Visa Retrogression for Most Family Sponsored Preferences in January 2011

The Department of State had recently released the Visa Bulletin for January 2011. Unfortunately, for many Petitioners and Beneficiaries who had been waiting to be reunited with their families, the new year brings about additional waiting.

As seen this month, December 2010, there were only two family based categories affected by visa retrogression, 3rd and 4th preference. However, for January 2011, all other preference categories (1, 2A, 2B, and 3) will be affected. As for the 4th preference, there was no movement from December 2010 to January 2011 for all chargeability.

For example: Family Sponsored Preference - 1st Category (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Citizens)

All Chargeability: January 01, 2005 compared to February 15, 2006 in December 2010.

China: January 01, 2005 compared to February 15, 2006 in December 2010.

Dominican Republic: January 01, 2005 compared to June 01, 2004 in December 2010. ***No retrogression***

India: January 01, 2005 compared to February 15, 2006 in December 2010.

Mexico: January 08, 1993 compared to January 01, 1993. ***No retrogression***

Philippines: June 01, 1994 compared to April 01, 1997 in December 2010.

Below is the complete January 2011 Visa Bulletin as posted by the Department of State.

Family All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed CHINA-mainland born DOMINICAN REPUBLIC INDIA MEXICO PHILIPPINES
1st 01JAN05 01JAN05 01JAN05 01JAN05 08JAN93 01JUN94
2A 01JAN08 01JAN08 01JAN08 01JAN08 01APR05 01JAN08
2B 15APR03 15APR03 01MAR02 15APR03 22JUN92 15MAY99
3rd 01JAN01 01JAN01 01JAN01 01JAN01 22OCT92 22OCT91
4th 01JAN02 01JAN02 01JAN02 01JAN02 22DEC95 01JAN88


Employment- Based

All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed

 CHINA- mainland born DOMINICAN REPUBLIC INDIA MEXICO PHILIPPINES
1st C C C C C C
2nd C 22JUN06 C 08MAY06 C C
3rd 22MAR05 15DEC03 22MAR05 01FEB02 15APR03 22MAR05
Other Workers 22APR03 22APR03 22APR03 01FEB02 15APR03 22APR03
4th C C C C C C
Certain Religious Workers C C C C C C
5th C C C C C C
Targeted Employment Areas/ Regional Centers C C C C C C
5th Pilot Programs C C C C C C

If you have additional questions or need help with the processing of an immigrant visa petition, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Bagon Law Firm
21550 Oxnard Street, 3rd Floor
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Tel.: (818) 224-6632
Fax: (888) 589-0804

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