EB-4 Visa Processing and Waiting Time Impacted by April 2023 Visa Bulletin

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As of March 28, 2023, the April 2023 Visa Bulletin has been updated to include a new section under “All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed” that lists all immigrant visa applicants for the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) category from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The addition of this new section indicates that the final action dates for these applicants have been retroactively established as of April 1, 2023. Consequently, they should expect a longer waiting period than usual for a visa to become available.

The U.S. Department of State advises applicants to keep a close eye on the Visa Bulletin and to contact the National Visa Center (NVC) or the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country for updates on their case. It is also important to note that the addition of this new section may impact the processing times for other employment-based visa categories due to changes made to the layout of the Visa Bulletin chart.

However, except for EB-4, this modification has no impact on the deadlines for final decisions or the submission of applications. Furthermore, the USCIS recommends that individuals who are affected by this change consult with an immigration attorney or an accredited representative for further information on their case.

In light of these updates, it is crucial for individuals who are affected by this change to stay informed and to take appropriate action to ensure that their applications are processed in a timely manner. By staying up to date with the latest information and working closely with immigration professionals, applicants can navigate the visa application process with greater confidence and ease.

It is essential to be aware that visa applications, particularly those from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, may encounter delays due to the latest updates. These visa applications are processed by the National Visa Center, so it is crucial to understand the necessary documentation and associated expenses.

We have a dedicated page with detailed information on the required documentation for visa applications. By visiting this page, you can learn more about the application process and what is needed to submit a successful application.

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