DOS Discusses Upcoming Employment Visa Number Priority Cut-Off Dates

The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for December 2010 notes that it is unlikely that any cut-off dates will be set in the employment first preference during the coming months. It also appears unlikely that it will be necessary to establish a cut-off date other than those already in effect for the second preference category. Cut-off dates continue to apply to the China and India second preference categories due to heavy demand.

Based on current indications of demand, the Department said the “best case scenarios” for cut-off date movement each month are:

Employment Second:

• China: none to two weeks
• India: no movement

Employment Third:

• Worldwide: three to six weeks
• China: one to three weeks
• India: none to two weeks
• Mexico: although continued forward movement is expected, no specific projections are possible now
• Philippines: three to six weeks

The Department noted that the above ranges are estimates based on current demand patterns, and will be subject to possible fluctuations during the coming months.

The December 2010 Visa Bulletin is now available.