The April 2008 Priority Dates

By Michael J. Gurfinkel Esq.

Petitions by Citizens:

The priority date for the First Preference Category, F-1 (unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, over 21 years of age) remained the same at March 1, 1993.

The Third Preference Category, F-3 (married sons and daughters of United States citizens) priority date remained the same at April 1, 1991.

The Fourth Preference, F-4 (brothers and sisters of United States citizens) remained the same at February 22, 1986.

Petitions by Green Card Holders:

The Second Preference, F-2A (Spouse and minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder) moved forward by 23 days, from April 15, 2003 to May 8, 2003.

The Second Preference, F-2B (unmarried sons and daughters, over 21 years of age, of green card holders) remained the same at February 1, 1997.

Petitions by Employers:

The Third Preference (professionals and skilled workers) of Employment-Based Petitions (Labor Certification) moved forward by 6 months, from January 1, 2005 to July 1, 2005. The priority date for unskilled (“other”) workers moved forward by 2 months from January 1, 2002 to March 1, 2002.

Each month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes the priority dates for that particular month. This means that visas (or green cards) would now be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current”, but retrogressed before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

The April 2008 priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:

FAMILY CATEGORY:

First Preference
Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (over 21 years of age)
March 1, 1993 In March 2008, the priority date was the same.)

Second Preference
(2A) Spouse and minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder
May 8, 2003 (In March 2008, the priority date was April 15, 2003)

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (over 21 years old) of green card holder
February 1, 1997 (In March 2008, the priority date was the same.)

Third Preference
Married sons and daughters of U.S. Citizens
April 1, 1991 (In March 2008, the priority date was the same.)

Fourth Preference
Brothers and sisters of U.S. Citizens.
February 22, 1986 (In March 2008, the priority date was the same.)

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Third Preference
Professional/Skilled Workers
July 1, 2005 (In March 2008, the priority date was January 1, 2005.)

Other workers
Non-Skilled Workers
March 1, 2002 (In March 2008, the priority date was January 1, 2002.)