The September 2003 priority dates

The priority dates for all family-based petitions moved forward, some by as much as six months, as shown in the monthly Visa Bulletin for September 2003 released by the State Department.

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 more than three weeks, from March 22, 1989 to April 15, 1989.

The Third Preference Category F-3 (married sons and daughters of United States citizens) registered the longest jump, moving forward by more than six months, from March 22, 1988 to September 15, 1988. (Note: There is now a difference of seven months 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 more than four months, from March 1, 1981 to July 8, 1981.

The priority dates for those petitioned by green card holders continued to move forward by at least seven 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 six weeks, from July 1, 1998 to August 15, 1998.

The Second Preference, F-2B (unmarried sons and daughters, over 21 years of age, of green card holders) moved forward by two months, from January 15, 1995 to March 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 September 2003 priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:

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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