Visa number for 3rd preference employment based immigration retrogressed almost two years from May, 2005 to March 1, 2003.

Retrogression occurs when a cut-off date established by the DOS moves backwards or when visas in a particular category become completely unavailable. Earlier, due to lengthy procedures for labor certifications through the Department of Labor (DOL) and severe processing delays at the USCIS, a substantial backlog occurred for employment-based petitions and, consequently, fewer immigrant visa numbers were utilized.

How does Retrogression affect my green card application?

The most immediate impact of retrogression is that the beneficiary of an approved I-140 petition may have to wait for his or her priority date to become current in order to start the adjustment of status process, and consequently, obtain employment authorization. Foreign nationals currently living abroad will have to wait for their priority date to become current to receive an immigrant visa. Their visa petitions will be kept on hold until their priority date becomes current.