Major Retrogression Imminent for EB-2 India

Via aila.org

Per the AILA DOS Liaison Committee’s followup with Mr. Charles Oppenheim, Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division, U.S. Department of State, “retrogression of EB-2 India appears to be imminent, and could happen as early as November. The October 2014 priority date for EB-2 India is May 1, 2009. Given current demand, the priority date will retrogress, possibly to a date in early 2005.”

More details:

“As articulated in Section D of the Visa Bulletin, retrogression of EB-2 India appears to be imminent, and could happen as early as November. The October 2014 priority date for EB-2 India is May 1, 2009. Given current demand, the priority date will retrogress, possibly to a date in early 2005. Members should plan to file adjustment of status applications by the end of October for any eligible EB-2 India clients, as the window of opportunity may be closing.

A major factor in this anticipated retrogression is the large volume of EB-3 to EB-2 upgrades for Indian-born applicants. Based on filings at USCIS, Charlie anticipates a huge volume of India EB-2 demand in the coming months.

NOTE: In addition, the maximum number of EB-2 immigrant visas which are available for India for Fiscal Year 2014 has been reached. Therefore, EB-2 India visas are “unavailable” until October 1, 2014. USCIS offices may continue to accept and process EB-2 India cases with priority dates earlier than May 1, 2009 during the month of September. However, instead of being acted upon immediately, those cases will be held in the Visa Office’s “Pending Demand” file until October 1, 2014, at which time they will be authorized.”