The Department of State ("DOS") issued its September 2007 Visa Bulletin last week.  Although Immigrant visas remain unavailable during the month of September for applicants in the EB-3 preference category who are born in China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines, the Bulletin states that due to the return of unused July 2007 numbers by consular posts abroad, and the limited amount of pending demand eligible for final processing at consular posts, it has reestablished cut-off dates in many of the employment preference categories.   Applicants with priority dates earlier than the cut-off dates below may now file for adjustment of status applications in September 2007, or be approved for an immigrant visa abroad.

EB-1 worldwide, including China/India/China/Mexico/Philippines: January 1, 2007

EB-2:  worldwide: January 1, 2007

EB-2 China: January 1, 2006

EB-2 India: April 1, 2004

EB-2 Mexico/Philippines: January 1, 2007

EB-3 worldwide, except China/India/Mexico: August 1, 2002

The complete visa bulletin may be found at the DOS' website, at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_3761.html

How This Affects You

The DOS announced previously that there would be no new immigrant visa numbers available for the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends on September 30, 2007.  Due to a surprising turn events, certain foreign nationals may file to adjust status to permanent residency status, or be approved for an adjustment of status applicant during the month of September.  US embassies and consulates abroad may also approve immigrant visa applicants for permanent residency as during this month

We will provide further information as soon as it becomes available.