Visa Bulletin March 2018

VISA BULLETIN

Number 15 Volume X Washington, D.C.
IMMIGRANT NUMBERS FOR MARCH 2018
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during March for:
“Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant
visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to
the National Visa Center.
Unless otherwise indicated on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
website at www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo, individuals seeking to file applications
for adjustment of status with USCIS in the Department of Homeland Security must use
the “Final Action Dates” charts below for determining when they can file such
applications. When USCIS determines that there are more immigrant visas available
for the fiscal year than there are known applicants for such visas, USCIS will
state on its website that applicants may instead use the “Dates for Filing Visa
Applications” charts in this Bulletin.
1. Procedures for determining dates. Consular officers are required to report to
the Department of State documentarily qualified applicants for numerically limited
visas; USCIS reports applicants for adjustment of status. Allocations in the charts
below were made, to the extent possible, in chronological order of reported
priority dates, for demand received by February 9th. If not all demand could be
satisfied, the category or foreign state in which demand was excessive was deemed
oversubscribed. The final action date for an oversubscribed category is the
priority date of the first applicant who could not be reached within the numerical
limits. If it becomes necessary during the monthly allocation process to retrogress
a final action date, supplemental requests for numbers will be honored only if the
priority date falls within the new final action date announced in this bulletin. If
at any time an annual limit were reached, it would be necessary to immediately make
the preference category “unavailable”, and no further requests for numbers would be
honored.
2. Section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sets an annual
minimum family-sponsored preference limit of 226,000. The worldwide level for
annual employment-based preference immigrants is at least 140,000. Section 202
prescribes that the per-country limit for preference immigrants is set at 7% of the
total annual family-sponsored and employment-based preference limits, i.e., 25,620.
The dependent area limit is set at 2%, or 7,320.
3. INA Section 203(e) provides that family-sponsored and employment-based
preference visas be issued to eligible immigrants in the order in which a petition
in behalf of each has been filed. Section 203(d) provides that spouses and
children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status, and the same
order of consideration, if accompanying or following to join the principal. The
visa prorating provisions of Section 202(e) apply to allocations for a foreign
state or dependent area when visa demand exceeds the per-country limit. These
provisions apply at present to the following oversubscribed chargeability areas:
CHINA-mainland born, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, HONDURAS, INDIA, MEXICO, PHILIPPINES.
-2- March 2018
4. Section 203(a) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of
Family-sponsored immigrant visas as follows:
FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES
First: (F1) Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens: 23,400 plus any
numbers not required for fourth preference.
Second: Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent
Residents: 114,200, plus the number (if any) by which the worldwide family
preference level exceeds 226,000, plus any unused first preference numbers:
A. (F2A) Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents: 77% of the overall second
preference limitation, of which 75% are exempt from the per-country limit;
B. (F2B) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent
Residents: 23% of the overall second preference limitation.
Third: (F3) Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens: 23,400, plus any numbers
not required by first and second preferences.
Fourth: (F4) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens: 65,000, plus any
numbers not required by first three preferences.
A. FINAL ACTION DATES FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCE CASES
On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class
is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); “C” means current, i.e., numbers are
authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants; and “U” means unauthorized,
i.e., numbers are not authorized for issuance. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for
issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the final action
date listed below.)
All Charge
ability Areas CHINA
Except Those mainland
Family- Listed born INDIA MEXICO PHILIPPINES
Sponsored
F1 22MAR11 22MAR11 22MAR11 22JUL96 15OCT05
F2A 22MAR16 22MAR16 22MAR16 01MAR16 22MAR16
F2B 01MAR11 01MAR11 01MAR11 15OCT96 08SEP06
F3 15DEC05 15DEC05 15DEC05 22JUN95 22MAR95
F4 22AUG04 22AUG04 01FEB04 15NOV97 22NOV94
*NOTE: For March, F2A numbers EXEMPT from per-country limit are authorized for
issuance to applicants from all countries with priority dates earlier than
01MAR16. F2A numbers SUBJECT to per-country limit are authorized for issuance to
applicants chargeable to all countries EXCEPT MEXICO with priority dates beginning
01MAR16 and earlier than 22MAR16. All F2A numbers provided for MEXICO are exempt
from the per-country limit.
-3- March 2018
B. DATES FOR FILING FAMILY-SPONSORED VISA APPLICATIONS
The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe
justifying immediate action in the application process. Applicants for immigrant
visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart below
may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National
Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center
containing detailed instructions. The application date for an oversubscribed
category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit
documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a category is
designated “current,” all applicants in the relevant category may file
applications, regardless of priority date.
The “C” listing indicates that the category is current, and that applications may
be filed regardless of the applicant’s priority date. The listing of a date for any
category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than
the listed date may file their application.
Visit www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for information on whether USCIS has
determined that this chart can be used (in lieu of the chart in paragraph 4.A.)
this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS.
FamilySponsored
All Chargeability
Areas Except
Those Listed
CHINAmainland

