Green Card Wait Times: August Visa Bulletin Offers Mixed News for Applicants

The August 2024 Visa Bulletin has introduced important changes across various visa categories. Discover how these updates impact your Green Card application process, including advancements for India and other countries in employment-based preferences.
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The August 2024 Visa Bulletin, released by the US State Department, has introduced several significant changes across various visa categories. This update affects applicants from different countries, including India, China, Mexico, and others.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the latest changes, what the Visa Bulletin entails, and how it impacts those seeking to move forward in their Green Card journey.

What is the US Visa Bulletin?

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication by the US Department of State that provides important information regarding the availability of immigrant visa numbers. It lists priority dates, which are essentially placeholders in the green card application line.

By calculating the number of applications waiting in each category, the bulletin helps estimate when different applicants might move forward.

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Dates for Filing

These dates indicate the earliest date you can submit your adjustment of status or immigrant visa application. If your priority date is on or before the cut-off date listed for your category, you can proceed with the next step in the application process.

Final Action Dates

These dates estimate when your application will be processed and decided upon. The difference between Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates roughly reflects the expected processing time by USCIS.

Two Ways to Move Forward

  1. Filing for Adjustment of Status: If you’re already living in the US.
  2. Applying for an Immigrant Visa: If you’re living outside the US.

Breakdown for Indians: August 2024 Visa Bulletin

Employment-Based Green Cards

To file in August 2024, applicants must have an application date preceding a specific date listed for their category and country in the bulletin.

Dates for Filing

This section specifies the earliest date applicants can submit their adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications. It helps applicants determine when they can proceed with their filing based on their visa category and country of origin.

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Final Action Dates

These dates estimate the wait time for application approval, leading to permanent residency. They function as a queue based on visa category and nationality, indicating when applicants can expect their applications to be processed.

Employment-Based Preferences Breakdown

The employment-based categories are designed to meet different skills and investment criteria:

  1. 1st Preference (EB-1, Priority Workers): 28.6% of the global employment-based preference level.
  2. 2nd Preference (EB-2, Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability): 28.6% of the global level.
  3. 3rd Preference (EB-3, Skilled Workers and Professionals): 28.6% globally, with a specific cap for ‘Other Workers’.
  4. 4th Preference (EB-4, Special Immigrants): 7.1% of the global level.
  5. 5th Preference (EB-5, Investors): 7.1% of the global level, with portions set aside for investments in rural and high unemployment areas, as well as infrastructure projects.

Key Points for August 2024

  • EB-1 India: Unchanged on February 1, 2022.
  • EB-2 India: Advances to July 15, 2012; Date for Filing to July 22, 2012.
  • EB-3 India: Advances to October 22, 2012; Date for Filing to November 1, 2012.
  • EB-4 and Certain Religious Workers: Currently at November 1, 2020.
  • EB-5 (Unreserved and Set-Aside Categories): Dates vary with some remaining current.

Family-Based Preference Categories

In the August 2024 Visa Bulletin, there is no advancement in any of the family-based preference categories. Unlike the employment-based categories, USCIS will accept cases based on the Date of Filing Chart.

Dates Unchanged for the Following Categories

F1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters of US Citizens

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  • Mexico: January 1, 2002
  • Philippines: July 8, 2015
  • Other countries: March 1, 2012

F2A: Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

  • Mexico: February 1, 2021
  • Philippines: November 15, 2021
  • Other countries: November 15, 2021

F2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

  • Mexico: July 8, 2004
  • Philippines: October 22, 2011
  • Other countries: April 1, 2016

F3: Married Sons and Daughters of US Citizens

  • Mexico: January 1, 1999
  • Philippines: August 22, 2002
  • Other countries: March 1, 2010

F4: Brothers and Sisters of Adult US Citizens

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  • December 15, 2005

Annual Limits and Per-Country Restrictions

For the fiscal year 2024, the family-sponsored preference limit is set at 226,000, while the employment-based preference limit is at least 140,000. Each country faces a cap of 7% of these totals, which equates to 25,620, ensuring no single country overwhelmingly benefits from the US immigration system.

Conclusion

The August 2024 Visa Bulletin brings both advancements and stagnations in various visa categories. Understanding these updates is crucial for applicants to effectively plan their next steps in the immigration process.

Whether you are adjusting your status within the US or applying for an immigrant visa from abroad, staying informed about the latest visa bulletin is essential for navigating the path to permanent residency.


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Manish Khandelwal
Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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