In a recent August 2018 statement, the U.S. Department of State indicated that there will be significant delays in the processing time for visas in the EB-1 category. This is the first time in recent memory that such a delay has impacted EB-1s.
DOS has now reported that “limited, if any movement can be expected prior to December” with regard to visa issuance. This means that October is no longer the target date for green card deliveries.
Put simply, this delay is due to a government backlog. The demand for green cards has outpaced the supply and/or ability for USCIS to process applications. As a result, the cutoff date has been pushed backwards, and the EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 Worldwide categories will all see backlogs.
If you are an EB-1 applicant whose interviews are approaching soon, or have recently concluded, it is likely that you will be affected by this delay. Unfortunately, you can no longer expect an interview date or the delivery of your Green Card by October of this year. EB-1 application timelines are not projected to see any movement until December 2018, possibly later. We are actively tracking this matter and will continue to keep our clients informed.
If you have concerns about your visa application, these retrogressions, or have any questions about an EB-1 green card application, please feel free to contact our office to set up a consultation with one of our attorneys. We would be happy to help!
