FAMILY-SPONSORED PRIORITY DATES
We will publish on our web site once a month the priority dates for family-sponsored and employment-based immigration. The priority date for the family-sponsored immigration is obtained once the petition for alien relative (Form I-130) has been properly filed with the INS Service Center. These dates indicate when an application for adjustment of status may be filed with the local INS office, if the person qualifies, or the process to apply for an immigrant visa a at U.S. embassy may commence. It is important to note that immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may submit their petition for alien relative and application for adjustment of status, if qualified, at the same time. Immediate relatives include the spouses of U.S. citizens, minor children (under 21) of U.S. citizens, and parents of U.S. citizens, provided the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years of age.

Each preference is defined as follows:

First Preference: This preference covers unmarried sons or daughters of U.S. citizens (those who are 21 years of age or older).

Second Preference:
A. This preference covers the spouses or children of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
B. This preference covers the unmarried sons or unmarried daughters of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

Third Preference: This preference covers married sons or daughters of citizens of the United States.

Fourth Preference: This preference covers brothers or sisters of citizens of the United States, if such citizens are at least 21 years of age.

EMPLOYMENT-BASED PRIORITY DATES

The priority date for the employment-based immigration is obtained once an application for labor certification has been properly filed with the Department of Labor.

Each preference is defined as follows:

First Preference: This preference covers workers of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers and multinational executives and managers.

Second Preference: This preference covers workers who are members of professions holding advanced degrees and members of exceptional ability in the sciences, arts or business.

Third Preference: This preference covers skilled workers with at least two years of experience and professionals with a baccalaureate degree.

Other Workers: This preference covers workers with positions that require less than two years of experience.

Fourth Preference: This preference covers ministers of religion.

Certain Religious Workers: This preference covers professionals working in religious vocations or occupations and other workers in religious vocations or occupations.

Fifth Preference:This preference covers immigrant investors who want to invest at least $1 million.

Targeted Employment Areas: This preference covers immigrant investors who want to invest at least $500,000.00 in a targeted employment area.

Processing Times

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Nebraska Service Center Processing Times

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services California Service Center Processing Times

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services National Benefits Center Processing TImes

Disclaimer:
The information contained herein is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice. You must consult with an attorney to obtain specific, comprehensive legal advice. Please note that information as well as government fees are subject to change without notice. For current fees and information contact the respective government agency directly.