born
INDIA MEXICO PHILIPPINES
F1 01JAN12 01JAN12 01JAN12 08SEP97 01OCT07
F2A 01MAY17 01MAY17 01MAY17 01MAY17 01MAY17
F2B 01SEP11 01SEP11 01SEP11 01JAN97 01SEP07
F3 01DEC05 01DEC05 01DEC05 01APR97 15JUN95
F4 22JAN05 22JAN05 22JUN04 08FEB98 01MAR95
5. Section 203(b) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of
Employment-based immigrant visas as follows:
EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES
First: Priority Workers: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference
level, plus any numbers not required for fourth and fifth preferences.
Second: Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of
Exceptional Ability: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference
level, plus any numbers not required by first preference.
Third: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers: 28.6% of the worldwide
level, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences, not more
than 10,000 of which to “*Other Workers”.
Fourth: Certain Special Immigrants: 7.1% of the worldwide level.
Fifth: Employment Creation: 7.1% of the worldwide level, not less than 3,000 of
which reserved for investors in a targeted rural or high-unemployment area, and
3,000 set aside for investors in regional centers by Sec. 610 of Pub. L. 102-395.
-4- March 2018
A. FINAL ACTION DATES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCE CASES
On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class
is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); “C” means current, i.e., numbers are
authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants; and “U” means unauthorized,
i.e., numbers are not authorized for issuance. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for
issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the final action
date listed below.)
All Charge
ability Areas CHINA- EL SALVADOR
Except Those mainland GUATEMALA
Listed born HONDURAS INDIA MEXICO PHILIPPINES
EmploymentBased
1st C C C C C C
2nd C 08DEC13 C 15DEC08 C C

3rd C 15NOV14 C 01JAN07 C 01MAY16

Other C 01MAR07 C 01JAN07 C 01MAY16
Workers
4th C C 01DEC15 C 01JUL16 C
Certain C C 01DEC15 C 01JUL16 C
Religious
Workers
5th C 22JUL14 C C C C
Non-Regional
Center
(C5 and T5)
5th C 22JUL14 C C C C
Regional
Center
(I5 and R5)
*Employment Third Preference Other Workers Category: Section 203(e) of the
Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) passed by Congress in November
1997, as amended by Section 1(e) of Pub. L. 105139, provides that once the
Employment Third Preference Other Worker (EW) cut-off date has reached the priority
date of the latest EW petition approved prior to November 19, 1997, the 10,000 EW
numbers available for a fiscal year are to be reduced by up to 5,000 annually
beginning in the following fiscal year. This reduction is to be made for as long as
necessary to offset adjustments under the NACARA program. Since the EW cut-off date
reached November 19, 1997 during Fiscal Year 2001, the reduction in the EW annual
limit to 5,000 began in Fiscal Year 2002.
-5- March 2018
B. DATES FOR FILING OF EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISA APPLICATIONS
The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe
justifying immediate action in the application process. Applicants for immigrant
visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart may
assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa
Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing
detailed instructions. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the
priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the
National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a category is designated “current,”
all applicants in the relevant category may file, regardless of priority date.
The “C” listing indicates that the category is current, and that applications may
be filed regardless of the applicant’s priority date. The listing of a date for any
category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than
the listed date may file their application.
Visit www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for information on whether USCIS has
determined that this chart can be used (in lieu of the chart in paragraph 5.A.)
this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS.
EmploymentBased
All Chargeability
Areas
Except Those
Listed
CHINA –
mainland
born
EL SALVADOR
GUATEMALA
HONDURAS INDIA MEXICO PHILIPPINES
1st C C C C C C
2nd C 01FEB15 C 08FEB09 C C
3rd C 01JAN16 C 01JAN08 C 01OCT16
Other Workers C 01JUN08 C 01JAN08 C 01OCT16
4th C C 15APR16 C C C
Certain Religious
Workers C C 15APR16 C C C
5
th Non-Regional
Center (C5 and T5) C 01SEP14 C C C C
5
th Regional Center
(I5 and R5) C 01SEP14 C C C C

6. The Department of State has a recorded message with the Final Action date
information which can be heard at: (202) 485-7699. This recording is updated on
or about the tenth of each month with information on final action dates for the
following month.
-6- March 2018
B. DIVERSITY IMMIGRANT (DV) CATEGORY FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH
Section 203(c) of the INA provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year
to permit additional immigration opportunities for persons from countries with low
admissions during the previous five years. The NACARA stipulates that beginning
with DV-99, and for as long as necessary, up to 5,000 of the 55,000 annuallyallocated
diversity visas will be made available for use under the NACARA program.
This resulted in reduction of the DV-2018 annual limit to 50,000. DV visas are
divided among six geographic regions. No one country can receive more than seven
percent of the available diversity visas in any one year.
For March, immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified
DV-2018 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. When
an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants
with DV regional lottery rank numbers BELOW the specified allocation cut-off
number:
All DV Chargeability
Areas Except Those
Region Listed Separately
AFRICA 17,700 Except: Egypt 12,400
Ethiopia 16,600

