Visa Bulletin March 2023 Predictions: What You Need to Know

Imagine waking up one day to discover that your visa priority date is suddenly "current." You’re overjoyed, but then the inevitable worry sets in—what's next? March 2023 is approaching fast, and with it comes a new Visa Bulletin. But what can we expect, and how can you best prepare?

The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, dictates when individuals who have filed family- or employment-based immigration petitions can actually apply for their green cards. It’s a complicated process, full of moving parts. And like clockwork, the March 2023 predictions have people on edge.

But here’s the twist: the March Visa Bulletin might just be one of the most unpredictable in years. The surge of applications, coupled with shifting U.S. immigration policies, makes this month’s predictions particularly interesting. Let’s dig into what we know, what we don’t, and what that means for you.

A Quick Look at How the Visa Bulletin Works

If you're unfamiliar, the Visa Bulletin operates on two main concepts: Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing. These dates determine when your priority date (the date your immigrant petition was filed) becomes eligible for further action, like applying for a green card.

Final Action Dates are the dates when the U.S. government is finally ready to issue green cards. On the other hand, Dates for Filing allow applicants to submit their paperwork earlier, giving them a chance to prepare for the final step.

So, if you're wondering, "When can I file my application or expect my green card?"—you’re looking at these two dates.

March 2023: Why Is This Month So Special?

March 2023 is shaping up to be a pivotal month in the Visa Bulletin. Here's why:

• A Record Backlog of Cases: In recent months, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has faced a growing backlog of applications. With tens of thousands of applicants waiting for their dates to become current, March might be the month when the logjam either starts clearing—or gets worse.

• EB-2 and EB-3 Predictions: Employment-based visas are always a hot topic. The EB-2 and EB-3 categories, which cater to skilled workers and professionals, have seen heavy retrogression (a term that means the dates moved backward). March 2023 could bring some movement—but which way? There’s speculation that EB-3 might advance slightly, but EB-2 could stagnate.

• Family-Based Categories: Family reunification is a core pillar of U.S. immigration, but many are wondering if there will be any significant movement in family-based categories in March 2023. Historically, this time of year hasn’t seen major shifts, but it’s anyone’s guess given the unpredictability of recent policy changes.

Key Predictions for March 2023

Here are some educated predictions for the March 2023 Visa Bulletin:

1. EB-2 India: One of the most heavily oversubscribed categories, EB-2 for India has seen limited movement. Expect some minor advancements, but nothing groundbreaking. Some experts predict it may move forward by just a few weeks.

2. EB-3 Philippines: There’s some optimism that EB-3 for the Philippines might move forward by a month or two. Historically, this category hasn’t faced as severe retrogression as others, so there's potential for movement.

3. Family-Based F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens): The F4 category has been sluggish for years. While there’s no indication of significant movement, some insiders speculate that minor advancements could occur, particularly for Mexico and the Philippines.

4. Diversity Visa (DV) 2023: Each year, the U.S. allocates 55,000 immigrant visas to randomly selected individuals from underrepresented countries. The March 2023 bulletin could see DV applicants’ dates moving forward rapidly, depending on how quickly the adjudications process progresses.

What You Should Do Now

While predictions are exciting, they’re just that—predictions. Here’s what you can do while waiting for the March 2023 Visa Bulletin:

• Check Your Priority Date: The first thing you should do is verify where your priority date stands compared to the current Visa Bulletin. If it’s close, be ready. Prepare your paperwork, ensure your documents are in order, and consult with your attorney to ensure everything is ready for when your date becomes current.

• Monitor USCIS Announcements: Stay tuned to official announcements from USCIS and the Department of State. They occasionally release additional guidance, especially if they anticipate major shifts in visa categories.

• Prepare Financially: Immigration is expensive. Fees for applications, biometrics, and other processes can quickly add up. Now might be the time to start setting aside funds, so when your priority date becomes current, you’re not caught off guard.

The Wild Card: Political Factors

No discussion of the Visa Bulletin would be complete without acknowledging the political factors at play. Immigration policy is heavily influenced by the current administration, and with midterm elections and policy debates ongoing, there’s a wild card element to March 2023.

Could new policies streamline visa processing? Will political pressure push certain categories forward? These are the kinds of questions that keep immigration attorneys on their toes.

What’s Next?

We won’t know for certain what the March 2023 Visa Bulletin holds until it’s released. But one thing is clear: this is a pivotal time for many waiting in the immigration line. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best, and stay informed. Whatever happens, the Visa Bulletin for March 2023 is sure to keep everyone on edge.

In the end, waiting for the Visa Bulletin can feel like a lottery. The rules shift, the dates fluctuate, and uncertainty reigns. But with the right information and preparation, you can navigate these turbulent waters and position yourself for success.

March 2023 might just be the month that changes everything.