Introduction: July 2016 DOS Visa Bulletin
The Department of State (DOS) has released the July 2016 Visa Bulletin [PDF version]. The DOS Visa Bulletin consists of charts that show when person with approved immigrant visa petition in the family-sponsored [see subject] or employment-based [see subject] preference classifications may file for adjustment of status [see section]. The DOS provides dates for filing (when an application may be filed) and final action dates (when an immigrant visa may be issued) [see blog]. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determined that applicants must use the final action dates for filing applications for adjustment of status in July of 2016 [PDF version]. We have reproduced the charts for the final action dates for adjustment of status applications in the family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories from the July 2016 DOS Visa Bulletin below:
Application Final Action Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Preference Cases:
| Family-Sponsored | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | CHINA-mainland born | INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 22MAR09 | 22MAR09 | 22MAR09 | 08MAR95 | 01FEB05 |
| F2A | 15NOV14 | 15NOV14 | 15NOV14 | 01SEP14 | 15NOV14 |
| F2B | 08DEC09 | 08DEC09 | 08DEC09 | 08SEP95 | 01JUL05 |
| F3 | 01DEC04 | 01DEC04 | 01DEC04 | 22OCT94 | 01MAR94 |
| F4 | 08SEP03 | 01JAN03 | 01JAN01 | 15APR97 | 01JAN93 |
Application Final Action Dates For Employment-Based Preference Cases:
| Employment-Based | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | CHINA-mainland born | EL SALVADOR GUATEMALA HONDURAS | INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | C | C | C | C | C | C |
| 2nd | C | 01JAN10 | C | 01NOV04 | C | C |
| 3rd | 01MAR16 | 01JAN10 | 01MAR16 | 22OCT04 | 01MAR16 | 15FEB09 |
| Other Workers | 01MAR16 | 01JAN04 | 01MAR16 | 22OCT04 | 01MAR16 | 15FEB09 |
| 4th | C | C | 01JAN10 | C | 01JAN10 | C |
| Certain Religious Workers | C | C | 01JAN10 | C | 01JAN10 | C |
| 5th Non-Regional Center (C5 and T5) |
C | 15FEB14 | C | C | C | C |
| 5th Regional Center (I5 and R5) |
C | 15FEB14 | C | C | C | C |
Using the Charts
Beneficiaries of approved immigrant visa petitions in the family-sponsored or employment-based preference categories must have a priority date that is prior to the cutoff date listed in the applicable section of the appropriate chart in order to file for adjustment of status in July of 2016.
USCIS’s page on the July 2016 Visa Bulletin includes a helpful chart that illustrates how the adjustment of status process works. We have reproduced the chart below for your convenience:
[Click image to view full size]
Conclusion: July 2016 DOS Visa Bulletin
It is important for the beneficiary of an approved immigrant visa petition in the family-sponsored or employment-based preference categories to stay up to date with the DOS Visa Bulletin each month in order to be ready to apply for adjustment of status as soon as he or she is eligible to do so. Adjustment of status applicants are well advised to consult with an experienced immigration attorney for guidance through the entire adjustment of status application process.
