September 2023 Visa Bulletin: A Breath of Fresh Air with Notable Advancements and NO Retrogressions!

For millions of aspiring immigrants and their families, the monthly release of the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin is a moment of intense anticipation, often filled with a mix of hope and anxiety. This bulletin determines when immigrant visa applicants can take the next step in their journey towards a green card. As we close out the fiscal year, the **September 2023 Visa Bulletin** has arrived, and for many, it brings a sigh of relief and a glimmer of progress!

In a refreshing turn, the September 2023 bulletin showcases several positive advancements across both employment-based and family-sponsored categories, with the most significant news being **ZERO retrogressions**! This is particularly encouraging as we approach the end of the fiscal year, a period often associated with potential slowdowns or even setbacks due to visa quota limitations.

At ImmiBook, we understand the emotional rollercoaster that comes with waiting for your priority date to become current. Our goal with this in-depth analysis is to break down the latest bulletin in clear, accessible language, explain what these movements mean for your specific situation, and provide actionable advice to help you navigate your immigration journey. Remember, you can always track your personal priority date against the latest visa bulletin dates using our powerful ImmiBook Visa Bulletin Tracker.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin: Your Roadmap to a Green Card

Before we dive into the specifics of September 2023, let's quickly recap what the Visa Bulletin is and why it's so crucial for your immigration process.

What is the Visa Bulletin?

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication from the U.S. Department of State that lists the "priority dates" for when immigrant visas become available for various preference categories and countries of chargeability. Because the U.S. has annual limits on the number of immigrant visas issued, and also per-country limits, there's often a backlog of applicants. The Visa Bulletin manages this backlog by ensuring that visas are issued in the order that petitions were filed.

Key Terms You Need to Know:

• Priority Date: This is essentially your place in the visa queue. For family-sponsored petitions, it's the date USCIS receives your Form I-130. For employment-based petitions, it's generally the date the Department of Labor receives your PERM labor certification application, or the date USCIS receives your Form I-140 if a PERM is not required.
• Final Action Dates (Chart A): This chart indicates when a green card can actually be approved. If your priority date is **on or before** the date listed for your category and country, you are eligible for final adjudication of your green card application (either through adjustment of status in the U.S. or consular processing abroad).
• Dates for Filing (Chart B): This chart indicates when applicants can *file* their adjustment of status application (Form I-485) with USCIS, or submit required documents to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing. USCIS determines monthly whether applicants can use Chart B for filing. Always check the USCIS website for confirmation each month.
• Retrogression: This occurs when a priority date moves backward in time, meaning that visas that were previously available are no longer immediately accessible. This can be incredibly frustrating for applicants and often happens when demand for visas exceeds the annual supply. **Fortunately, there are no retrogressions this month!**
• Current (C): When a category is marked "C," it means that immigrant visas are immediately available for all eligible applicants in that category, regardless of their priority date.

September 2023 Visa Bulletin: The Overview

The September 2023 Visa Bulletin concludes the fiscal year on a largely positive note. We've seen some encouraging forward movement in several key categories, particularly within EB-2, EB-3, and F2A. The absence of any retrogressions is a significant relief, especially given that fiscal year-end bulletins can sometimes bring unexpected setbacks. This month, 9 categories advanced, 0 retrogressed, and 141 remained unchanged, with an average forward movement of approximately 85 days for those that did move.

Let's look at the most impactful changes in the Final Action Dates (Chart A) and Dates for Filing (Chart B):

Summary of Key Movements (Final Action Dates - Chart A)

Summary of Key Movements (Dates for Filing - Chart B)

USCIS has confirmed that for September 2023, applicants for family-sponsored preference categories **MUST use the Dates for Filing Chart (Chart B)**. For employment-based preference categories, applicants **MUST use the Final Action Dates Chart (Chart A)**. Always double-check the USCIS website for the most current filing instructions.

Detailed Analysis: Employment-Based Preference Categories

Employment-based (EB) categories are often highly competitive, and any forward movement is celebrated. This month, we see some positive shifts, particularly in EB-2 and EB-3 for certain countries.

