Happy New Year!
USCIS has published the January 2020 visa bulletin, which controls who is eligible to file an Adjustment of Status application (green card application) this month. The highlights include:
USCIS will use the Department of State's Dates for Filing Chart for the fourth consecutive month. This chart is generally more progressive than the Final Action Dates chart, which is good news for employment-based green card applicants.
EB-1 applicants: All countries are current, with the exception of China and India.
EB-2 applicants: All countries are current, with the exception of China and India.
EB-3 applicants: There are backlogs for all countries. However, the backlogs are likely to clear for quickly for all countries besides China (March 1, 2017) and India (February 1, 2010).
So, what does this mean for you? EB-1 and EB-2 applicants from countries besides China and India can proceed with filing green card applications this month. EB-3 applicants from all countries are not eligible to apply for their adjustment of status this month. However, given the January 1, 2019 eligibility date for countries besides China and India, it is likely that there will be movement and that these applicants will be able to file in February 2020.
If you have any questions, please contact Ayla Adomat at ayla@adomatimmigration.com.