The Department of State has just issued the August 2018 Visa Bulletin.  This is the eleventh Visa Bulletin of Fiscal Year 2018.  This blog post analyzes this month’s Visa Bulletin.  The August and September Visa Bulletins always are a little unusual.  We invite you to read our FAQ on these Visa Bulletin.  
August 2018 Visa Bulletin
Table A: Final Action Dates — Applications with these dates may be approved for their Green Card (Permanent Residency card) or Immigrant Visa appointment.
EB 
Class 
All Other  
CHINA       
INDIA     
MEXICO   
PHIL’PNES    
EB-1
01MAY16
01JAN12
01JAN12
01MAY16
01MAY16
EB-2
C
01JAN15
01MAR09 
C
C
EB-3
C 
01JUL14
01JAN09 
C 

01JUN17      

Table B: Dates for Filing — The DOS may work on applications with these dates. But the Visa cannot be approved until the date is current per Table A.

EB 
Class 
All Other  
CHINA       
INDIA     
MEXICO   
PHIL’PNES    
EB-1
C
C
C
C
C
EB-2
C
01APR15
22MAY09 
C
C
EB-3
C 
01JAN16
01MAY09 
C 

01JUL17       

MU Law Analysis (all references are to Table A unless noted)
All Other:  The EB-2 has been current for many years.  The EB-3 is also current and is expected to remain current for the foreseeable future. The EB-1 retrogression is temporary and is because of the reasons listed on the above-linked FAQ.
China (mainland-born):  China EB-3 (Chart A) moved favorably by 18 months.  This move was done to spur filings in this category before the end of the fiscal year.
India:  As with China, the retrogression of India EB-1 probably means that there will not be a forward progression until after October 1, 2018.  EB-3 continued its steady progress, improving by to months.  India EB-3 should continue to steady progress into FY 2019.
Mexico: Mirrors All Other in analysis.
Philippines: Phils EB-3 improved by 6 months, which is terrific, but probably temporary.  The DOS is trying to encourage filings in this category before the end of the fiscal year.  The EB-1 retrogression is of no consequence, and is simply reflective of the fact that all countries’ EB-1 demand was higher than expected in FY2018. It will be Current in October 2018.