August 2003 priority dates

The priority dates for all petitions by U.S. citizens in the family-based petitions began moving forward again, as shown in the monthly Visa Bulletin for August 2003 released by the State Department.

In the July 2003 listings, the priority dates for all family petitions by U.S. citizens had moved backwards (retrogressed) by as much as two years.

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 one week, from March 15, 1989 to March 22, 1989.

The Third Preference Category F-3 (married sons and daughters of United States citizens) moved forward by more than 11 weeks, from January 1, 1988 to March 22, 1988. (Note: There is now a difference of one year in priority dates between unmarried and married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.)

The Fourth Preference, F-4 (brothers and sisters of United States citizens) moved forward by one month, from February 1, 1981 to March 1, 1981.

However, the priority dates for those petitioned by green card holders continued to move forward by at least six weeks.

The Second Preference, F-2A (spouse and minor children below 21 years of age, of green card holders) of Family-Based Petitions moved forward by almost seven weeks, from May 15, 1998 to July 1, 1998.

The Second Preference, F-2B (unmarried sons and daughters, over 21 years of age, of green card holders) moved forward by more than six weeks, from December 1, 1994 to January 15, 1995.

Each month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes the priority dates for that particular month. This means that visas would now be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below.

The August 2003 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)

Priority Date: March 22, 1989 (In July 2003, the priority date was March 15, 1989)

SECOND PREFERENCE:

2A. Spouse and minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder

Priority Date: July 1, 1998 (In July 2003, the priority date was May 15, 1998.)

2B. Unmarried sons and daughters (over 21 years old) green cardholder

Priority Date: January 15, 1995 (In July 2003, the priority date was December 1, 1994)

THIRD PREFERENCE; Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.

Priority Date: March 22, 1988 (In July 2003, the priority date was January 1, 1998).

FOURTH PREFERENCE: Brothers and sisters, of U.S. citizens

Priority Date: March 1, 1981 (In July 2003, the priority date was February 1, 1981)

EMPLOYMENT-BASED PETITIONS (including Labor Certification):

THIRD PREFERENCE: Professional/Skilled Workers

Priority Date: Current (In July 2003, the priority date was also current.)

OTHER WORKERS: Non-Skilled Workers

Priority Date: Current (In July 2003, the priority date was also current.)

Three offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES: (818) 543-5800;

SAN FRANCISCO: (650) 827-7888; PHILIPPINES: 894-0258 or 894-0239

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WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com.