The September 2024 Visa Bulletin reflects ongoing challenges in the U.S. visa system, particularly for employment-based categories
The US State Department’s September 2024 Visa Bulletin has introduced significant updates, particularly concerning the EB-3 visa category, which has seen a one-year retrogression for most countries except India and China. The EB-3 visa, an employment-based immigrant visa for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers seeking permanent residency in the United States, is crucial for many waiting for green cards.
Key Changes:
- EB-3 Retrogression: The September bulletin shows that the priority date for EB-3 applicants from most countries, including Mexico and the Philippines, has regressed by one year to December 1, 2020. This change results in extended wait times for green cards for these applicants.
- No Change for India and China: Applicants from India and China under the EB-3 category were unaffected by this retrogression, maintaining their current priority dates.
This development underlines the importance of staying updated with the Visa Bulletin and consulting with immigration attorneys to navigate the complex landscape of visa applications.
With retrogression in EB-3 and minimal changes in EB-1, many applicants face extended wait times. Staying informed about monthly updates and seeking legal guidance is crucial for those affected
EB-1 Visa Category:
The September 2024 Visa Bulletin also indicates minimal changes for most EB-1 categories:
- India and China: The priority dates for EB-1 applicants from India and China remain at February 1, 2022, and November 1, 2022, respectively.
- Other Countries: For other countries, the EB-1 category remains “current,” indicating no immediate changes in priority dates.
This situation suggests that applicants from India and China in the EB-1 category will continue to experience significant delays, while those from other countries may see no immediate changes in their status.
Final Action Dates:
The bulletin outlines Final Action cutoff dates for employment-based immigrant visas and the approval of status adjustment applications. Key dates include:
- EB-1: India remains at February 1, 2022, with all other countries current.
- EB-2: India remains at July 15, 2012, while all other countries are at March 15, 2023.
- EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers: India stays at October 22, 2012, with other countries regressing to December 1, 2020.
The State Department has reported an increase in demand for employment-based visas, contributing to these backlogs and delays. With the overall number of employment-based visas nearing its limit for the fiscal year, further adjustments in visa availability could be expected.
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