The February 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) moved forward by 2 months from November 22, 1992 to January 22, 1993.

The Third Preference Category, F-3 (married sons and daughters of United States citizens) priority date remained the same at April 01, 1991.

The Fourth Preference, F-4 (brothers and sisters of United States citizens) moved forward by 14 days, from February 01, 1986 to February 15, 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 21 days, from February 22, 2003 to March 15, 2003.

The Second Preference, F-2B (unmarried sons and daughters, over 21 years of age, of green card holders) moved forward by 7 days, from January 15, 1997 to January 22, 1997.

Petitions by Employers:

The Third Preference (professionals and skilled workers) of Employment-Based Petitions (Labor Certification) moved forward by 17 days, from October 15, 2002 to November 1, 2002 . The priority date for unskilled ("other") workers remained the same at October 01, 2001.

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 February 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)
January 22, 1993 (In January 2008, the priority date was November 22, 1992.)

Second Preference
(2A) Spouse and minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder
March 15, 2003 (In January 2008, the priority date was February 22, 2003)

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (over 21 years old) of green card holder
January 22, 1997 (In January 2008, the priority date was January 15, 1997.)

Third Preference
Married sons and daughters of U.S. Citizens
April 01, 1991 (In January 2008, the priority date was the same.)

Fourth Preference
Brothers and sisters of U.S. Citizens.
February 15, 1986 (In January 2008, the priority date was February 1, 1986.)

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Third Preference
Professional/Skilled Workers
November 01, 2002 (In January 2008, the priority date was October 15, 2002.)

Other workers
Non-Skilled Workers
October 01, 2001 (In January 2008, the priority date was the same.)