Help understanding Visa Bulletins

[HenriInCary]

I 'm a US citizen and the sponsor of my over 21-year old sister. This falls under the Family preference Category through a relative. The immigration petition was filled in November 2003.

Last year (2010), she was sent a note by the immigration saying her petition was approved, but she needed to wait for a visa to become available.
Since then, we have been trying to understand when a visa might become available. We have been looking at the Visa Bulletin as posted here: travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html

And especially this link here: travel.state.gov/pdf/Cut-off_Dates_worldwide_online.pdf

According to my understanding of the PDF file, in the FY2010, they processed applications from Apr-99 through Oct. 2001 . So, about 2.5 years worth of petitions.
Am I reading that correctly?

Is it realistic for me to think, they might process about 2 years of data in the FY2011 as well? Could a visa become available for my sister this current FY?

Could the possible government shutdown affect this?

Thanks a lot.

 

[Jackolantern]

She has to wait until the cutoff date for her category in the visa bulletin passes her priority date (November 2003).

She would be in the 4th preference category. For countries other than Mexico or the Philippines, the cutoff date is Jan 2000. That's almost 3 years away from Nov. 2003.