India and China 2nd Preference

Great news for 2nd Preference advanced degree professionals and persons of exceptional ability from India and China. The State Department's September Visa Bulletin shows advances in priority date from October 1, 2003 to January 8, 2005. All other countries of chargeability in this category remain current. This will clear the way for many Indian and Chinese 2nd Preference aliens to apply to adjust status to permanent residence or to immigrate on an immigrant visa. Only those with priority dates before the January 8, 2005 cut off date are eligible. When demand for immigrant visas outstrips supply (quota), then the cut off date retrogresses (goes backward) or becomes unavailable for everyone. Supply is restored when demand does not exceed the quota.