Priority date retrogression

[Fehervirag 0]

I submitted my AOS application in November when my priority date was current and I already received NOA for it.

Now I see that the priority date for F2 retrogressed to 2008.

My question is the retrogression would affect the AOS already submitted and slow it down or it should be approved according to USCIS timeline as it was current at the time of the application?

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Retrogression happens when there's a drop in unused returned visa numbers or when the annual cap is hit. They usually don't deny the AOS if it was properly filed and the current cut-off date retrogresses after they received it. If they happened to process your application while there were still visa numbers available then your application will be processed in the normal timeframe. Otherwise, they'll process what they can (biometrics, etc.), and then your application will remain pending until the cut-off date catches up to your priority date.

[Fehervirag 0]

Thanks for the answer. It sounds like that there is a possibility to face a long time for actual approval . Such a frustrating process.

Retrogression happens when there's a drop in unused returned visa numbers or when the annual cap is hit. They usually don't deny the AOS if it was properly filed and the current cut-off date retrogresses after they received it. If they happened to process your application while there were still visa numbers available then your application will be processed in the normal timeframe. Otherwise, they'll process what they can (biometrics, etc.), and then your application will remain pending until the cut-off date catches up to your priority date.

[Stud-Muffin 2]

Thanks for the answer. It sounds like that there is a possibility to face a long time for actual approval . Such a frustrating process.

I am a F2A, My case was completed by NVC on the 10th of November 2010 and my priority date is June 2009. Will i have to wait until my date becomes current for me to get an Interview date.

[boracay boy 0]

I am a F2A, My case was completed by NVC on the 10th of November 2010 and my priority date is June 2009. Will i have to wait until my date becomes current for me to get an Interview date.

hi me too pd is oct.29,2009 case complete dec.8 ,2010 i called awhile ago in nvc and the lady said wait 'till next wednesday there is still chance for an interview if not scheduled then we dont have any options but to wait for next feb. bulletin if what will happen god is good keep the faith

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

For everyone asking...

Cutoff dates change often. They were moving forward at a lightening pace for the past few years, and then retrogressed. Unless there's a dramatic improvement in the US economy, I expect to see the cutoff dates begin to move quickly forward again now that it's a new fiscal year for USCIS.

Look here. This is a comprehensive list of the cutoff dates for every fiscal year since 1992 for all non oversubscribed countries:

http://www.travel.state.gov/pdf/Cut-off_Dates_worldwide_online.pdf

As recently as October of 2007 there was a 5 year wait for F2A's. By October of 2010 the wait had dropped to six months. The cutoff dates were moving forward by a few months with every new visa bulletin. The net effect of having a very recent cutoff date was that many priority dates were current by the time the petition was approved. This usually results in a flood of applications for those visa numbers because a spouse or child of an LPR would be eligible to adjust status while only visiting the US. This is probably what caused the sudden retrogression. As the flood of new applications ceases, I expect to see the cutoff dates start catching up again.

[matuk tuokan 2]

hi me too pd is oct.29,2009 case complete dec.8 ,2010 i called awhile ago in nvc and the lady said wait 'till next wednesday there is still chance for an interview if not scheduled then we dont have any options but to wait for next feb. bulletin if what will happen god is good keep the faith

[matuk tuokan 2]

Same as mine too I am under the f3 category of family base petition from august to november of 2010 the priority date is current then all of a sudden it went back to 1992 by december 2010 as I have search the january 2011 retrogress again,been waiting for so manny,many years I thought it's gonna be okay now but unfornately need to wait again til the priority date will be current again.

[matuk tuokan 2]

Same as mine too I am under the f3 category of family base petition from august to november of 2010 the priority date is current then all of a sudden it went back to 1992 by december 2010 as I have search the january 2011 retrogress again,been waiting for so manny,many years I thought it's gonna be okay now but unfornately need to wait again til the priority date will be current again.

[matuk tuokan 2]

11/03/2010---I-485 package mailed

11/05/2010---received I-485 package

11/15/2010---NOA received from mailbox and cashed check

11/18/2010---ASC notice letter received

11/22/2010---ASC biometric appointment notice

12/16/2010---Biometrics(fingerprinting)done

waiting------EAD