Table of Contents
US Visa Bulletin Updates for July 2024
Introduction to the U.S. Visa Bulletin
The U.S. Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State that summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers for various categories. It helps applicants understand when they can file for an adjustment of status or apply for an immigrant visa. This article provides detailed information about U.S. Visa Bulletin Updates for July 2024.
US Visa Bulletin Updates for July 2024
Employment-Based Visa Categories
EB-1: Extraordinary People, Outstanding Researchers, and Multinational Executives
- Final Action Dates: The priority date must be before January 1, 2022.
- Dates for Filing: The priority date must be before January 1, 2022.
EB-2: Exceptional People and Advanced Degree Holders
- Final Action Dates: The priority date must be before January 1, 2022.
- Dates for Filing: The priority date must be before January 1, 2022.
EB-3: Bachelor’s Degree Holders, Skilled Workers, and Unskilled Workers
- Final Action Dates: The priority date must be before January 1, 2022.
- Dates for Filing: The priority date must be before January 1, 2022.
EB-4: Special Immigrants
- Final Action Dates: The priority date must be before February 1, 2021.
- Dates for Filing: The priority date must be before December 1, 2020.
EB-5: Investors
- Final Action Dates: The priority date must be before January 1, 2017.
- Dates for Filing: The priority date must be before January 1, 2017.
Family-Based Visa Categories
F-1: Unmarried Children (Age 21 and Older) of U.S. Citizens
- Final Action Dates: The priority date must be before January 1, 2022.
- Dates for Filing: The priority date must be before January 1, 2022.
F-2A: Spouses and Unmarried Children (Under Age 21) of U.S. Green Card Holders
- Final Action Dates: The priority date must be before January 1, 2022.
- Dates for Filing: The priority date must be before January 1, 2022.
F-2B: Unmarried Children (Age 21 or Older) of U.S. Green Card Holders
- Final Action Dates: The priority date must be before January 1, 2022.
- Dates for Filing: The priority date must be before January 1, 2022.
F-3: Married Children of U.S. Citizens
- Final Action Dates: The priority date must be before January 1, 2022.
- Dates for Filing: The priority date must be before January 1, 2022.
F-4: Siblings of U.S. Citizens
- Final Action Dates: The priority date must be before January 1, 2022.
- Dates for Filing: The priority date must be before January 1, 2022.
Priority Date Movement
Priority dates can move forward or backward, depending on the demand for visas. If there is high demand, the dates may move slower or even reverse themselves, meaning they go backward.
Priority dates are essentially placeholders in the green card application line. Each month, the U.S. Department of State calculates how many applications are waiting in each category, helping them estimate when different applicants might be able to move forward. The Visa Bulletin lists two types of dates:
- Dates for Filing: These are the dates listed in the Visa Bulletin. If your priority date is on or before the cut-off date listed for your category, you can take the next step in the application process.
- Final Action Dates: These are the dates that estimate when your application will actually be processed and decided upon. The difference between these two dates roughly reflects the expected USCIS processing time.
Implications for Visa Applicants
- Adjustment of Status: Applicants must use the “Final Action Dates” chart if they are already in the U.S. and applying for adjustment of status.
- Immigrant Visa: Applicants must use the “Dates for Filing” chart if they are outside the U.S. and applying for an immigrant visa.
Recent Policy Changes and Updates
The July 2024 Visa Bulletin brings significant changes and updates in various employment-based (EB) visa categories. These updates are important for applicants waiting for green cards, as they reflect the current demand and availability of immigrant visas. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):
The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2024 may affect certain U.S. government employees applying for special immigrant visas (SIVs) or adjustment of status.
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024
The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2024, signed into law on December 22, 2023, may affect certain U.S. government employees applying for special immigrant visas (SIVs) or adjustment of status.
This law does not impact certain Iraqis and Afghans applying for SQ and SI SIVs. Applicants should contact the consular section at which they filed their Form DS-1884 for further information on the impact of this law on their case.
Visa Bulletin Forecast
The Visa Bulletin will continue to monitor and adjust the final action dates based on demand. It is likely that the EB-3 category will reverse further or become unavailable in August due to high demand.
Resources for Applicants
- S. Department of State Website (https://www.state.gov/): For the latest information on visa processing and the Visa Bulletin.
- S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Website (https://www.uscis.gov/): For information on whether applicants can use the “Dates for Filing” chart.
Conclusion
The U.S. Visa Bulletin for July 2024 provides important information for applicants waiting for green cards. It outlines the availability of immigrant numbers for various categories and the priority dates for filing applications. Applicants should carefully review the charts to understand their eligibility and the procedures for filing.