Jia J. Wu

We are now receiving #PERM certifications for cases filed in early December 2024, reflecting an overall processing time of approximately 14–15 months from filing to certification (assuming no audit). #eta9089

USCIS confirmed that for May 2026, AOS filings must follow Final Action Dates (not Filing Dates). This is effectively a step back for many applicants who became eligible under April’s more favorable Filing Chart. We are dealing with a HUGE surge in AOS filings this month, and many cannot afford to wait until next month. If you are eligible to file in April, you might no longer be eligible in May; you must file before the end of the month. Get your exam done ASAP. Civil surgeons are already getting backed up.

May 2026 Visa Bulletin OutAfter April's movement, May is essentially a freeze across EB-1/2/3. Final Action Dates: EB-1: No movement. ROW: Current | China: 04/01/2023 | India: 04/01/2023 EB-2: No movement. ROW: Current | China: 09/01/2021 | India: 07/15/2014 EB-3: No movement. ROW: 06/01/2024 | China: 06/15/2021 | India: 11/15/2013 Takeaway: Every EB-1/2/3 cutoff held exactly where it was in April. Dates for Filing: EB-1: No change. ROW: Current | China: 12/01/2023 | India: 12/01/2023 EB-2: No change. ROW: Current | China: 01/01/2022 | India: 01/15/2015 EB-3: No change. ROW: Current | China: 01/01/2022 | India: 01/15/2015 Takeaway: Filing chart is completely flat too. Only small movement this month was EB-3 Other Workers ROW (01NOV21 → 01FEB22). DOS is clearly pumping the brakes after several months of forward motion — don't bank on consistent advancement going forward. #visabulletin

Receiving Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWD) filed in late January 2026—processing time is under 3 months. #pwd #eta9141

Based on our recent cases, most PERM-based I-140 petitions (non-premium) are currently being approved in about 2–4 months, with many clustering around ~3 months. We are also seeing occasional very fast approvals (within 1–2 weeks), but those remain exceptions. #I140 #perm #eta9089

We are now receiving #PERM certifications for cases filed in mid-November 2024, reflecting an overall processing time of approximately 15–16 months from filing to certification (assuming no audit). #eta9089

@elevinskii EB2 and yes.

@jayw_u What category and was it current by FAD at the date of submission?

EB I-485 Filed 01/12/2026 → Approved 03/15/2026 ~2 months. No RFE. No interview. Good result, but don’t anchor expectations to outliers. USCIS timing remains inconsistent. #eb2 #I485

USCIS intake quirk worth noting: Had an I-485 case showing “Case Was Received” with a valid IOE receipt number, but no credit card charge for ~3+ weeks. Looked like a potential payment failure or delayed rejection. Then—fees suddenly posted. Takeaway: “Case received” usually means accepted, but payment processing can lag significantly. Before assuming rejection or refiling, check bank records carefully. USCIS intake is not always linear.

This issue has been resolved.

what's going on with the H-1B registration site? can't pay and submit. Been like this for the past hour.

Receiving Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWD) filed in late December 2025—processing time is about 3 months. #pwd #eta9141

We are now receiving #PERM certifications for cases filed in September 2024. DOL is now generally issuing certified PERM applications filed in mid-September 2024, indicating an overall processing time of about 17–18 months from filing to certification (assuming no audit). #PERM #DOL #ETA9089

Receiving Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWD) filed in early December 2025—processing time is about 3 months. #pwd #eta9141

H-1B registration opens today at 12pm ET.

FY 2027 H-1B will be the first wage-weighted lottery. Level 1 = 1 entry Level 2 = 2 entries Level 3 = 3 entries Level 4 = 4 entries Higher wage = better odds. But don’t just pick Level 4 to game the system. The wage level must be defensible based on actual job duties and prevailing wage data — and must match the LCA and petition. Strategy now matters more than ever. #h1b #h1blottery #h1bregistration

We're starting to receive approvals on employment-based I-485s that were filed just back in October 2025. Impressively fast processing times right now. #I485

Seeing a quite a few I-140s getting approved at premium speed — without paying for premium processing. Not sure how long this trend lasts, but if your case is strong and you're not up against the 180-day deadline, worth considering filing without premium. #I140

For those waiting to file I-485s EB Dates for Filing — February 2026 to March 2026 Overall movement: Mostly forward. No retrogression. EB-1 China moved from August 1, 2023 to December 1, 2023. India moved from August 1, 2023 to December 1, 2023. All other countries remain Current. EB-2 All other countries moved from October 15, 2024 to Current. China remains at January 1, 2022. India moved from December 1, 2013 to November 1, 2014. EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers All other countries moved from October 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024. China remains at January 1, 2022. India remains at August 15, 2014. EB-3 Other Workers All other countries moved from December 1, 2021 to June 22, 2022. China remains at October 1, 2019. India remains at August 15, 2014. Biggest movement this month: EB-1 China and India, EB-2 Rest of World, and EB-3 Rest of World.

Caught one today. Premium Processing H-1B filed in early January at CSC — still pending beyond 15 business days. That’s rare in my practice. Very rare. Premium Processing is generally predictable, but every now and then, one slips past the clock. Following up with the unit.