The October 2024 US Visa Bulletin brings good news for many green card applicants, especially in the employment-based categories.
The most notable development is the substantial advancement in the final action date for EB-3 Worldwide, which has moved forward by nearly two years. This means that more applicants in this category can now move forward with their cases.
US Visa Bulletin – October 2024
This article breaks down the updates to help applicants understand their implications and plan their immigration journey accordingly.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin is a critical tool for individuals seeking U.S. Green Cards, as it provides essential information on eligibility timelines and application processing. It consists of two key sections:
Dates for Filing: Indicates the earliest dates applicants can submit their adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications based on their category and country of origin.
Final Action Dates: Reflects when applications can be approved and applicants can receive their Green Cards, acting as a processing queue based on visa category and nationality.
Employment-Based Green Cards: Key Highlights
The October 2024 Visa Bulletin shows positive movement in most employment-based categories, with significant advancements in the final action date for EB-3 Visa Worldwide. This is good news for applicants in this category, as it means they may be able to receive their green cards sooner.
1. Final Action Dates:
- EB-1 Worldwide remains current, indicating immediate eligibility for applicants in this category.
- EB-2 Worldwide and India show no movement, with India holding steady at February 1, 2022, reflecting stability in these categories.
- EB-3 Worldwide sees a significant advancement of nearly two years, moving to November 15, 2022. This change will allow many more applicants to proceed with their cases.
- EB-3 India advances by eight days to November 1, 2012, offering slight progress for applicants in this category.
2. Dates for Filing:
- EB-1 Worldwide remains unchanged from September, but EB-1 India advances by two months to April 15, 2022.
- EB-2 Worldwide progresses by nearly five months to August 1, 2023, and EB-2 India advances by almost six months to January 1, 2013.
- EB-3 Worldwide moves forward by one month to March 1, 2023, and EB-3 India advances by more than seven months to June 8, 2013.
USCIS Updates for October 2024
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in its October visa bulletin has confirmed that adjustment of status applications for October 2024 will be accepted based on the dates for filing the chart. This is a significant development, allowing more applicants to advance their cases based on the updated filing dates.
Fiscal Year 2024 Visa Limits
For the fiscal year 2024, the visa limit for employment-based preference immigrants was set at 160,791, which was reached by the end of September 2024. This cap affects the availability of visas and is crucial for understanding the allocation of Green Cards.
Family-Sponsored Green Cards: Key Updates
Final Action Dates for India:
- F1: Remains unchanged at October 22, 2015.
- F2A: Advances slightly to November 22, 2021, from November 15, 2021.
- F2B: Remains steady at May 1, 2016.
- F3: Unchanged at April 1, 2010.
- F4: Advances to March 1, 2006, from January 22, 2006.
Dates for Filing for India:
- F1: Unchanged at September 1, 2017.
- F2A: Advances to July 15, 2024, from June 15, 2024.
- F2B: Steady at January 1, 2017.
- F3: Advances to July 1, 2011, from January 1, 2011.
- F4: Remains at June 15, 2006.
Employment-Based Preference Categories
The employment-based Green Card categories are divided to ensure a balanced distribution among various skilled and unskilled workers, professionals, and investors:
Priority Workers (EB-1): Includes individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives or managers. This category receives 28.6% of the global employment-based preference level.
Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees (EB-2): Allotted 28.6% of the worldwide preference level, covering individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities.
Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers (EB-3): Receives 28.6% of the worldwide level, covering skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled labor with a cap of 10,000 visas for the “Other Workers” category.
Certain Special Immigrants (EB-4): Includes religious workers and certain employees of U.S. foreign service posts, allocated 7.1% of the global level.
Employment Creation (EB-5): Allocated 7.1% of the global level, with specific allocations for rural areas, high unemployment areas, and infrastructure projects.
Navigating the Green Card Process
Understanding the Visa Bulletin and the updates it provides is crucial for anyone navigating the Green Card process. The bulletin offers vital guidance on when applicants can file their petitions and when they can expect their cases to be processed, helping them plan their journey toward permanent residency in the United States.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the October 2024 U.S. Visa Bulletin offers encouraging news for many green card applicants. The significant advancement in the final action date for EB-3 Worldwide and the positive movement in other employment-based categories are positive developments that will benefit many individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States.
Applicants need to stay updated on the latest Visa Bulletin releases and consult with an immigration attorney for personalized advice.
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