2021-08-18-KPMG_Global-United_States_–_September_2021_Visa_Bulletin,_Medical_Report_Validity_Extension_3页_173kb

GMS Flash Alert Summary: U.S. September 2021 Visa Bulletin and Medical Report Validity Extension

Core Content

The GMS Flash Alert from August 18, 2021, provides an overview of the U.S. September 2021 Visa Bulletin and updates on the temporary extension of the validity period for Form I-693, the Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. The document also highlights the significance of the Visa Bulletin and the role of Charlie Oppenheim in interpreting its implications.

Main Points

1. Visa Bulletin Release

• The U.S. Department of State released the September 2021 Visa Bulletin on August 9, 2021.
• The Final Action Dates chart in the Visa Bulletin determines the eligibility of applicants to file Form I-485 applications.
• USCIS confirmed that it will accept employment-based Form I-485 applications based on the September 2021 Visa Bulletin.

2. Medical Report Validity Extension

• USCIS temporarily extended the validity of Form I-693 from 2 years to 4 years.
• The extended validity applies to applications filed on or before September 30, 2021, and is subject to the following conditions:
  • The doctor's signature must be dated 60 days or less from the date the Adjustment of Status application was filed.
  • No more than 4 years should have passed since the doctor's signature.
• This change allows USCIS to avoid requesting updated medical reports and vaccination records for many applicants, thereby speeding up the adjudication process.

3. Cut-Off Dates for Employment-Based Preference Categories

• EB-1: All countries of chargeability, including India and China, are current.
• EB-2: All countries except India and China are current. China's cut-off date advances to July 1, 2018, and India's to September 1, 2011.
• EB-3: All countries except India and China are current. China's cut-off date remains January 8, 2019, while India's advances to January 1, 2014.
• EB-3 Other Workers: All countries except China and India are current. China's cut-off date advances to February 1, 2010, and India's to January 1, 2014.
• EB-4: All countries except El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico are current. El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras advance to March 15, 2019, while Mexico's cut-off date moves to March 1, 2020.
• EB-5: All countries except China are current. China's cut-off date advances to November 22, 2015. The Regional Center program has expired and is listed as unavailable. If reauthorized by Congress before the end of the month, the Non-Regional Center final action dates will apply to individuals under the Regional Center program.

4. Importance of the Visa Bulletin

• The Visa Bulletin guides the availability of visas for prospective immigrants and determines eligibility for Form I-485 filings.
• It is crucial for applicants and employers to monitor the cut-off dates to understand when they can file or adjust status.
• The live chats hosted by Charlie Oppenheim, the Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division, provide a valuable opportunity for real-time clarification on the bulletin's implications.

Key Information

• Form I-693 Validity: Extended to 4 years for applications filed on or before September 30, 2021.
• EB-2 and EB-3 Cut-Off Dates: India and China have significant advances in their cut-off dates.
• EB-4 and EB-5: El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico have updated cut-off dates. The EB-5 Regional Center program is currently unavailable.
• Charlie Oppenheim's Live Chat: Scheduled for the near future, but not yet available on YouTube at the time of publication.
• Contact for Assistance: Available through GMS or People Services professionals, or via the KPMG Law LLP team in Canada.

Conclusion

The September 2021 Visa Bulletin and the extension of Form I-693 validity represent important updates for U.S. immigration applicants. These changes affect the eligibility and processing timelines for various visa categories, particularly for those from India and China. The bulletin also emphasizes the role of USCIS in streamlining the adjustment of status process, which is critical for employment-based immigrants. Applicants are advised to monitor the cut-off dates and seek professional guidance to ensure they file their applications correctly and on time.