The US Visa Bulletin for September 2024, released earlier this month, reveals extended waiting times for employment-based green cards, particularly in the EB-3 category. This category, which includes skilled workers and professionals, has seen significant retrogression across most countries, delaying the processing timelines for many applicants.
Key changes and delays
The bulletin indicates that for most countries, including Mexico and the Philippines, the priority date for the EB-3 category has been pushed back to December 1, 2020, leading to a one-year delay.This retrogression means that applicants who were previously closer to receiving their green cards will now face a longer wait.
In contrast, applicants from India and China in the EB-3 category have not experienced the same setback and maintain their current priority dates. The EB-1 category, which covers priority workers, also remains stable for India and China, with priority dates holding at February 1, 2022, and November 1, 2022, respectively.
Understanding the Visa bulletin
The Visa Bulletin, issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), distinguishes between “dates for filing” and “final action dates.” These dates are crucial for applicants to understand, as they dictate when they can submit their applications and when they might expect their cases to be processed.
Final action dates: These dates represent the cut-off point for when an application might be approved, paving the way for permanent residency.
Dates for filing: These dates indicate when applicants can submit their adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications.
Impact on applicants
The retrogression in the EB-3 category highlights the ongoing challenges in the US immigration system, particularly the growing backlog of applications. As demand for green cards continues to rise, the processing times have lengthened, affecting thousands of applicants who must now wait even longer for their cases to be resolved.
Looking ahead
For those impacted by the changes in the Visa Bulletin, staying informed and proactive is essential. Consulting with immigration professionals and closely monitoring future updates from USCIS will be crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of US immigration.
The September 2024 Visa Bulletin serves as a reminder of the complexities of the immigration process and the importance of planning and patience for those seeking to secure permanent residency in the United States.
Key changes and delays
The bulletin indicates that for most countries, including Mexico and the Philippines, the priority date for the EB-3 category has been pushed back to December 1, 2020, leading to a one-year delay.This retrogression means that applicants who were previously closer to receiving their green cards will now face a longer wait.
In contrast, applicants from India and China in the EB-3 category have not experienced the same setback and maintain their current priority dates. The EB-1 category, which covers priority workers, also remains stable for India and China, with priority dates holding at February 1, 2022, and November 1, 2022, respectively.
Understanding the Visa bulletin
The Visa Bulletin, issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), distinguishes between “dates for filing” and “final action dates.” These dates are crucial for applicants to understand, as they dictate when they can submit their applications and when they might expect their cases to be processed.
Final action dates: These dates represent the cut-off point for when an application might be approved, paving the way for permanent residency.
Dates for filing: These dates indicate when applicants can submit their adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications.
Impact on applicants
The retrogression in the EB-3 category highlights the ongoing challenges in the US immigration system, particularly the growing backlog of applications. As demand for green cards continues to rise, the processing times have lengthened, affecting thousands of applicants who must now wait even longer for their cases to be resolved.
Looking ahead
For those impacted by the changes in the Visa Bulletin, staying informed and proactive is essential. Consulting with immigration professionals and closely monitoring future updates from USCIS will be crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of US immigration.
The September 2024 Visa Bulletin serves as a reminder of the complexities of the immigration process and the importance of planning and patience for those seeking to secure permanent residency in the United States.
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