ASIA 4,400 Except: Nepal 3,875
EUROPE 13,800
NORTH AMERICA 8
(BAHAMAS)
OCEANIA 800
SOUTH AMERICA, 800
and the CARIBBEAN
-7- March 2018
Entitlement to immigrant status in the DV category lasts only through the end
of the fiscal (visa) year for which the applicant is selected in the lottery. The
year of entitlement for all applicants registered for the DV-2018 program ends as
of September 30, 2018. DV visas may not be issued to DV-2018 applicants after that
date. Similarly, spouses and children accompanying or following to join DV-2018
principals are only entitled to derivative DV status until September 30, 2018. DV
visa availability through the very end of FY-2018 cannot be taken for granted.
Numbers could be exhausted prior to September 30.
C. THE DIVERSITY (DV) IMMIGRANT CATEGORY RANK CUT-OFFS WHICH WILL APPLY
IN APRIL
For April, immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified
DV-2018 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. When
an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants
with DV regional lottery rank numbers BELOW the specified allocation cut-off
number:
All DV Chargeability
Areas Except Those
Region Listed Separately
AFRICA 21,100 Except: Egypt 14,500
Ethiopia 20,100

ASIA 5,300 Except: Nepal 4,550
EUROPE 15,950
NORTH AMERICA 10
(BAHAMAS)
OCEANIA 875
SOUTH AMERICA, 925
and the CARIBBEAN
D. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT (SI) TRANSLATOR CATEGORY VISA AVAILABILITY
Given the limited availability of visa numbers and the existing demand, the
Department expects to reach the FY-2018 annual limit of 50 Special Immigrant Visas
in the SI category early this year. As a result, it has been necessary to
maintain a March Final Action Date of April 22, 2012. It is likely that number use
will require the SI category to become “unavailable” in the coming months. Once
the annual limit of 50 visas is reached, further issuances in the SI category will
not be possible until October 2018, under the FY-2019 annual limit. The SQ Special
Immigrant Visa category for certain Iraqi and Afghan nationals employed by or on
behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan is not affected and remains
current.
-8- March 2018
E. VISA AVAILABILITY IN THE COMING MONTHS
Continued heavy applicant demand is expected to result in the Vietnam Employment
Fifth preference category reaching the per-country annual limit during March.
Once this happens the category will become subject to a final action date, and
visa availability for the remainder of FY-2018 will be dependent upon the extent
to which otherwise unused numbers are available.
F. SCHEDULED EXPIRATION OF TWO EMPLOYMENT VISA CATEGORIES
Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR):
Pursuant to the continuing resolution, signed on February 9, 2018, the non-minister
special immigrant program expires on March 23, 2018. No SR visas may be issued
overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after midnight March
22, 2018. Visas issued prior to this date will only be issued with a validity date
of March 22, 2018, and all individuals seeking admission as a non-minister special
immigrant must be admitted (repeat, admitted) into the U.S. no later than midnight
March 22, 2018.
If there is no legislative action extending this category for FY-2018, the final
action date would immediately become “Unavailable” for March for all countries.
Employment Fifth Preference Categories (I5 and R5):
The continuing resolution signed on February 9, 2018 extended this immigrant
investor pilot program until March 23, 2018. The I5 and R5 visas may be issued
until close of business on March 23, 2018, and may be issued for the full validity
period. No I5 or R5 visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on
adjustment of status cases, after March 23, 2018.
If there is no legislative action extending these categories for FY-2018, the final
action dates would immediately become “Unavailable” for March for all countries.
-9- March 2018
G. OBTAINING THE MONTHLY VISA BULLETIN
The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs publishes the monthly Visa
Bulletin on their website at www.travel.state.gov under the Visas section.
Alternatively, visitors may access the Visa Bulletin directly by going to:
https://www.travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/law-and-policy/bulletin.html.
To be placed on the Department of State’s E-mail subscription list for the “Visa
Bulletin”, please send an E-mail to the following E-mail address:
[email protected]
and in the message body type:
Subscribe Visa-Bulletin
(example: Subscribe Visa-Bulletin)
To be removed from the Department of State’s E-mail subscription list for the
“Visa Bulletin”, send an e-mail message to the following E-mail address:
[email protected]
and in the message body type: Signoff Visa-Bulletin
The Department of State also has available a recorded message with visa final
action dates which can be heard at: (202) 485-7699. The recording is normally
updated on/about the 10th of each month with information on final action dates for
the following month.
Readers may submit questions regarding Visa Bulletin related items by
E-mail at the following address:
[email protected]
(This address cannot be used to subscribe to the Visa Bulletin.)
Department of State Public