The US Department of State has released the June 2024 Visa Bulletin, bringing encouraging news for Green Card applicants.
The latest bulletin showcases notable advancements in priority dates for most family-based preference categories, signaling a faster pathway to realizing their American dreams.
The Visa Bulletin serves as a vital roadmap for Green Card hopefuls, divided into two crucial sections: Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates. These sections dictate when applicants can submit their applications and the anticipated timeline for processing and approval.
Family-based preferences
The June bulletin reveals substantial progress in most family-based preference categories. Unlike employment-based categories, USCIS will accept cases based on the "Date of Filing Chart" for these categories. Key highlights include:
- F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of US Citizens): Mexico advances to January 1, 2002, while other countries remain unchanged.
- F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents): Dates advance to February 1, 2021, for Mexico and November 15, 2021, for all other countries.
- F2B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21+) of Permanent Residents): Mexico progresses to July 8, 2004, while the rest of the world remains at April 1, 2016.
- F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of US Citizens): This category sees advancement across the board, moving to March 1, 2010, for most countries.
- F4 (Brothers and Sisters of Adult US Citizens): Dates move slightly forward to January 15, 2006.
Employment-based categories
The June bulletin shows no changes in final action dates or dates for filing for employment-based categories (EB-1 through EB-5). However, future bulletins should be closely monitored for any potential changes.
Annual limits
The bulletin highlights annual limits for both family-sponsored (226,000) and employment-based (at least 140,000) preferences. A 7% per-country cap ensures fair distribution of visas.
Applicants should closely monitor "Final Action Dates" to understand when they might be able to proceed with their applications. These dates can change based on visa availability, potentially allowing earlier filings. "Dates for Filing" range from current to specific cut-offs in 2020 and 2022, enabling strategic application filing.
In conclusion, the June 2024 Visa Bulletin offers a beacon of hope for Green Card applicants, particularly those in family-based preference categories. As the US immigration landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for applicants to stay informed and consult with an immigration attorney for personalized guidance on their Green Card journey.
