On September 25, 2015, DoS published a revised October 2015 Visa Bulletin superseding the original published September 9, 2015. The government has adjusted Dates for Filing Applications for some Family-Sponsored and Employment-Based preference categories to better reflect a timeframe justifying immediate action.

Applicants should use the revised charts when filing an I-485. (See Employment-Based Priority Dates and Family-Based Priority Dates). DHS will rely on this revised Visa Bulletin when considering I-485 eligibility. more »

Beginning on November 12, 2014, the US and China will increase validity of short-term business and tourist visas (B-1 and B-2 visas). They will also increase validity terms for student and exchange visas (F, M, J visas).

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Effective immediately (November 14, 2011), the Department of State (DOS) has temporarily halted student visa issuance (F visas, M visas and J visas) at all US Embassies and Consulates around the world. DOS has recently identified difficulties with its Consolidated Consular Database (CCD) communicating with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program’s (SEVP) Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). DOS discovered this issue November 14, 2011. more »

In accordance with the new revised 2009 J-1 Skills List, which became effective June 28, 2009, several countries (see below) have been removed from the J-1 Skills List. more »

The US Department of State has revised the J-1 Skills List. The 2009 Revised J-1 Skills List will become effective June 28, 2009. (See also 1997 J-1 Skills List, as amended.) The J-1 Skills List is a list of specialized knowledge and skills deemed necessary for the development of a J-1 Visa holder’s home country. US Consular Officers use the J-1 Skills List to determine whether a particular J-1 visa applicant is subject to the two year J-1 Home Residence Requirement under INA § 212(e). more »