Within an hour of our last post, the DOS' Visa Bulletin was released. As expected, some EB categories greatly moved forward; notably processing is now available for All Other Countries and the Philippines who filed prior to January 1, 2005.

EB1 - all current, as usual.

EB2 - all current, except China (Dec 1, 2003), and India (U).

EB3 - all countries (Jan 1, 2005), China (Dec 1, 2002), India (Aug 1, 2001), Mexico (May 1, 2001), Philippines (Jan 1, 2005).

1. HLG has heard that the DOS’s Visa Bulletin in either March or April will aggressively promote many EB categories including EB3. While this would be welcome, it doesn’t take away from urgency that a Schedule A visa bill is passed.

2. HLG’s February MMM has been published. If you would like to subscribe, you can do so here.

3. The DOS recently announced an increase to the NVC fee. The fee has been increased by $20, and now stands at $355.  With the $45 security surcharge, the total NVC fee is $400.

HLG is pleased to announce that it has just launched http://www.h1cap.com/, which we hope will become must reading for business professionals, HR representatives, immigrant students and professionals, and others interested in information about the H-1 visa, which is the most common visa for nonimmigrant professionals. Please take a moment to check out the new site.