EB-1 Visas for China and India Retrogress Significantly in the January 2023 Visa Bulletin

BY: Vandana Marath 

Introduction

The United States State Department has released the January 2023 Visa Bulletin, establishing new cutoff dates for China and India in the EB-1 category. The new date aims to ensure the number of visas will not exceed the maximum allowed in fiscal year 2023.

The EB-4 category for certain religious workers will become unavailable on December 23, 2022, unless there is new legislative action continuing it.

January 2023 Final Action Dates: 

• • EB-1: China and India now have a cutoff date on February 1, 2022. All other countries remain current.
• • EB-2: China remains at June 8, 2019, and India remains at October 8, 2011. All other countries have a cutoff date of November 1, 2022. 
• • EB-3 Professional and Skilled Workers: China remains at August 1, 2018, and India remains at June 15, 2012. All other countries remain current. 
• • EB-3 Other Workers: The worldwide cutoff date remains at June 1, 2020. India has a cutoff date of June 15, 2012, and China has a cutoff date of December 22, 2013.
• • EB-4: The final action date for El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras remains at March 15, 2018. Mexico remains at September 15, 2020. All other countries have a cutoff date of June 22, 2022. 
• • EB-5: For unreserved visas, the Final Action Date for China remains at March 22, 2015. Similarly, India remains at November 8, 2019. All other countries and categories are current. 

January 2023 Dates for Filing:

• • EB-1: 
• •China: June 1, 2022 
• •India: June 1, 2022 
• •All other countries: Current 
• • EB-2: 
• •China: July 8, 2019 
• •India: May 1, 2012 
• •All other countries: December 1, 2022 
• • EB-3 Professional and Skilled Workers: 
• •China: September 1, 2018
• •India: August 1, 2012
• •All other countries: Current 
• • EB-3 Other Workers: 
• •China: November 1, 2015
• •India: August 1, 2012
• •All other countries: September 8, 2022
• • EB-4: 
• •El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras: April 15, 2018
• •Mexico: October 15, 2020
• •All other countries: July 22, 2022
• • EB-5 Unreserved: 
• •China: January 1, 2016
• •India: December 8, 2019
• •All other countries: Current 
• • EB-5 Set-Aside: 
• •All other countries: Current 

Conclusion

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will honor the Dates for Filing in all EB Categories. For any questions or assistance adjusting to permanent resident status, contact your trusted Chugh, LLP immigration professional.