Changes to Visa Bulletin

On September 9, 2015, USCIS and the Department of State announced new procedures for processing immigrant visa applications and for filing of Adjustment of Status (I-485) applications. The new procedures will allow for an earlier submission of documents for immigrant visa applications for those who seek to obtain immigrant visas through U.S. Consulates. The new procedures will also allow for earlier filing of Adjustment of Status applications with USCIS during the allowed months. These changes in procedures apply to both family-based and employment-based immigrant visa categories.

Beginning with the October 2015 Visa Bulletin, Visa Bulletins issued by the Department of State will have two charts per visa preference category: Application Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing Applications charts. Application Final Action Dates refer to the dates when the visas may finally be issued. Dates for Filing Applications refer to the earliest dates when applicants may be able to apply.

Beginning in October, applicants for immigrant visas will be able to submit documents and begin their application process when two things happen:
1. Their priority dates are earlier than the date listed on the Dates for Filing Applications chart for their preference category, and
2. They have been notified by the National Visa Center that they may submit the documents
However, the decision on their immigrant visa applications cannot be made until their priority dates are earlier than the date listed on the Application Final Action Dates chart.

For applicants for Adjustment of Status, the general rule is to use the date listed on the Application Final Action Dates chart of their preference category to determine their eligibility to submit their Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) Applications to USCIS. If their priority dates are earlier than the date listed on the pertinent Application Final Action Dates chart, then they are eligible to submit their I-485 Applications in that month. However, if the month’s Visa Bulletin indicates that they may use the date listed on the Dates for Filing Applications chart, then they can use the earlier date listed on the Dates for Filing Applications chart to file their I-485 Applications for that month. Nonetheless, final decisions on their applications will not be made until their priority dates become current on the Application Final Action Dates chart.

For the month of October 2015, the Visa Bulletin allows applicants for Adjustment of Status to use the date listed on the Date for Filing Applications charts. Therefore, in October 2015, applicants for Adjustment of Status will benefit from being able to file their applications sooner.

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Testimonials

“Our company hired Jing last year after meeting with her for the first time. Right away we felt comfortable and confident that our company would be in good hands with Jing as our immigration attorney. She gave very clear instructions and the process was smooth. She always answers emails and phone calls. Now we already have our case approved. I highly recommend Jing for your legal needs.”

CTM, Fairfax, VA

“I was greatly impressed by the efficiency of Attorney Jing. She handled my case in a professional, honest manner. She stayed in touch and communicated with me and my employer to keep us informed of how things were progressing. She is a very knowledgeable attorney, which is important as immigration laws are constantly changing. I highly recommend Jing to anyone looking for an immigration attorney.”

P. Hasegawa, Peoria, AZ

“Even though it has been a few weeks I’m still finding it hard to believe that I actually have my Green Card. There were definitely times in the last few years when I thought it was never going to happen. Words cannot really describe how relieved I am to be successfully DONE with this process. I feel lighter every day and so much less stressed about my future. Thank you for everything. I will be forever grateful.”

Alex, Harrisonburg, VA

“I would definitely recommend Jing for assistance regarding personal immigration matters. When I first met with her, I could tell right away that she is very knowledgeable and experienced, which made me feel I would be comfortable working with her. Throughout the entire process, she was incredibly helpful by answering questions I had and was easy to get in touch with when I needed her. With her attention to detail and familiarity with the immigration process, I felt more than prepared for my interview. The immigration procedure can be complex and confusing. With Jing assisting me, I always felt confident that I would be successful. She made a scary process very simple and comfortable for me. Thank you, Jing, for the the help and support you provided to get me through this.”

N. Bakondi, Vienna, VA

“I first met with Jing when my wife’s case was with another lawyer. We went to her for a second opinion. And after that she became a lawyer on my case. Time and time again, Jing has shown me that she is very detailed-oriented, has strong knowledge, and always keeps up-to-date with the laws. I have learned from my wife’s case that one little change in regulation can change your case from black to white. My wife’s lawyer did not do a good job with keeping himself updated with the laws, and he almost ruined our lives. Thanks to Jing, she not only helped my wife’s case but also helped another client of my wife’s lawyer. I still remember how excited my wife’s lawyer was when he called another client of his (right in front of me) to tell that person he won’t have to leave the country because the law has changed. The most important thing which I like the most about Jing is her HONESTY. Many immigration lawyers say yes to give you a day dream so they can make money from you while trying not to mention unhappy facts to you. Jing is different. She will tell you upfront what you will have to face and what you have to live with, both the bright side and the dark side. She has proven to me that I can trust her. Therefore, I believe her when she ends all emails with “Your truly”.”

Peter T., Sterling, VA

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