We recently received unofficial, but highly reliable additional information concerning the size of the employment based second and third preference backlogs. This information provides a snapshot only. The data is constantly changing and due to the impossibly inept and inefficient CIS reporting system, impossible to predict with any degree of even mid-term accuracy.

We have learned, for example, that a substantial number of employment based third preference adjustment cases are located at USCIS district offices rather than service centers. For example, the total CIS visa numbers requested from October 1, 2009 through January 12, 2010 in the EB-3 category was approximately 4,200 requested by USCIS Service Centers, but 8,400 requested by USCIS District Offices.   

As of January 12, 2010 the cumulative USCIS/NVC demand for each year through the present has been as follows: 

Employment Second Cumulative Demand

Prior to:        China         India    

2006                  2,650        10,150

2007                10,550       28,450

2008                16,150       37,300

2010                16,250       37,450

Employment Third Cumulative Demand

Prior to:       All Others      China      India   Mexico      Phil.

2003              1,000               400         8,850       250         150

2004               5,950            3,100      20,800       900          850

2005             12,450            5,250      35,100    2,000       2,050

2006             27,500            6,650      44,400    3,050       5,850

2007             47,400            7,850      55,250    4,400      17,600

2010             55,250            8,400      59,350    5,050       20,000

This snapshot should not be relied upon for anything more than a an idea of what the backlog demands looks like in January, 2010. Still, it is better than nothing.