Important Updates
Important Updates
September 8, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
September 9, 2025 | GabonGabon: New Foreign National Quota Introduced
September 9, 2025 | United Arab Emirates, Saudi ArabiaGulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC
September 8, 2025 | Poland Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk
September 8, 2025 | EcuadorEcuador: Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement Update
September 8, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
September 9, 2025 | GabonGabon: New Foreign National Quota Introduced
September 9, 2025 | United Arab Emirates, Saudi ArabiaGulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC
September 8, 2025 | Poland Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk
September 8, 2025 | EcuadorEcuador: Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement Update
September 8, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

September 2019 Visa Bulletin: State Department Retrogresses EB-1 China and EB-3 China and India Immediately; Confirms EB-1 India Already Unavailable

August 15, 2019

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a glance

  • September Visa Bulletin dates will take effect immediately for EB-1 China and EB-3 China and India. State Department confirms EB-1 India has been unavailable since July.
  • EB-1 Worldwide will advance to October 1, 2017. EB-1 China has retrogressed to January 1, 2014.
  • EB-2 Worldwide will advance to January 1, 2018, while EB-2 China will remain at January 1, 2017 and EB-2 India will advance to May 8, 2009.
  • EB-3 Worldwide will remain at July 1, 2016. EB-3 China and India has retrogressed to January 1, 2014 and July 1, 2005.
  • State Department suggests additional retrogression could occur before the end of the fiscal year, which ends on September 30, but hopes to return all cutoff dates to those listed in the August Visa Bulletin on October 1.

A closer look

Due to a combination of increased demand in some visa categories and larger than expected use of visa numbers in others, the State Department will immediately retrogress EB-1 China and EB-3 China and India, while advancing cutoff dates in September for EB-1 and EB-2 Worldwide. EB-1 India is confirmed to be already unavailable. According to the State Department’s September Visa Bulletin, cutoff dates for issuance of an immigrant visa will be as follows: 

  • EB-1: All countries except for China and India will advance by more than one year, to October 1, 2017. China will immediately retrogress to January 1, 2014. India has been unavailable since July.
  • EB-2: All countries except for India and China will advance by one year to, January 1, 2018. China will remain at January 1, 2017, while India advance by six days, to May 8, 2009. 
  • EB-3 Professional and Skilled Workers: Most countries will maintain their August cutoff date of July 1, 2016. China will immediately retrogress by two and a half years, to January 1, 2014, while India will immediately retrogress by six months, to July 1, 2005.
  • EB-5: Both the Regional and Non-Regional Center categories will advance one week for China and Vietnam, to October 22, 2014. India will advance by almost three years, to September 1, 2017.  All other countries will remain current. 


In the coming days, USCIS is expected to announce on its own Visa Bulletin web page the cutoff dates for acceptance of adjustment of status applications next month. It is not yet known whether USCIS will apply the EB-1 and EB-3 retrogressions immediately, or if it will continue to accept applications that are current on the August Visa Bulletin for the remainder of this month. 

Immigrant visa availability in the coming months

In the September Bulletin, the State Department cites “a dramatic change” in the demand pattern for adjustment of status applications and use of visa numbers at consular offices, which has resulted in immediate retrogression or unavailability in some categories and advancement of cutoff dates in others. The Department suggests it is likely additional retrogression may be required before the end of the Fiscal Year 2019, which ends on September 30. While retrogression is common at the end of each fiscal year, it is more extensive this year given very high demand, particularly for India and China. The Department states that every effort will be made to return final action dates to at least the August Visa Bulletin dates on October 1, 2019, when the new fiscal year begins. 

FINAL ACTION CUT-OFF DATES FOR SEPTEMBER 2019

* An asterisk (*) indicates immediate unavailability

EB-1 
India: Unavailable*
China: January 1, 2014*
All other countries: October 1, 2017

EB-2  
China: January 1, 2017 
India: May 8, 2009 
All other countries: January 1, 2018 

EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers  
China: January 1, 2014*
India: July 1, 2005*
All other countries: July 1, 2016

EB-3 Other Workers  
China: November 22, 2007* 
India: July 1, 2005*
All other countries: July 1, 2016 

EB-4 
All other countries: Unavailable*

EB-5 
China: October 22, 2014 
Vietnam: October 22, 2014 
India: September 1, 2017 
All other countries: Current 

FILING ELIGIBILITY CUT-OFF DATES FOR SEPTEMBER 2019

EB-1  
China and India: October 1, 2017 
All other countries: September 1, 2018 

EB-2  
China: June 1, 2017 
India: June 1, 2009 
All other countries: Current  

EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers  
China: June 1, 2016 
India: April 1, 2010 
All other countries: Current 

EB-3 Other Workers  
China: June 1, 2008 
India: April 1, 2010 
All other countries: Current  

EB-4 
El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras: September 1, 2016  
All other countries: Current 

EB-5  
China: November 22, 2014 
All other countries: Current  

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen. 

 

 

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving to Saudi Arabia: How Orientation Programs Help Expats Adjust

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar discusses how orientation programmes in Saudi Arabia help expatriates adapt to cultural differences, workplace norms and everyday challenges, easing their transition into a new environment.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving to Saudi Arabia: How Orientation Programs Help Expats Adjust

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar discusses how orientation programmes in Saudi Arabia help expatriates adapt to cultural differences, workplace norms and everyday challenges, easing their transition into a new environment.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.