EB-1: Priority Workers (Persons of Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors/Researchers, Multinational Managers/Executives)

• All Countries (including China and India): **CURRENT (C)**

What This Means for You: EB-1 remains "Current" for all countries. This is fantastic news! If you qualify for EB-1, it means that immigrant visas are immediately available for you. If your I-140 petition is approved, and your priority date is "Current," you can file your I-485 Adjustment of Status application (if in the U.S.) or proceed with consular processing (if abroad) without any further waiting period due to visa backlogs. This status has been consistently maintained, reflecting the high bar for qualification and the relatively lower volume of applicants compared to other categories.

EB-2: Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability

• All Other Countries: Advanced by **91 days** to **July 1, 2022**.
• Mexico: Advanced by **91 days** to **July 1, 2022**.
• Philippines: Advanced by **91 days** to **July 1, 2022**.
• China: Remains **June 8, 2019**.
• India: Remains **January 1, 2011**.

What This Means for You: The significant 91-day jump for "All Other" countries, Mexico, and the Philippines is excellent news for many applicants. If your priority date is on or before July 1, 2022, and you fall into one of these country categories, you are now eligible to have your green card application finally processed. This could mean filing your I-485 or receiving an interview notice from the NVC.

For applicants from China and India, the dates remain unchanged. India continues to face a severe backlog, and the January 1, 2011 date means a very long wait for most. Chinese applicants also face a substantial backlog. While this is disappointing, the lack of retrogression is a small silver lining, maintaining stability as the fiscal year ends. For these applicants, the wait continues, and consistent monitoring of the bulletin is crucial.

EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers

• China (Final Action Dates): Advanced by **92 days** to **September 1, 2019**.
• China (Dates for Filing): Advanced by **61 days** to **November 1, 2019**.
• All Other Countries: Remains **May 1, 2023**.
• India: Remains **May 1, 2012**.
• Mexico: Remains **May 1, 2023**.
• Philippines: Remains **May 1, 2023**.

What This Means for You: Chinese EB-3 applicants receive a notable boost this month, with both Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing moving forward. If your priority date is on or before September 1, 2019 (for Final Action) or November 1, 2019 (for Dates for Filing), you may now be able to proceed with your application. This forward movement is a positive sign for a category that has seen considerable demand.

For "All Other" countries, Mexico, and the Philippines, the EB-3 Final Action Date holds steady at May 1, 2023. This is still a relatively recent date, indicating a shorter wait time compared to the heavily backlogged countries. Indian EB-3 applicants, unfortunately, see no movement, remaining at May 1, 2012, highlighting the persistent challenges of country-specific quotas.

EB-4: Certain Special Immigrants

• All Countries (including China, India, Mexico, Philippines): Remains **Current (C)**.

What This Means for You: The EB-4 category remains "Current" for all countries. This means that if you qualify for an EB-4 visa (e.g., religious workers, certain broadcasters, special immigrant juveniles), visas are immediately available, and you can proceed with your application without delay based on priority dates.

EB-5: Immigrant Investors

• All Countries (except China and India): Remains **Current (C)**.
• China (Unreserved): Remains **December 15, 2015**.
• India (Unreserved): Remains **April 1, 2017**.
• All Set-Aside Categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure): **Current (C)** for all countries, including China and India.

What This Means for You: For most EB-5 applicants, the category remains "Current." However, the "Unreserved" category for China and India continues to face significant backlogs. The positive news is that the "Set-Aside" categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) remain "Current" for all countries. This highlights the government's effort to incentivize investments in specific areas and offers a much faster path for qualifying investors from any country, including China and India, who choose these options.

Detailed Analysis: Family-Sponsored Preference Categories

Family-sponsored categories are known for their longer waiting times, so any forward movement is warmly welcomed by families eager to reunite.

F1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

• All Countries (Final Action Dates): Remains **January 1, 2015**.
• Mexico (Final Action Dates): Remains **April 22, 2001**.
• Philippines (Final Action Dates): Remains **March 1, 2012**.

What This Means for You: The F1 category sees no movement this month. The dates remain unchanged, meaning the wait continues for applicants in this category. For "All Other" countries, the date is January 1, 2015, indicating a wait of over eight years. Mexico and the Philippines face even longer backlogs, stretching into two decades for Mexican applicants.

F2A: Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

• All Other Countries (Final Action Dates): Advanced by **85 days** to **January 1, 2018**.
• China (Final Action Dates): Advanced by **85 days** to **January 1, 2018**.
• India (Final Action Dates): Advanced by **85 days** to **January 1, 2018**.
• Philippines (Final Action Dates): Advanced by **85 days** to **January 1, 2018**.
• Mexico (Final Action Dates): Remains **August 1, 2017**.

