Cite as "AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 11032960 (posted Mar. 29, 2011)"

Charlie Oppenheim, Chief, Immigrant Visa Control and Reporting Division, U.S. Department of State, informed AILA of a dramatic reduction in the use of EB-1 numbers. He stated:

"[US]CIS says they have seen a decline in filings, and does not expect a change in the number use pattern. Therefore, this decline in EB-1 number use will allow me to begin having those 'otherwise unused' numbers drop down and be available for use in the EB-2 category. Based on current indications, that would mean that at least 12,000 additional numbers will be available to the EB-2 category. This situation will allow me to advance the India EB-2 cut-off date for May. The reason being that all 'otherwise unused' numbers are provided strictly in priority date order, and the India demand has the largest concentration of early dates."

According to Mr. Oppenheim, the fall-off in demand for EB-1 numbers began in October 2010.