Latest News on EB-3 Visa for 2023 Applicants

For those who applied for the EB-3 visa in 2023, the situation has been impacted by various changes and updates, especially concerning retrogression and visa availability:

1. Retrogression in Visa Bulletin:

• Due to high demand and limited visa numbers, the U.S. Department of State has retrogressed the final action dates for EB-3 visas. As of July 2023, the final action date for India has moved back to January 1, 2009, and for the rest of the world, Mexico, and the Philippines, it has retrogressed to February 1, 2022​ (Miller Mayer LLP)​​ (Travel.state.gov)​.

1. Annual Limits and Reset:

• The annual visa limits will reset on October 1, 2023, which might allow for some advancement in the final action dates. However, the movement of these dates will depend on various factors such as overall visa demand and the new employment-based annual limits for FY 2024​ (Miller Mayer LLP)​.

1. Impact on Processing Times:

• Retrogression means that even if an applicant's Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) is approved, they may have to wait longer for their priority date to become current before they can proceed with consular processing or adjustment of status​ (USCIS)​​ (Immigration.com)​.

1. Increased Demand:

• The EB-3 category, which includes skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers, continues to face high demand. This has resulted in a backlog and slower processing times, particularly affecting applicants from countries with high numbers of applicants like India​ (Travel.state.gov)​.

1. Potential Future Changes:

• The Department of State is closely monitoring the situation and may implement further adjustments as necessary. Applicants are encouraged to keep track of the monthly Visa Bulletin for the latest updates on visa availability and priority dates​ (Miller Mayer LLP)​.

What Can Ezzvisa Do to Help?

1. Continuous Monitoring:

• Ezzvisa continuously monitors the Visa Bulletin and provides timely updates to applicants regarding changes in final action dates and visa availability.

2. Alternative Options:

• Ezzvisa can assist in exploring alternative visa categories or pathways if applicable, to mitigate the impact of retrogression.

3. Documentation and Legal Support:

• Ezzvisa ensures that all documentation is complete and up-to-date, providing legal support to navigate the complexities of retrogression and maintain eligibility.

4. Employer Communication:

• Ezzvisa facilitates effective communication between applicants and employers to ensure both parties are informed and prepared for potential delays.

5. Emotional Support:

• Understanding the stress caused by prolonged waiting periods, Ezzvisa offers support services to help applicants manage the emotional aspects of the process.

For more information and detailed guidance, you can visit the official sources such as the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin and the USCIS website, or consult immigration experts for personalized advice.