The U.S. State Department Visa Bulletin has released the Visa Bulletin for September 2024, and it contains significant updates that will impact many immigrants and visa applicants. This blog post provides an in-depth analysis of these changes, focusing on employment-based categories and offering insights into what these updates mean for applicants. Whether you are looking to understand the implications for your visa status or planning ahead for the future, this guide will help you navigate the complexities of the visa bulletin adjustment of status.
At a Glance
EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers: The Final Action date will retrogress by one year, to December 1, 2020, for all countries except China and India.
EB-3 Other Workers: The Final Action date will retrogress by one month, to December 1, 2020, for all countries except China, India, and the Philippines.
Other Categories: All other final action dates and dates for filing remain unchanged in September.
Visa Exhaustion: The State Department anticipates that employment-based immigrant visas for FY 2024 may be exhausted sometime in September, if not earlier.
USCIS Updates: USCIS will honor Final Action dates for employment-based categories in September.
A Closer Look at the September 2024 Visa Bulletin
EB-1
China: November 1, 2022
India: February 1, 2022
All other countries: Current
EB-2
China: March 1, 2020
India: July 15, 2012
All other countries: March 15, 2023
EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers
China: September 1, 2020
India: October 22, 2012
All other countries: December 1, 2020
EB-3 Other Workers
China: January 1, 2017
India: October 22, 2012
Philippines: May 1, 2020
All other countries: December 1, 2020
EB-4
All countries: January 1, 2021
EB-5 Unreserved (Regional Center and Non-Regional Center)
China: December 15, 2015
India: December 1, 2020
All other countries: Current
EB-5 Set-Asides
Rural: Current for all countries
High Unemployment: Current for all countries
Infrastructure: Current for all countries
Implications and Next Steps
The retrogression of the Final Action date for EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers by one year and EB-3 Other Workers by one month signals increased demand within these categories. Applicants from countries other than China, India, and the Philippines will need to prepare for potential delays in their visa processing.
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas for FY 2024
Due to sustained high demand, the State Department Visa Bulletin anticipates that employment-based immigrant visas may be exhausted for many categories and countries sometime in September. This highlights the importance of staying informed about the fiscal year's visa availability and planning accordingly.
Future Projections for FY 2025
With the beginning of FY 2025 in October, the State Department suggests that Final Action dates could advance depending on actual demand. This is a critical period for visa applicants to monitor, as movements in dates could significantly affect their application timelines.
USCIS Announcements
USCIS has confirmed that it will accept applications for adjustment of status based on the Visa Bulletin Final Action Dates in September. This is a crucial update for those currently in the process of adjusting their status and highlights the need to stay current with USCIS announcements and guidelines.
Conclusion
The September 2024 Visa Bulletin presents both challenges and opportunities for immigrants and visa applicants. Understanding the retrogression in certain categories and the potential for visa exhaustion is essential for effective planning. By staying informed and proactive, applicants can better navigate the complexities of the visa bulletin adjustment of status.
For more detailed information and personalized guidance, contact us today. Stay tuned for further updates and insights as we approach the new fiscal year.
Learn more about how these changes might affect your visa application process and explore additional resources to help you stay ahead in your immigration journey.