Green Card Applicants Benefit in Latest US Visa Bulletin Update

The October 2024 US Visa Bulletin brings welcome news for many green card applicants, particularly those in employment-based categories.

This update signals significant progress in processing timelines, helping to alleviate the backlog that has accumulated over recent years. The Visa Bulletin serves as a crucial resource for individuals seeking US Green Cards by providing essential information about eligibility timelines and application procedures across various visa categories. The bulletin is structured into two primary sections: Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates. The former indicates the earliest dates applicants can submit their adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications which is vital for planning purposes. The latter reflects when applications can be officially approved, leading to the issuance of green cards.

These dates function as a processing queue based on the applicants' visa category and nationality. In the employment-based green card category, the October 2024 bulletin reveals positive movement across most subcategories. The EB-1 Worldwide category remains current, allowing applicants to receive their green cards without delay. While the EB-2 Worldwide category shows no movement, the EB-3 Worldwide category has seen a substantial advancement of nearly two years, now set at November 15, 2022. This change enables many new applicants to proceed with their green card applications.

The Dates for Filing section of the bulletin also presents encouraging updates. The EB-2 Worldwide category progresses by nearly five months to August 1, 2023, indicating improved processing for advanced degree professionals. The EB-3 Worldwide category advances by one month to March 1, 2023, while the EB-3 India category moves forward by more than seven months to June 8, 2013, providing additional opportunities for applicants. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that adjustment of status applications for October 2024 will be accepted based on the updated dates for filing.

This development is particularly significant as it allows more applicants to utilize the earlier filing dates to expedite their green card process. For the fiscal year 2024, the visa limit for employment-based preference immigrants has been set at 160,791, which will influence visa availability and is crucial for understanding green card allocation during the year. Updates regarding family-sponsored green cards are also noteworthy. The final action dates for familial applications show slight movements with the F2A category advancing to November 22, 2021, and the F4 category moving to March 1, 2006. These advancements will be encouraging for families hoping to reunite in the United States.

The employment-based Green Card categories are segmented to ensure a balanced distribution among skilled and unskilled labour. These categories include EB-1 for priority workers, EB-2 for professionals with advanced degrees, EB-3 for skilled workers and professionals, EB-4 for certain special immigrants, and EB-5 for employment creation, each with specific allocations and provisions. For individuals navigating the Green Card process, understanding the Visa Bulletin and its implications is crucial. It provides essential guidance on when petitions can be filed and when approvals can be expected, facilitating a more informed and strategic approach to immigration to the United States.