August Visa Bulletin Update - USCIS to Honor Employment-Based Final Action Dates Only Next Month
July 18, 2018
At a glance
In August, USCIS will only accept employment-based adjustment applications from foreign nationals with a priority date that is current for final action under the State Department's August Visa Bulletin.
USCIS will continue to accept, through July 31, adjustment of status applications according to the July Visa Bulletin final action dates, even for EB-1 categories that were immediately retrogressed by the State Department on July 13.
Employment-Based Priority Date Cut-offs for August 2018
To be eligible to file an employment-based adjustment application in August, employer-sponsored foreign nationals must have a priority date that is earlier than the date listed below for their preference category and country.
FINAL ACTION CUT-OFF DATES FOR AUGUST 2018
EB-1
China: January 1, 2012
India: January 1, 2012
All other countries: May 1, 2016
EB-2
China: March 1, 2015
India: March 15, 2009
All other countries: Current
EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers
China: July 1, 2014
India: January 1, 2009
Philippines: June 1, 2017
All other countries: Current
EB-3 Other Workers
China: May 1, 2007
India: January 1, 2009
Philippines: June 1, 2017
All other countries: Current
EB-4
El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras: February 8, 2016
Mexico: February 8, 2016
India: February 8, 2016
All other countries: Current
EB-5
China: August 1, 2014
Vietnam: August 1, 2014
Current for all other countries and subcategories
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.
Awards
Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.
Media mentions
Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.
Blog post
Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.
Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.
Fragomen news
Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.
Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.
Awards
Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.
Media mentions
Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.
Blog post
Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.
Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.
Fragomen news
Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.