At an AILA dinner on October 23, 2013, Charles Oppenheim, Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division at the U.S. Department of State, spoke with D.C. Chapter members and guests about upcoming visa category numbers, predictions, and expectations. Among the mixture of cheering and sneering, Mr. Oppenheim delivered a combination of both good and bad news. Below are some of the major points made at the dinner:
- EB-5 number use is expected to climb this year, meaning fewer pour-over visas going into the EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories.
- F2A priority dates are on hold for the foreseeable future. Mr. Oppenheim then added that Mexico’s date might retrogress.
- India-specific EB-2 priority date is expected to retrogress to late 2004/early 2005.
- Worldwide EB-2 priority date, however, is expected to stay the same.
- Worldwide EB-3 and China-specific EB-3 priority dates are expected to stay the same.
- 45% of all EB visas are used on primary applicants, where the remainder is used on dependents.