What This Means for You: This is a significant positive development for F2A applicants from "All Other" countries, China, India, and the Philippines! A forward movement of 85 days means that many more applicants with priority dates on or before January 1, 2018, can now move forward with their final green card processing. This advancement offers renewed hope for families who have been waiting patiently. Mexican F2A applicants, however, see no change this month, remaining at August 1, 2017, slightly behind other countries.

F2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

• All Countries (Final Action Dates): Remains **September 22, 2016**.
• Mexico (Final Action Dates): Remains **July 1, 2003**.
• Philippines (Final Action Dates): Remains **October 22, 2011**.

What This Means for You: Similar to F1, the F2B category shows no movement this month. Applicants in "All Other" countries continue to wait with a priority date of September 22, 2016. Mexico and the Philippines face particularly long waits, with dates well over a decade ago. Patience remains key for these applicants.

F3: Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

• All Countries (Final Action Dates): Remains **March 1, 2009**.
• Mexico (Final Action Dates): Remains **June 15, 1998**.
• Philippines (Final Action Dates): Remains **November 8, 2002**.

What This Means for You: The F3 category also remains stagnant for September 2023. The dates are quite old, indicating a very substantial backlog. Mexican applicants face a wait of over 25 years. This category typically sees very slow movement due to high demand and limited visa numbers.

F4: Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens

• All Countries (Final Action Dates): Remains **February 1, 2007**.
• India (Final Action Dates): Remains **September 15, 2005**.
• Mexico (Final Action Dates): Remains **April 15, 2000**.
• Philippines (Final Action Dates): Remains **April 22, 2004**.

What This Means for You: The F4 category, known for its extremely long waiting times, shows no movement this month. With priority dates ranging from the early 2000s to mid-2000s, applicants in this category face decades-long waits. This is a consistent trend for F4, and applicants should prepare for a very extended journey.

Actionable Advice for Applicants: What You Should Do Now

Regardless of whether your category saw movement or remained unchanged, there are concrete steps you can take based on the September 2023 Visa Bulletin.

1. Check Your Priority Date Immediately

   The first and most crucial step is to compare your personal priority date with the dates listed in the September 2023 Visa Bulletin for your specific category and country of chargeability. Pay close attention to both **Final Action Dates (Chart A)** and **Dates for Filing (Chart B)**, and remember to check the USCIS website for which chart to use for filing.

   You can easily do this using the ImmiBook Visa Bulletin Tracker, which will help you quickly understand your status.

2. If Your Priority Date is Current (or Nearing Current) on Final Action Dates (Chart A)

   • For Adjustment of Status (in the U.S.): If your I-140 or I-130 is approved and your priority date is now current according to Chart A, you may be eligible to file or have your pending Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) adjudicated. If you haven't filed your I-485 yet, consult an attorney immediately to prepare and submit your application. If your I-485 is pending, USCIS may move forward with processing your case, which could lead to an interview or final approval.
   • For Consular Processing (outside the U.S.): If your priority date is current on Chart A, the National Visa Center (NVC) should schedule your immigrant visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, assuming all your documents have been submitted and accepted. Ensure all your documents are up-to-date and complete.

3. If Your Priority Date is Current on Dates for Filing (Chart B) (Check USCIS website for eligibility)

   • If USCIS indicates that you can use Chart B for filing (which they have for family-sponsored categories this month), and your priority date is current on Chart B, you may be eligible to file your Form I-485. Filing your I-485 allows you to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP), which can provide significant benefits while you wait for your green card to be approved.
   • Even if you're not yet current on Chart A, filing under Chart B can get you in the queue sooner and unlock work and travel authorization.

4. Prepare Your Documents Proactively

   Even if your priority date isn't immediately current, use this time wisely. Gather all necessary documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearances, medical exam results, and financial documents. Having everything ready will allow you to act quickly when your date does become current.

5. Consult an Experienced Immigration Attorney

   Immigration law is complex, and the Visa Bulletin can be confusing. An attorney can provide personalized advice, help you understand your options, and ensure your applications are filed correctly and on time. This is especially important if your priority date is nearing current or if you have any unique circumstances.

