The US Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for October 2024. This bulletin includes important Visa Bulletin changes for those affected by the green card backlog. We understand that waiting for a green card can be stressful. That’s why we created this blog post. Our goal is to keep you informed and make the process easier.
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What You Need to Know: October 2024 Visa Bulletin Changes
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly update from the Department of State. It shows visa availability and important priority dates. Understanding this bulletin is crucial for managing your green card application or adjustment of status. The October 2024 Visa Bulletin brings several key updates, particularly concerning the green card backlog and priority dates.
Navigating the U.S. immigration process requires staying updated with the latest Visa Bulletin releases. The October 2024 Visa Bulletin introduces significant changes that could impact your green card application. Here’s an in-depth look at the latest green card backlog news, priority dates, and what these updates mean for you.
The green card news latest news today shows significant delays in processing times for many applicants. Recent news shows that priority dates for green cards have changed, impacting applicants from many countries.
October 2024 Visa Bulletin Key Notes
The Visa Bulletin has priority dates. Priority dates are your place in line for your green card application. The U.S. Department of State reviews the number of pending applications in each category. This helps them decide when people can move forward each month.
Below are two important dates in the Visa Bulletin. The difference between these two dates gives you a rough idea of how long your visa application process might take:
- Final Action Dates Chart: These dates show when your visa application will be reviewed. The review depends on your category and country. (When your visa can be finalized based on the priority date).
- Dates for Filing Chart: You can continue with your visa application if your priority date is on or before the cut-off date. This cut-off date is specific to your category and country, as shown in the Filing chart. (When you can submit your visa based on the priority date).
You have two options when your priority date is current:
- You can proceed with your adjustment of status application if you're already living in the United States.
- You can apply for an Immigrant Visa If you live outside the United States.
Managing Important Monthly Visa Bulletin Changes
Visa Bulletin changes can sometimes disrupt your immigration plans, but there are ways to manage these hurdles.
Visa Bulletin Retrogression
Visa Bulletin changes are often unpredictable, including instances of visa retrogression. This means that the bulletin may move backward or forward, impacting your green card wait time. It’s essential to monitor the Visa Bulletin closely to plan your next steps.
Handling Unavailability of Visas
If visas are not available, you can still file a mandamus lawsuit to expedite your application. A Writ of Mandamus helps compel the government to decide on your visa application if it's been delayed excessively.
While it doesn’t change the availability of visas, it can help move your case forward. Consult with a Boston mandamus immigration lawyer to understand how this might impact your specific situation.
How India Green Card News Impacts Your Application Process
If you're applying for a green card from India, make sure to keep up with the changes in the October 2024 Visa Bulletin. Staying updated on the visa bulletin changes and green card India news is key to knowing where you stand and preparing for future delays. Monthly changes could impact how long you’ll wait for approval.
- Impact of Shifting EB1 and EB2 Priority Dates for India:
Recently, both the EB1 priority date India and EB2 priority date India have been shifting, causing delays that worry applicants. This comes from the latest green card news India, where backlogs continue to affect processing times.
- Rising EB1 Wait Times India: What It Means for EB1A and EB1C Applicants:
Specifically, the EB1 wait time India has gone up, adding to concerns for those in the EB1A category, such as applicants with extraordinary abilities. Keeping an eye on the EB1A priority date and EB1C priority date India is also crucial for applicants looking to adjust their status.
- H1B to Green Card: Latest News and Delays to Watch for Indian Applicants:
If you’re currently on an H1B visa and looking to apply for a green card, tracking the H1B green card news is essential, as shifts in green card: latest news today could directly affect your case.
- F4 Visa Processing Delays: A Growing Concern for Indian Families:
The same goes for families waiting on F4 visa processing time, as that category has also seen long delays. Check your GC priority date regularly. This helps you stay informed. The news about green cards in India is always changing.
Family-Sponsored Categories
Here’s a quick overview of October 2024 key Visa Bulletin changes for family-sponsored categories:
Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored: Summary
Refer below for a quick snapshot of the October 2024 Visa Bulletin changes compared to September 2024 Visa Bulletin:
- F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens): No movement for most countries except Mexico (advanced by 7 months, 238 days).
