is the Texas service center response time is like?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Everyone! Any thoughts?

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    2. Not sure what your question is. Can you please elaborate ?

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    3. My question is: My application was sent to Lesville,TX and they received on on 8th of August at 10.AM- how is the processing time- I keep hearing that TX is faster than other. When can I start getting information on the EAD/Fingerprints and so oon...and last but not the least- GC!

      Delete
    4. As of now, NSC seems to be faster than TSC. It keeps changing.
      EAD should typically come in 60 days. Now with the volume of applications, we have to wait and see.
      Please follow this thread -- http://www.trackitt.com/usa-discussion-forums/i485-eb/1273265365/let-us-group-first-time-i-485-filing-aug-2013

      Delete
  22. Hi,
    I have sent my I-485 on august 2nd and it got delivered on august 5th morning 10 AM in Texas.
    Still my check did not cleared?..

    is any one check got cleared? . please share your experience.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. http://www.trackitt.com/usa-discussion-forums/i485-eb/1273265365/let-us-group-first-time-i-485-filing-aug-2013

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  23. Ambals,

    The EB-485 inventory data just released: http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Green%20Card/Green%20Card%20Through%20a%20Job/I-485%20Employment-Based%20Inventory%20Statistics/EB%20I-485%20Pending%20Inventory%20as%20of%2007-17-2013.pdf

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. Analyzing it. On the first glance, not major change.

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  24. Is this demand data info that we are looking for?
    http://www.travel.state.gov/pdf/EmploymentDemandUsedForCutOffDates.pdf

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. Link is correct. But, the data is what was used for July Bulletin. They didn't update it for August. What we need is September.

      Delete
  25. Hi Ambals, checks were cashed yesterday (485/EAD/AP, sent on Aug 1st, received on Aug 2nd) and credit transaction says "USCIS PHOENIX PAYMENT CCD ****". Is it "Phoenix Field office" ? or Service Center could be different?

    Appreciate your input

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your information.. Enjoy the honey :-)

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    2. Did you get your receipt number buddy? My application went to Texas filing center. Yet to receive receipt number. Curious about the time lines...

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    3. Check this thread: http://www.trackitt.com/usa-discussion-forums/i485-eb/1273265365/let-us-group-first-time-i-485-filing-aug-2013

      Delete
  26. Hi Ambals, my PD is July 2009 Eb2I. When can I expect my date to be current?

    Appreciate it.

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Totally depends on number of porting between now and last quarter of fiscal year 2014.

      Delete
  27. Hello aditi and ganesh, wanted to thank you for this blog! It kept me informed and also helped ease some worries at times. Wanted to let you know that we received our green cards today via usps mail. All the best to all who are waiting. My pd was aug 2007. It was perhaps preadjudicated, since we applied last year and then the dates retrogressed. It was a journey of patience, but yeilded good results.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Congrats, Anonymous on Your GC. May all your dreams come true.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Raj. I hope everyone waiting desperately and deserving this benefit gets it soon too.

      Delete
  29. Bulletin is out. No movement for next VB.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What are you talking about? I don't see it out yet - http://travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html

      Delete
  30. From sources i got to know, and there is no movement for eb2 guyz.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Is there predictions for the upcoming VB as well? Can you share the link?

      Delete
    2. Is it the same source that told you the bulletin is 'out'?

      Delete
  31. This guy is just making some ... It will definitely move and who knows it touches EB2 China. Guys, keep praying - it will work our for good.
    So, please stop showing off that you have sources and yeah right you are the one who is sharing it because he/she told you too..

    ReplyDelete
  32. I just got receipts from USCIS NSC for my I-485 / I-765 / I-131 applications. The applications were received on Aug 1, and they sent the receipts out on Aug 7.

    ReplyDelete
  33. the bulletin is published people. Eb2 india in June 15 2008

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  34. EB2 priority date is 15JUN08

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  35. It is 15 Jun 2008 for EB2!!!!

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  36. Dates moved..yay..what does tjat mean? Will it remaon foe anotjer few months?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it will be move back to 01 SEP 04. But, Visa Bulletin indicates it will remain there for few months. I hope it remains there for few months atleast.

      Delete
  37. September Bulletin out- 8 seconds back...
    EB2-India Priority date- 15-jun-2008
    EB3 India priority date-22-SEP-2003

    All the best guys..

    ReplyDelete
  38. Sept. India EB-2 is 15JUN08... EB-3 is 22SEP03

    ReplyDelete
  39. SEP Visa Bulletin out.. EB2 India 15June 2008 and EB3 India Sep 2003

    ReplyDelete
  40. Bulletin is out - EB2 moved to June 2008
    http://travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/bulletin_6050.html

    ReplyDelete
  41. visa bulletin release for septmeber 2013.. hurrayyyy

    ReplyDelete
  42. Visa bulletin is out! Missed by 2 days :-(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry to hear that. Hopefully you will be current in July 2014.

      Delete
  43. Sept 2013 bulletin is out. EB2-India moved to June 15, 2008: http://travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/bulletin_6050.html

    ReplyDelete
  44. Sep VB is out and EB2I has moved to Jun 08. Based on this movement when can I expect July 09 to become current?

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's probably going to retrogress next month to somehwere in 2006. Then the waiting game begins for 2014 August-Spetember timeframe when we will see more movement. I am guessing July 09 could be pretty close in 2014 September.

      Delete
    2. Totally depends on number of porting between now and last quarter of next fiscal year.

      Delete
  45. EB2I is JUN152008 for Sept Visa Bulletin Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I'm current now in Sep-2013 bulletin which advanced the India EB2 date to 15JUN08. However, my RFE response was received by USCIS on 8/8/2013. Can you comment on my chances of getting the GC in next 2 months or so?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. when did you file the I-485 originally ?

      Delete
  47. Sep is out.... 15 June 2008 is the date

    ReplyDelete
  48. Any chances for Aug 1 2008 PD to be current in october VB.Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  49. NewsFlash! Sep 2013 Visa Bulletin: EB2 India, EB3 Advance

    http://www.murthy.com/2013/08/13/newsflash-sep-2013-visa-bulletin-eb2-india-eb3-advance/

    ReplyDelete
  50. Ambals,
    Thank you for your generosity and help regarding Green Card related questions and issues. I have a question - it looks like USCIS misspelled the street name in my address (used I instead of L). I checked on my copy of I-485 / I-765 / I-131, and the address I have is correct. Even though I received the receipts (USPS smart enough to figure out the error), I believe it needs to be fixed. How do I fix it? Should I file AR-11s even though this is an error instead of genuine address change?
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. May be you should call USCIS 1-800 and check on how they would like it to be handled.

      Delete
  51. Hello Ambals,

    I am new to this queue just started submiting documents to file for GC. the chart that is shown which says Fy2011, FY2012 having 24k, 19k visas issued what does that mean? Is that the no. of people who applied in that year? If so what happens to people applying in FY2013 ten years wait?

    Thanks,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The number of applications pending is given by I-485 pending inventory data.
      What this table tells is, in FY 2011, 23,997 applicants have been issued Green Card under EB2 India category. Who gets green card is decided by the Visa Bulletin dates.

      Delete
  52. Latest VB says EB2 India PD is June 15,2008,which I think means all those who are before date that should be given a GC.Suppose the USCIS is not able to issue GC to all those entitled,before the next bulletin,will these people lose their chance to get it if the PD goes back.

    ReplyDelete
  53. What are your prediction for the November Visa Bulletin 2013 ?

    ReplyDelete