US Visa Bulletin For July 2024: Huge leap forward in a major Green Card category for Indians

US Green Card applications: The July Visa Bulletin has brought a mix of anticipated and surprising updates, with notable shifts in visa categories. The US State Department has significantly retrogressed the EB-3 All Other Countries category, more than anticipated given the modest movement in other categories. Conversely, the expected retrogression for EB-2 All Other Countries has not occurred, with only two months left in the fiscal year.

A major, unexpected advancement has occurred in India. In the EB-1 category, India has seen a substantial leap forward by 11 months, now standing at February 1, 2022. This is a significant change, marking a major progression for applicants in this category. On the other hand, the EB-2 category for India has seen a modest advancement of 2 months, reaching June 15, 2012.

In contrast, the EB-3 Professional and EB-3 Other Workers categories for India have progressed by just 1 month, now at September 22, 2012. These changes reflect both the predicted adjustments and some unexpected movements, highlighting the dynamic nature of visa category updates.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin is crucial for individuals seeking Green Cards, as it provides vital information about the timeline for adjusting immigration status and eligibility based on application submission. The bulletin acts as a guide for the Green Card journey, featuring two essential sections.

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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.

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.

However, there’s a crucial caveat for employment-based green card (EB) adjustments. To file in July 2024, applicants must have an application date preceding a specific date listed for their category and country in the bulletin, ensuring their eligibility for filing.The significance of final action dates lies in their role in application processing. These dates vary depending on the visa type and nationality, directly impacting the duration of the green card application process and potential wait times. Understanding and monitoring these dates is essential for individuals navigating the Green Card application process.

Highlights from the May 2024 Visa Bulletin

Family-sponsored applications

The Visa Bulletin outlines preference categories for family-sponsored immigrants, providing critical information for navigating the Green Card process. The categories are as follows:

• First Preference (F1): Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
• Second Preference (F2): Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents
  • F2A: Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents
  • F2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents
• Third Preference (F3): Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
• Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens

The bulletin provides detailed insights into the allocation of immigrant visas, primarily based on priority dates and demand received by April 1st of each fiscal year. When demand surpasses the available visas in a particular category or country, that category is classified as oversubscribed. In such cases, the final action date for oversubscribed categories is determined by the priority date of the first applicant who couldn’t be accommodated within the numerical limits.

For the fiscal year 2024, the limit for family-sponsored preference immigrants is set at 226,000, with specific allocations for each preference category. Additionally, there are per-country limits set at 7% of the total annual family-sponsored and employment-based preference limits. Immigrant visas are issued in order of priority based on the filing date of the petition.

Spouses and children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status and consideration as the principal applicant. In instances where visa issuances surpass the per-country limit, visa prorating provisions come into effect for oversubscribed chargeability areas, including China (mainland born), India, Mexico, and the Philippines. These provisions ensure fair allocation of visas among applicants from different countries.

Understanding these intricacies is crucial for individuals navigating the immigrant visa process. The Visa Bulletin serves as a vital tool, providing essential information about visa availability and processing times, helping applicants plan their immigration journey effectively.

FINAL ACTION DATES

DATES FOR FILING

Employment-based preferences

The allocation of immigrant visas in the employment-based preference categories is structured to ensure a balanced distribution among various types of skilled and unskilled workers, professionals, and investors. Understanding these categories and their allocation percentages is crucial for individuals seeking employment-based immigrant visas.
1. Priority Workers: This category receives 28.6% of the global employment-based preference level. It includes:

• Individuals with extraordinary abilities in their field
• Outstanding professors and researchers
• Multinational executives or managers

Additionally, any surplus numbers not used for the fourth and fifth preferences may also be allocated here.

2. Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Individuals of Exceptional Ability: This category is also allotted 28.6% of the global employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required by the first preference. It covers:

• Individuals with advanced degrees
• Individuals with exceptional abilities in their respective fields

3. Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers: This category receives 28.6% of the worldwide level, along with any numbers not required by the first and second preferences. It includes:

• Skilled workers and professionals
• “Other Workers” performing unskilled labor, with a cap of 10,000 visas

4. Certain Special Immigrants: This category is allocated 7.1% of the global level and includes:

• Religious workers
• Certain employees of U.S. foreign service posts
• Individuals who have served in the U.S. armed forces

5. Employment Creation: This category also receives 7.1% of the global level. It is further divided to ensure targeted investment and job creation:

• 20% for qualified immigrants investing in rural areas
• 10% for those investing in high unemployment areas
• 2% for those investing in infrastructure projects
• The remaining 68% is unrestricted and available to all other eligible investors

These employment-based preference categories are designed to attract a diverse pool of talented individuals to the United States, fostering economic growth and innovation. By understanding these allocation percentages and categories, applicants can better navigate the U.S. immigration system and plan their visa applications accordingly.

FINAL ACTION DATES

DATES FOR FILING