Find the August 2024 Visa Bulletin Changes and Insights Here!

Understanding the Visa Bulletin Categories

To understand the July 2024 Visa Bulletin changes clearly, we must first look at what each visa category means:

Each visa category type has its rules about who qualifies and when you can get a visa based on Visa Bulletin changes made to priority dates. 

Family-sponsored Categories

• F1 - Visa for unmarried unmarried sons and daughters (21 years or older) of US citizens.
• F2A - Visa for spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of permanent residents.
• F2B - Visa for unmarried adult children (21 or older) of permanent residents.
• F3 - Visa for married children of US citizens.
• F4 - Visa for siblings of adult US citizens.

Employment-Based Categories

• EB-1 - For top professionals with exceptional skills, outstanding professors, and multinational executives.
• EB-2 - For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional skills.
• EB-3 - For skilled workers, professionals, and others with less advanced qualifications.
• EB-4 - For special immigrants, like religious workers, broadcasters, and employees of international organizations.
• EB-5 Unreserved (Regional Center and Non-Regional Center) - For investors who create jobs by investing in new businesses. They may invest individually or through regional centers.
• EB-5 Set-Asides - Reserved for specific purposes, like rural development, high unemployment areas, and infrastructure projects.

Visa Bulletin Changes Explained

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly report from the Department of State that's important if you're thinking about moving to the United States. It tells you when you can apply for visas or change your residency status. 

Visa Bulletin Key Notes

The Visa Bulletin has priority dates. