The following table outlines the Acceptance Dates for Immigrant Visa Processing (and I-485 Processing if USCIS Allows It). These dates indicate when applicants may submit their documentation to begin the visa application process, subject to USCIS acceptance policies.
DATES OF ACCEPTANCE FOR IMMIGRANT VISA PROCESSING (AND I-485 PROCESSING, IF USCIS ALLOWS IT)
OCTOBER 2016
| THE DATE PROCESSED | ||
| OCTOBER 2016 | FAMILY PREFERENCES | EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCES |
| FIRST PREFERENCE Unmarried children of USC | September 22, 2009 – January 1, 2011 | |
| SECOND PREFERENCE A Spouses and children of LPR | December 22, 2014 – November 22, 2015 | |
| SECOND PREFERENCE B Unmarried children, over 21, of LPR | March 15, 2010 – February 8, 2011 | |
| THIRD PREFERENCE Married children of USC | December 22, 2004 – August 22, 2005 | |
| FOURTH PREFERENCE Siblings of USC | November 1, 2003 – July 1, 2004 | |
| FIRST PREFERENCE Priority workers | Current | |
| SECOND PREFERENCE Advanced degree professionals and persons of exceptional ability | Current – Current | |
| THIRD PREFERENCE Professionals and skilled workers | June 1, 2016 – Current | |
| THIRD PREFERENCE Other workers | June 1, 2016 – Current | |
| FOURTH PREFERENCE Religious workers | Current | |
| FIFTH PREFERENCE Investors | Current | |