The U.S. Department of State has released its December Visa Bulletin, indicating slight advancements in certain employment-based (EB) visa categories. These updates are particularly relevant for Indian applicants facing significant backlogs in the green card process.
The previous bulletin highlighted notable changes for green card seekers, especially within family-sponsored categories for Indian nationals.
Family-Sponsored Green Cards and Employment-Based Preferences
The latest Visa Bulletin provides a detailed overview of family-sponsored applications, specifying the categories and priority dates for immigrant visas. These details are crucial for applicants tracking their green card process, as they help determine eligibility for filing.
Family-Sponsored Visa Limits for 2024
For the fiscal year 2024, the cap for family-sponsored green cards is set at 226,000. Each category has specific allocations, and there are per-country limits to ensure an equitable distribution of visas among applicants from different nations. Here’s a breakdown of the key family-sponsored preferences:
1. First Preference (F1): Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens – 23,400 visas, plus any additional from the fourth preference.
2. Second Preference (F2): Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters:
- F2A: Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents receive 77% of the F2 limit, with 75% exempt from the per-country limit.
- F2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years or older) of Permanent Residents account for 23% of the F2 limit.
3. Third Preference (F3): Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens – 23,400 visas, plus any leftover from the first and second preferences.
4. Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens – 65,000 visas, plus any unused numbers from the previous categories.
Key Dates for Family-Sponsored Visas (India)
Indian applicants with a priority date earlier than the dates listed below can start preparing their documentation for submission to the National Visa Center:
| Preference | India Priority Date |
|---|---|
| F1 | September 1, 2017 |
| F2A | July 14, 2024 |
| F2B | January 1, 2017 |
| F3 | April 22, 2012 |
| F4 | August 1, 2006 |
Updates in Employment-Based (EB) Categories
The December bulletin is equally important for those seeking green cards through employment-based categories. It specifies the earliest dates for visa issuance and the approval of adjustment of status applications.
December Cutoff Dates for Employment-Based Visas
- EB-1 (Priority Workers): The Final Action Date for India remains steady at February 1, 2022.
- EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals): A slight two-week advancement sets the new cutoff date at August 1, 2012.
- EB-3 (Professionals and Skilled Workers): Progress is limited, with a one-week move to November 8, 2012.
- EB-3 (Other Workers): This category aligns with EB-3 Professionals, also advancing to November 8, 2012.
- EB-5 (Immigrant Investors): The cutoff for the EB-5 Unreserved categories is held on January 1, 2022. However, EB-5 set-aside categories for Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure remain current for all countries.
Upcoming USCIS Announcement on Adjustment of Status
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is expected to announce whether it will accept adjustment of status applications for December based on the “Final Action Dates” or “Dates for Filing” chart.
This announcement will determine when applicants can submit adjustment applications. Regularly checking the USCIS Visa Bulletin webpage is crucial for updates on this matter.
Understanding the U.S. Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the Department of State, guides applicants on visa availability for various green card categories.
It indicates when an applicant can move forward in the immigration process, based on the number of pending applications and visa demand. Each month, adjustments are made to reflect the availability of visas in various categories, allowing applicants to plan accordingly.
Significance for Indian Applicants
These updates are particularly impactful for Indian applicants, who often face longer wait times due to high demand in employment-based categories. Keeping track of these monthly changes is essential for applicants navigating the green card process.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, applicants should consult the official USCIS Visa Bulletin page regularly.
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