The November 2021 Visa Bulletin marked a significant moment for employment-based and family-based immigrant visa applicants. For professionals, investors, and their families, this month brought both movement and continued uncertainty across different preference categories.
Below is a structured overview of how priority dates moved in November 2021, segmented by category and region to highlight where gains were made and where bottlenecks persisted.
| Category | Previous Month | November 2021 | Movement | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 India | June 2019 | March 2019 | Retrogress | High |
| EB-2 India | June 2019 | August 2018 | Retrogress | Very High |
| EB-3 India | January 2015 | June 2014 | Retrogress | Very High |
| EB-3 China | September 2019 | June 2016 | Retrogress | High |
| EB-2 Mexico | June 2012 | October 2010 | Advance | Medium |
| EB-3 Philippines | June 2006 | June 2005 | Advance | Low |
| F4 India | June 2011 | June 2011 | No Change | Low |
| F2A Mexico | June 2012 | June 2012 | No Change | Low |
Employment-Based Preferences in November 2021
Employment-based preference categories experienced widespread retrogression, underscoring the high demand and limited visa availability for skilled workers. Only a few categories in less demanded regions advanced slightly, while India and China saw significant delays.
EB-1 Extraordinary Ability and Professionals
While EB-1 remained the fastest track, applicants from India faced notable delays, with dates moving back to March 2019. This shift emphasized the need for early filing even within premium processing categories.
EB-2 Advanced Degree and Exceptional Ability
EB-2 India regressed to August 2018, reflecting constrained supply against persistent demand. Meanwhile, certain non-major country EB-2 cases continued advancing, highlighting the importance of country-specific planning.
Family-Based Preference Movements
Family-sponsored preferences showed mixed signals, with some categories inching forward and others remaining flat. The F4 category for siblings of U.S. citizens remained unchanged, while lower-demand family categories in specific regions recorded modest advances.
Regional Dynamics and Strategy
Geographic imbalances continued to drive decision-making for applicants and advisors. Mexico and the Philippines saw movement in employment categories, while family-based categories from India and China remained under pressure. Strategic filing and priority date management became even more critical.
Recommendations for Applicants in November 2021
- Monitor monthly visa bulletin updates for date changes in your category and country.
- Consider early filing in categories that are advancing, especially when retrogression is expected.
- Evaluate eligibility for premium processing where available to expedite administrative processing.
- Consult immigration counsel when navigating complex country-specific constraints or category changes.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why did some employment categories move backward in November 2021?
High demand and annual visa caps caused many categories, especially India and China, to retrogress, while overall supply remained constrained relative to applicant volumes.
Can I switch from EB-2 to EB-1 to get ahead?
Qualifying for EB-1 requires meeting specific criteria for extraordinary ability or outstanding professors and researchers, and switching is only possible if you meet those standards.
What does retrogression mean for my I-140 petition?
Retrogression means the Department of State moved a priority date backward, potentially delaying your adjustment of status even if your I-140 is approved.
Should I file now if my priority date is current in another category?
If your priority date is current, filing can be advantageous, but you should evaluate long-term stability and alignment with your career or family goals before proceeding.