US Visa Bulletin December 2022: Significant Advances for EB-1 and EB-2 Green Card Applicants from India
December 1, 2022
The latest U.S. Visa Bulletin for December 2022 brings welcome news, especially for Indian professionals seeking permanent residency through the EB-1 and EB-2 employment-based green card categories. Released by the U.S. Department of State (DOS), this monthly update indicates a notable forward movement in priority dates, offering a glimmer of hope for thousands of individuals caught in long processing queues.
The Visa Bulletin is a critical monthly publication that outlines the cut-off dates for various family-sponsored and employment-based green card categories, determining when applicants can move forward with their immigration process. This month's update is particularly significant for Indian immigrants navigating the complex US immigration system.
For the EB-1 category (Employment-Based First Preference), often referred to as 'Persons of Extraordinary Ability' or 'Outstanding Professors and Researchers,' Indian applicants have witnessed a substantial leap forward. The Final Action Date for EB-1 India has advanced significantly, signaling relief for many highly skilled individuals whose contributions are deemed to be of national importance. This progression means more Indian professionals qualifying under EB-1 can expect their applications to be processed sooner.
Equally encouraging news comes for the EB-2 category (Employment-Based Second Preference), designated for professionals holding advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability. Historically plagued by long backlogs for Indian nationals, the December 2022 Visa Bulletin shows a notable forward movement in the Final Action Date for EB-2 India. This shift potentially allows thousands of Indian professionals to move closer to obtaining their US green card, reducing some of the anxiety associated with the prolonged waiting periods.
It's crucial for applicants to differentiate between the 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing' as published in the Visa Bulletin. The Final Action Dates indicate when visas can actually be issued, while the Dates for Filing often allow applicants to submit their adjustment of status applications (Form I-485) earlier, even if a green card isn't immediately available. Consulting the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website is vital to determine which chart (Final Action or Dates for Filing) should be used for adjustment of status applications in a given month.
While the spotlight is on EB-1 and EB-2 India, other categories such as EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers) and EB-5 (Immigrant Investors) also have their respective dates, though typically with varying rates of progression. The overall trend, especially for highly skilled Indian immigrants, points towards a gradual easing of some of the immense backlogs that have characterized US immigration for years.
The December 2022 US Visa Bulletin offers a ray of hope and tangible progress for many Indian professionals aspiring for a US green card under the EB-1 and EB-2 categories. Applicants with priority dates now current or within reach are strongly encouraged to consult with experienced immigration attorneys to prepare and file necessary documentation promptly. Staying informed about future Visa Bulletins and official US immigration news remains essential for all hopeful immigrants.