6. Stay Informed and Patient

   The immigration journey often requires immense patience. Keep monitoring the monthly Visa Bulletin updates through reliable sources like ImmiBook and the official State Department website. Changes can be unpredictable, but staying informed helps manage expectations and allows you to respond promptly to opportunities.

Historical Context and Trends

The September 2023 Visa Bulletin marks the end of the U.S. government's fiscal year (FY2023). Typically, as the fiscal year draws to a close, visa availability can become tighter, sometimes leading to retrogressions as visa numbers are used up. The fact that the September bulletin shows **no retrogressions** and several advancements is a very positive sign, indicating careful management of visa numbers throughout the year or perhaps lower-than-expected demand in some advanced categories.

Looking back at previous months in FY2023, we've seen a mix of movements. Earlier in the year, there were some significant advancements, followed by periods of slower movement or even minor retrogressions in certain categories as demand caught up. The consistent "Current" status for EB-1 and EB-4, along with the set-aside EB-5 categories, highlights stable visa availability for these specific groups.

The advancements in EB-2 (All Other, Mexico, Philippines) and EB-3 (China) are particularly noteworthy. These categories have large applicant pools, and any forward movement provides relief for many. Similarly, the F2A category's broad advancement across most countries is excellent news for family reunification efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my priority date is current in Dates for Filing (Chart B) but not Final Action Dates (Chart A)?

A: If USCIS permits the use of Chart B for filing (as they have for family-sponsored categories this month), you can submit your Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status application) even if your Final Action Date (Chart A) is not yet current. This allows you to get your application in the queue, receive a receipt notice, and potentially apply for work authorization (EAD) and travel authorization (Advance Parole) while you wait for your Final Action Date to become current for final adjudication.

Q2: How often does the Visa Bulletin change?

A: The Visa Bulletin is published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, typically around the second or third week of the preceding month (e.g., the September bulletin is usually released in mid-August). The dates can change every month, sometimes significantly, sometimes minimally, or they can remain unchanged.

Q3: What does "retrogression" mean, and what should I do if my category retrogresses?

A: Retrogression means that the priority date for a specific category or country moves backward in time, making visas unavailable for applicants who were previously current. If your category retrogresses, and you had already filed your I-485, USCIS will hold your application until your priority date becomes current again. If you hadn't filed yet, you would need to wait for your priority date to advance past the new, earlier date. Fortunately, there are no retrogressions in the September 2023 bulletin.

Q4: Can I expedite my green card application?

A: Expedite requests are generally granted only in very limited circumstances, such as severe financial loss to a company or individual, urgent humanitarian reasons, or compelling U.S. government interests. Simply being frustrated by long wait times is typically not a valid reason for expediting. You would need to submit a formal request with supporting documentation to USCIS or the NVC, depending on where your application is pending.

Q5: Where can I track my USCIS case and visa bulletin updates?

A: You can track your USCIS case status directly on the USCIS website using your receipt number. For staying on top of Visa Bulletin changes and understanding their impact on your specific priority date, ImmiBook offers a comprehensive Visa Bulletin Tracker and case management tools to keep you informed and organized throughout your immigration journey.

Summary and Outlook for Future Bulletins

The September 2023 Visa Bulletin offers a positive close to the fiscal year, with encouraging advancements and, crucially, no retrogressions. This stability and forward movement provide a much-needed morale boost for many immigrants who have been navigating long and uncertain waits.

As we look ahead to the **October 2023 Visa Bulletin**, which will kick off the new fiscal year (FY2024), we enter a period of renewed visa number availability. The annual quotas for immigrant visas reset on October 1st, meaning that a fresh supply of visas becomes available. This often leads to significant movements, and sometimes even temporary "Current" status, in some categories, although the most backlogged countries (like India and China in certain EB categories) will still face long waits.

While the new fiscal year brings new visa numbers, it's also a time when the Department of State makes its initial projections for demand, which can sometimes lead to conservative estimates in the early bulletins of the new fiscal year to prevent rapid oversubscription. We anticipate continued, albeit potentially measured, advancements in some categories, and will be watching closely for any changes to the heavily backlogged categories for India and China.

At ImmiBook, we understand that every month's bulletin brings a mix of emotions. Whether your date moved forward, stayed the same, or you're just starting your journey, remember to stay informed, prepare diligently, and consult with legal professionals when needed. Your patience and perseverance are admirable, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Keep checking back with ImmiBook for the latest updates and personalized