Exploring the Changes in the March 2023 Visa Bulletin

Introduction

The March 2023 Visa Bulletin has recently been released, and it brings some significant changes to the visa allocation process. This article aims to provide an overview of the key changes outlined in the bulletin and their potential impact on individuals seeking visas to enter or remain in the United States.

Revision in Visa Availability

The March 2023 Visa Bulletin revises the availability of visas across the different employment and family-sponsored preference categories. Notably, it updates the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing charts, determining when individuals can submit their applications or when they can expect processing and approval.

Priority Dates

The visa bulletin highlights the importance of priority dates for visa applicants. A priority date is used to establish an individual’s place in the visa queue and is typically based on the date when the applicant’s petition was initially filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Significant Changes

The changes introduced in the March 2023 Visa Bulletin include:

Employment-Based Categories

• EB-1: The final action date for individuals from all chargeability areas becomes current. This means that applicants under the EB-1 category, including workers with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors, and researchers, can now apply for adjustment of status or consular processing without having to wait for their priority date to become current.
• EB-2: The final action dates have significantly advanced for individuals born in India and China, offering greater availability in this category. However, some other chargeability areas might see minor retrogression.
• EB-3: Final action dates have generally advanced for most chargeability areas, providing improved visa availability for skilled workers, professionals, and other qualified workers.
• EB-5: The final action date for individuals from China has seen significant progression, while other chargeability areas remain current.

Family-Sponsored Categories

• F1: Final action dates for unmarried sons and daughters, aged 21 or older, of U.S. citizens show minor advancement.
• F2A: Final action dates remain current for spouses and children of permanent residents.
• F2B: The final action dates for unmarried sons and daughters, aged 21 or older, of permanent residents have seen slight progression.
• F3: Final action dates for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens have advanced moderately.
• F4: Final action dates for siblings of U.S. citizens show minor advancement.

Impact on Applicants

The changes in the March 2023 Visa Bulletin bring mixed implications for visa applicants. The advancement of final action dates in some employment-based categories, such as EB-1, EB-2 for India and China, and EB-5 for China, offers increased opportunities for individuals from these chargeability areas to progress in their immigration journey.

Similarly, the slight advancement of final action dates in certain family-sponsored categories offers hope for individuals awaiting reunification with their loved ones.

However, it’s important to note that visa availability is subject to annual numerical limits and country-specific quotas. Consequently, even with the advancement of final action dates, some individuals may still face delays depending on demand and visa availability in their respective category and chargeability area.

Conclusion

The March 2023 Visa Bulletin brings noticeable changes in visa availability for numerous employment and family-sponsored categories. The revisions aim to provide individuals with updated information on when they can submit their applications or expect processing and approval of their petitions. Applicants should closely monitor the visa bulletin and consult with immigration experts to understand how these changes impact their specific case and plan their immigration journey accordingly.