CareerKnacks Summary: February Visa Bulletin

The February 2017 Visa Bulletin shows slight movement forward for the employment-based categories. As in January, USCIS has indicated that the “Final Action Dates” chart (shown below) must be used this month for filing applications for adjustment of status. This means that anyone who was eligible to submit an adjustment application in January will remain eligible to do so in February. The Final Action Dates (which indicate visa number availability) for the employment-based categories mostly moved forward by a few weeks or months. For instance, the 2^nd preference Philippines category moved forward three months (from July 22, 2011 to October 15, 2011), so that anyone in that category with an October 15, 2011 priority date* or earlier is now eligible to submit an adjustment of status application with USCIS. *For employment-based cases, the priority date is the date on which USICS received an individual’s I-140 Petition.

“Final Action Dates” Chart for Employment-Based Applicants