- F2A (Spouses/Children of Permanent Residents): Moved by 1 week for most countries, except Mexico (advanced by 1 month, 35 days).
- F2B (Unmarried Adult Children of Permanent Residents): No movement except for Mexico (advanced by 6 months, 184 days).
- F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens): No movement except for Mexico (advanced by 5 months, 174 days).
- F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens): No movement except for India (advanced by 1 month, 38 days) and Mexico (advanced by 2 weeks).
Dates for Filing for Family-Sponsored Preference Cases: Summary
There have been changes to the filing dates for Family-Sponsored Preference Cases in the October 2024 Visa Bulletin.
- F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens): No movement for most countries, except Mexico (advanced by 6 months, 183 days).
- F2A (Spouses/Children of Permanent Residents): Moved forward by 1 month, 30 days for all countries.
- F2B (Unmarried Adult Children of Permanent Residents): No movement for most countries, except Mexico (advanced by 3 months, 92 days).
- F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens): Advanced by 6 months, 181 days for most countries, including Philippines (6 months, 182 days), except for Mexico (no movement).
- F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens): No movement for most countries, except Philippines (advanced by 4 months, 122 days).
Visa Bulletin Family-Sponsored Preference Cases Charts
The tables below show detailed updates of all Visa Bulletin changes in each F category for various foreign nations:
Employment-Based Categories
Here’s a quick summary of key USCIS Visa Bulletin changes in the cut-off dates. Here's a simple look at the main updates for employment based immigrant visas and what you need to know:
Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases: Summary
We’ve provided a quick overview of the important Visa Bulletin changes compared to the September Visa Bulletin 2024. All categories remained unchanged from the previous month, except for the following:
- 1st Preference: Current for most countries, except China (advanced by 1 week) and India (unchanged).
- 2nd Preference: No movement for most countries, except China (advanced by 3 weeks).
- 3rd Preference: Moved forward for most countries by 23 months, 714 days, except China (retrogressed by 5 months, 153 days) and India (advanced by 10 days).
- Other Workers: No movement except Philippines (advanced by 7 months, 214 days) and India (advanced by 10 days).
- 4th Preference: No movement across all countries.
- Certain Religious Workers: No more visas available for all countries.
- 5th Unreserved (C5, T5, I5, R5): Current for most countries, except China (advanced by 7 months, 213 days) and India (advanced by 13 months, 396 days).
- 5th Set Aside (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure): All countries are current.
Dates for Filing for Employment-Based Preference Cases: Summary
The October 2024 Visa Bulletin has important updates. These updates are of importance for professionals and other workers. You should pay attention to them if you belong to these groups:
- 1st Preference: Current for most countries, except India (advanced by 2 months, 66 days) and China (unchanged).
- 2nd Preference: Advanced by 4 months, 132 days for most countries, except China (advanced by 4 months, 122 days) and India (advanced by 5 months, 163 days).
- 3rd Preference: Advanced by 1 month, 28 days for most countries, except China (retrogressed by 7 months, 228 days) and India (advanced by 7 months, 219 days).
- Other Workers: Advanced by 4 months, 134 days for most countries, except Philippines (advanced by 12 months, 372 days), China (advanced by 7 months, 214 days), and India (advanced by 7 months, 212 days).
- 4th Preference and Certain Religious Workers: No movement for all countries.
- 5th Unreserved (C5, T5, I5, R5): Current for most countries, except China (retrogressed by 3 months, 92 days) and India (unchanged).
- 5th Set Aside (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure): All countries are current.
Visa Bulletin Dates for Employment-Based Preference Preference Cases Charts
The tables below show detailed updates in the October 2024 Visa Bulletin for each Employment category for various foreign nations:
Stay Updated on the Latest Visa Bulletin Changes
Don’t miss out on the latest Visa Bulletin updates! We will discuss a monthly breakdown to help you understand how changes may affect your immigration plans. Sign up for our newsletter to get monthly updates about the monthly Visa Bulletin Live Event from Immigration Station!
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