US Visa Bulletin for June 2024: No movement in key Green Card deadlines.
US Green Card applications: The U.S. State Department's recent release of the June Visa Bulletin brings both updates and limitations for individuals seeking employment-based immigration to the United States. Unfortunately, for many key categories, there has been no progress in priority dates.
In June, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue to rely on Final Action Dates to assess eligibility for filing. This means that individuals must refer to these specific dates to determine when they can submit their applications.
While there is some movement in the India EB-3 category, with a slight advancement of one week to August 22, 2012, there are no changes in priority dates for other categories. This development underscores the ongoing challenges faced by individuals navigating the U.S. immigration system, particularly those from India seeking employment-based visas.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin is paramount 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:
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 May 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 bulletin outlines preference categories for family-sponsored immigrants, categorized 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, divided into:
- 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 Visa 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. Moreover, 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.
Employment-based preferences
The allocation of immigrant visas in the employment-based preference categories is structured as follows:
Priority Workers: This category is allotted 28.6% of the global employment-based preference level. It includes individuals with extraordinary abilities in their field, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives or managers. Any surplus numbers not used for the fourth and fifth preferences may also be allocated here
Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Individuals of Exceptional Ability: This category receives 28.6% of the global employment-based preference level, along with any numbers not needed by the first preference. It encompasses individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in their respective fields.
Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers: This category is allocated 28.6% of the worldwide level, along with any numbers not required by the first and second preferences. There is a cap of 10,000 visas allocated to "Other Workers," who are individuals performing unskilled labor.
Certain Special Immigrants: This category receives 7.1% of the global level. It includes various groups such as religious workers, certain employees of U.S. foreign service posts, and individuals who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
Employment Creation: This category is allotted 7.1% of the global level. Within this category, 32% is designated for specific purposes: 20% for qualified immigrants investing in rural areas, 10% for those investing in high unemployment areas, and 2% for those investing in infrastructure projects. The remaining 68% is unrestricted and allocated for all other eligible immigrants seeking to create employment opportunities in the United States.
Understanding these allocation percentages and categories is essential for individuals seeking employment-based immigrant visas and navigating the U.S. immigration system.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/migrate/us-visa-bulletin-for-june-2024-no-movement-in-key-green-card-deadlines/articleshow/110073378.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
