April 2023 Visa Bulletin: Major Retrogressions Hit EB-2 and EB-4 Categories, While EB-3 China Sees Modest Gains
TL;DR
The April 2023 Visa Bulletin brings disheartening news for many, with significant retrogressions in EB-2 (All Other, India, Mexico, Philippines) and particularly severe setbacks across all EB-4 categories. While EB-3 China sees some advancement, most applicants face continued waits.
The arrival of each new Visa Bulletin is a moment of anticipation, hope, and sometimes, anxiety for millions of immigrants worldwide. For many, it's a crucial update that dictates the next steps in their journey towards a U.S. Green Card. The April 2023 Visa Bulletin, released by the U.S. Department of State, brings a mixed bag of news, but unfortunately, the dominant theme for many is significant retrogression, particularly within the Employment-Based (EB) categories.
At ImmiBook, we understand the emotional rollercoaster these updates can bring. Our goal is to break down this complex information into clear, actionable advice, helping you navigate your immigration path with confidence. This month, we see widespread backward movement, especially impacting EB-2 applicants from India, and a truly dramatic retrogression for all EB-4 categories. Let's dive into the details of what these changes mean for you.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin: Your Roadmap to a Green Card
Before we dissect the April 2023 data, let's quickly recap what the Visa Bulletin is and why it's so important. The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication from the U.S. Department of State that provides the latest cut-off dates for immigrant visas. These dates determine when applicants can move forward with their Green Card applications, based on their "priority date" and their visa preference category and country of chargeability.
There are two primary charts in the Visa Bulletin:
- Final Action Dates (Chart A): This chart indicates when a Green Card can actually be issued, or when USCIS can approve your Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) application. Your priority date must be on or before the listed date for your category and country.
- Dates for Filing (Chart B): This chart indicates when applicants can submit their Green Card applications (Form I-485 to USCIS, or begin the consular processing stage). USCIS decides each month whether applicants should use Chart A or Chart B for filing. Always check the USCIS website for their specific directive.
Your Priority Date is typically the date your petition (e.g., I-130 for family, I-140 for employment) was properly filed with USCIS. For PERM-based employment petitions, it's the date the PERM labor certification was accepted for processing. It’s the timestamp that holds your place in the visa queue.
Visa availability is constrained by annual caps for different categories and per-country limits. When demand exceeds these limits, a backlog forms, leading to cut-off dates that move forward slowly, stagnate, or even retrogress (move backward).
April 2023 Visa Bulletin: The Big Picture
The April 2023 Visa Bulletin is characterized by significant retrogressions, particularly in the employment-based categories. Out of 150 categories tracked, only 3 saw advancements, while a staggering 24 categories experienced retrogression. The family-sponsored categories remained largely stagnant this month.
The most impactful changes are:
- Massive EB-4 Retrogressions: All areas (All Other, China, India, Mexico, Philippines) for both EB-4 and EB-4 Religious Workers have seen severe backward movement, pushing priority dates back by several years. This is the most dramatic change in this bulletin.
- EB-2 India Retrogression: India's EB-2 Final Action Date has retrogressed by nearly 10 months.
- EB-2 All Other/Mexico/Philippines Retrogression: These categories also saw a retrogression of over 4 months in their Final Action Dates.
- EB-3 China Advancements: A rare positive note, with both Final Action and Dates for Filing moving forward for Chinese EB-3 applicants.
This bulletin underscores the immense demand for U.S. immigrant visas and the persistent challenges posed by annual visa caps. Let's break down the movements by category.
Employment-Based (EB) Categories Analysis
EB-1: Priority Workers (Outstanding Professors and Researchers, Persons of Extraordinary Ability, Multinational Managers or Executives)
This category remains largely stable and "Current" (C) for most countries, reflecting its high priority status and typically lower demand compared to other categories. Being "Current" means visas are immediately available for eligible applicants, regardless of their priority date.
- All Other Countries: Current (C)
- China: Current (C)
- India: Current (C)
- Mexico: Current (C)
- Philippines: Current (C)
Practical Impact: If you are eligible for EB-1 and your I-140 is approved, you are in an excellent position to file your Adjustment of Status (I-485) or proceed with consular processing without delay. This consistency is a beacon of hope amidst the broader retrogressions.
EB-2: Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability
This category sees significant negative movement for several key countries, which will be a major disappointment for many applicants.
