The U.S. Department of State has released the December 2024 Visa Bulletin, providing critical updates for those navigating the green card process through employment-based and family-sponsored categories. This monthly bulletin outlines the priority dates for applicants and serves as a guide for those waiting to adjust their immigration status or obtain an immigrant visa. US December 2024 Visa Bulletin: Updates on Employment-Based and Family-Sponsored. Here's an in-depth look at what the December bulletin reveals and how it may impact green card applicants.
US December 2024 Visa Bulletin: Updates on Employment-Based and Family-Sponsored
Understanding the Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin is divided into two main sections:
Family-Sponsored Preferences: For relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs).
Employment-Based Preferences: For workers and professionals sponsored by U.S. employers.
Each category operates under a quota system, which means visas are issued based on the availability of visa numbers and applicants' priority dates.
Key Terms You Need to Know
Priority Date: The date an applicant's petition was filed. This determines their place in the queue.
Final Action Dates: When visas can be issued, or adjustments of status can be approved.
Dates for Filing: When applicants can submit their documentation and begin the visa process.
Employment-Based Green Cards: December 2024 Insights
EB-1: Priority Workers
Current Status: The EB-1 category remains current for most countries, meaning there is no backlog.
Notable Exception: Applicants from India and China face a priority date cutoff.
India: Cutoff date advanced to January 1, 2024.
China: Cutoff date remains at February 15, 2023.
EB-2: Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability
Worldwide: Current, except for backlogged countries.
India: Priority date remains backlogged at June 15, 2012.
China: No significant change; the cutoff date is October 1, 2019.
EB-3: Skilled Workers and Professionals
Worldwide: Current for most countries.
India: Modest progress, with a new cutoff at September 8, 2014.
China: Cutoff date remains at December 1, 2019.
Other Workers
The category continues to experience delays across the board, with longer wait times for oversubscribed countries.
EB-5: Investor Visas
Direct Investment Pathway: Remains current for most applicants.
India and China: Priority dates for non-regional center applications remain backlogged.
Family-Sponsored Green Cards: December 2024 Insights
F1: Unmarried Adult Children of U.S. Citizens
Worldwide: Modest movement forward, now at December 22, 2017.
Mexico and Philippines: Significantly backlogged, with dates at March 1, 2001, and October 1, 2012, respectively.
F2A: Spouses and Minor Children of LPRs
This category remains current for all countries.
F2B: Unmarried Adult Children of LPRs
Worldwide: New cutoff date at August 15, 2018.
Mexico: Substantially delayed, still at April 1, 2001.
F3: Married Children of U.S. Citizens
Worldwide: Small progress, now at October 15, 2011.
Mexico and Philippines: Remain heavily backlogged, with priority dates of April 22, 1997, and January 1, 2002, respectively.
F4: Siblings of U.S. Citizens
Worldwide: Cutoff at July 15, 2007.
India: Modest movement to March 8, 2007.
Key Observations in December 2024 Visa Bulletin
Employment-Based Categories Show Mixed Progress:
EB-1 remains favorable for most applicants, but EB-2 and EB-3 for India and China continue to see delays.
Family-Based Categories Stagnate for Oversubscribed Countries:
Countries like Mexico and the Philippines face severe backlogs, particularly in the F3 and F4 categories.
Priority for High-Skilled Workers:
The U.S. continues to prioritize employment-based categories, particularly EB-1 and EB-5, for global competitiveness.
Minimal Changes for Family Visas:
Apart from F2A, which remains current, other categories show slow or no movement.
What This Means for Applicants
Employment-Based Applicants
For India and China: Patience remains key due to long backlogs. Alternative options like EB-1 or EB-5 may be worth exploring.
For Other Countries: Opportunities for faster processing are available.
Family-Based Applicants
Oversubscribed Countries: Consider exploring other immigration pathways due to extended wait times.
Immediate Relatives: U.S. citizens can sponsor spouses and children without priority date restrictions.
How to Stay Updated
Check the Visa Bulletin monthly on the U.S. Department of State website.
Monitor the USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing Chart to know whether to use Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing.
Consult with an immigration attorney or service provider for personalized guidance.
Conclusion
The December 2024 Visa Bulletin highlights ongoing challenges and opportunities for green card applicants. While employment-based categories offer some mobility, family-sponsored green cards face significant delays, particularly for applicants from heavily backlogged countries. Staying informed and proactive is essential for navigating the U.S. immigration process effectively.
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