42.54—Order of consideration.
(a) General.
Consular officers shall request applicants to take the steps necessary to meet the requirements of INA 222(b) in order to apply formally for a visa as follows:
(1)
In the chronological order of the priority dates of all applicants within each of the immigrant classifications specified in INA 203 (a) and (b); and
(2)
In the random order established by the Secretary of State for each region for the fiscal year for applicants entitled to status under INA 203(c).