EB-2 Final Action Dates (Chart A)
| Country | March 2023 Date | April 2023 Date | Movement (Days) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 2011-10-08 | 2011-01-01 | -280 (Retrogression) | Significant setback. Applicants with priority dates between Jan 1, 2011, and Oct 8, 2011, who were previously eligible, are no longer able to have their I-485 approved. |
| All Other Areas | 2022-11-01 | 2022-07-01 | -123 (Retrogression) | A noticeable step backward. Many applicants who were recently eligible now face a further wait. |
| Mexico | 2022-11-01 | 2022-07-01 | -123 (Retrogression) | Similar to "All Other Areas," this retrogression impacts Mexican applicants who were close to filing or approval. |
| Philippines | 2022-11-01 | 2022-07-01 | -123 (Retrogression) | Filipino applicants in EB-2 will also experience a longer wait due to this backward movement. |
| China | 2019-06-08 | 2019-06-08 | Unchanged | No change this month. |
EB-2 Dates for Filing (Chart B)
The Dates for Filing chart for EB-2 remains unchanged for all countries this month, staying at the same dates as March 2023. USCIS has indicated that for April 2023, applicants in all family-sponsored preference categories and all employment-based preference categories must use the Final Action Dates (Chart A) for filing Adjustment of Status applications. This means that even if your priority date is current under Chart B, you cannot file your I-485 this month unless it's also current under Chart A.
Practical Impact: The retrogressions in EB-2 are tough news. For those from India, All Other Areas, Mexico, and the Philippines, if your priority date is now after the new cut-off date, your Green Card processing will be paused. If you had an I-485 pending, its approval will be delayed until your date becomes current again. If you were planning to file based on the previous bulletin, you might now be ineligible.
EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
EB-3 offers a glimmer of positive news, specifically for applicants from China.
EB-3 Final Action Dates (Chart A)
| Category/Country | March 2023 Date | April 2023 Date | Movement (Days) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-3 China | 2018-08-01 | 2018-11-01 | +92 (Advancement) | Positive movement! Chinese applicants with priority dates on or before November 1, 2018, can now expect their I-485s to be approved or move forward with consular processing. |
| EB-3 Other Workers China | 2014-07-01 | 2014-10-01 | +92 (Advancement) | Good news for Chinese EB-3 Other Workers, moving forward by 3 months. |
| All Other Areas | 2022-11-01 | 2022-11-01 | Unchanged | No change. |
| India | 2012-01-01 | 2012-01-01 | Unchanged | No change. |
| Mexico | 2022-11-01 | 2022-11-01 | Unchanged | No change. |
| Philippines | 2022-11-01 | 2022-11-01 | Unchanged | No change. |
EB-3 Dates for Filing (Chart B)
| Category/Country | March 2023 Date | April 2023 Date | Movement (Days) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-3 China | 2018-09-01 | 2019-02-01 | +153 (Advancement) | Significant forward movement. If USCIS were to allow Chart B filing, Chinese EB-3 applicants could potentially file their I-485s. However, for April 2023, USCIS has mandated using Chart A. |
| EB-3 Other Workers China | 2014-07-01 | 2014-07-01 | Unchanged | No change. |
| All Other Areas | Current (C) | Current (C) | Unchanged | Remains Current. |
| India | 2012-09-01 | 2012-09-01 | Unchanged | No change. |
| Mexico | Current (C) | Current (C) | Unchanged | Remains Current. |
| Philippines | Current (C) | Current (C) | Unchanged | Remains Current. |
Practical Impact: Chinese EB-3 applicants will welcome this forward movement. For others, the situation is stagnant. Remember, for April 2023, USCIS directs all employment-based applicants to use the Final Action Dates (Chart A) for filing I-485s. Even with Chart B advancements, you can't file unless Chart A is also current for you.
EB-4: Special Immigrants (Religious Workers, Certain Broadcasters, Iraqi/Afghan Translators, etc.)
This category has experienced the most severe retrogressions across the board, impacting all countries and both Final Action and Dates for Filing charts. This is truly difficult news for many.
EB-4 Final Action Dates (Chart A)
| Category/Country | March 2023 Date | April 2023 Date | Movement (Days) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Other Areas | 2022-02-01 | 2018-09-01 | -1249 (Severe Retrogression) | A massive setback of over 3 years. Applicants previously eligible are now facing a very long wait. |
| China | 2022-02-01 | 2018-09-01 | -1249 (Severe Retrogression) | Similar drastic retrogression for Chinese EB-4 applicants. |
| Philippines | 2022-02-01 | 2018-09-01 | -1249 (Severe Retrogression) | Filipino EB-4 applicants are also hit hard by this retrogression. |
| India | 2021-03-01 | 2018-09-01 | -912 (Severe Retrogression) | Indian EB-4 applicants see a retrogression of over 2.5 years. |
| Mexico | 2020-08-01 | 2018-09-01 | -700 (Severe Retrogression) | Mexican EB-4 applicants face a retrogression of nearly 2 years. |
The same severe retrogressions apply to EB-4 Religious Workers for all corresponding countries.
EB-4 Dates for Filing (Chart B)
The Dates for Filing chart for EB-4 also mirrors the drastic retrogressions seen in the Final Action Dates, for all countries and for both EB-4 and EB-4 Religious Workers. For example, "All Other Areas" retrogresses from 2022-03-01 to 2018-10-01, a -1247 day movement.
