This means that these two employment categories have reached their annual limits, and no adjustment of status or immigrant visa issuance will be made from July through September. With the start of the new fiscal year in October, we hope visas will become available again in these categories. The State Department said it is not possible to make any estimates regarding potential cutoff dates at this time.

Petitions by Citizens:

The priority date for the First Preference Category, F-1  (unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, over 21 years of age) moved forward by one month, from February 8, 1991 to March 8, 1991.

The Third Preference Category F-3 (married sons and daughters of United States citizens) moved forward by one week, from September 1, 1990 to  September 8, 1990. (Note: There is now a difference of 6 months in priority dates between unmarried and married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.).

The Fourth Preference, F-4 (brothers and sisters of United States citizens)  moved forward by one month, from January 1, 1983 to February 1, 1983.

Petitions by Green Card Holders:

The Second Preference, F-2A (spouse and minor children below 21 years of age, of green card holders) of Family-Based Petitions moved forward by two months, from May 22, 2001 to July 22, 2001.

The Second Preference, F-2B (unmarried sons and daughters, over 21 years of age, of green card holders), moved forward by three weeks, from January 1, 1996 to January 22, 1996.