Practical Impact: This is profoundly difficult news for EB-4 applicants. The primary reason for this widespread and severe retrogression is the sunset of the non-minister religious worker program on March 9, 2023. Additionally, a significant number of visas have been allocated to Afghan Special Immigrants under the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009, which utilizes EB-4 visa numbers. This combination has led to an immediate and drastic cut in available visas for other EB-4 applicants. If you were close to approval or filing, your case is now on hold for an extended period. This requires a shift in strategy and careful planning for maintaining legal status.
EB-5: Immigrant Investors
This category remains largely stable and "Current" (C) for most countries, with specific set-asides for certain categories.
- All Other Areas: Current (C)
- China (Unreserved): 2015-07-08 (Unchanged)
- India (Unreserved): Current (C)
- Mexico: Current (C)
- Philippines: Current (C)
- All Set-Aside Categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure): Current (C) for all countries, including China and India.
Practical Impact: EB-5 remains an attractive option for eligible investors, particularly with the "Current" status for set-aside categories. For Chinese applicants in the unreserved category, the wait continues, but no further retrogression this month is a small relief.
Family-Sponsored (F) Categories Analysis
The family-sponsored categories show no movement this month, remaining stagnant across all preferences and countries. This means the waiting times continue to be long for most family-based applicants.
- F1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
- F2A: Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents
- F2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents
- F3: Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
- F4: Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens
For April 2023, USCIS has indicated that for all family-sponsored preference categories, applicants must use the Final Action Dates (Chart A) for filing Adjustment of Status applications.
Practical Impact: If your priority date was not current last month, it will not be current this month either. Family-sponsored immigration is a long game, and continued patience is required. Keep monitoring the bulletin and ensure all your documents are ready for when your date eventually becomes current.
Detailed Movements in April 2023 Visa Bulletin
Here’s a summary of the most impactful date changes this month:
Categories with Forward Movement (Advancements)
| Category | Area | Bulletin Type | Old Date (March 2023) | New Date (April 2023) | Days Moved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-3 | China | Dates for Filing | 2018-09-01 | 2019-02-01 | +153 |
| EB-3 | China | Final Action | 2018-08-01 | 2018-11-01 | +92 |
| EB-3 Other Workers | China | Final Action | 2014-07-01 | 2014-10-01 | +92 |
Categories with Backward Movement (Retrogressions)
| Category | Area | Bulletin Type | Old Date (March 2023) | New Date (April 2023) | Days Moved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-4 | All Other | Final Action | 2022-02-01 | 2018-09-01 | -1249 |
| EB-4 | China | Final Action | 2022-02-01 | 2018-09-01 | -1249 |
| EB-4 | Philippines | Final Action | 2022-02-01 | 2018-09-01 | -1249 |
| EB-4 Religious Workers | All Other | Final Action | 2022-02-01 | 2018-09-01 | -1249 |
| EB-4 Religious Workers | China | Final Action | 2022-02-01 | 2018-09-01 | -1249 |
| EB-4 Religious Workers | Philippines | Final Action | 2022-02-01 | 2018-09-01 | -1249 |
| EB-4 | India | Final Action | 2021-03-01 | 2018-09-01 | -912 |
| EB-4 Religious Workers | India | Final Action | 2021-03-01 | 2018-09-01 | -912 |
| EB-4 | Mexico | Final Action | 2020-08-01 | 2018-09-01 | -700 |
| EB-4 Religious Workers | Mexico | Final Action | 2020-08-01 | 2018-09-01 | -700 |
| EB-2 | India | Final Action | 2011-10-08 | 2011-01-01 | -280 |
| EB-2 | All Other | Final Action | 2022-11-01 | 2022-07-01 | -123 |
| EB-2 | Mexico | Final Action | 2022-11-01 | 2022-07-01 | -123 |
| EB-2 | Philippines | Final Action | 2022-11-01 | 2022-07-01 | -123 |
Note: The retrogressions for "Dates for Filing" in EB-4 categories are similarly drastic, mirroring the Final Action Dates.
Actionable Advice for Applicants
Given the significant movements, here's what you should do based on your situation:
For Those Whose Dates Became Current or Advanced (e.g., EB-3 China):
- Act Swiftly: If your priority date is now on or before the Final Action Date (Chart A) for your category and country, and USCIS has indicated using Chart A for filing, file your Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) immediately if you are in the U.S.
Related Articles
Read next
August 2025 Visa Bulletin Analysis: EB-5 Surges, EB-2 Retrogresses, and Key Updates for Your Green Card Journey
13 min read
Read next
December 2025 Visa Bulletin Unveiled: A Wave of Progress with No Retrogressions!
17 min read
Read next
April 2025 Visa Bulletin: A Mixed Bag of Progress and Setbacks for Immigrants
16 min read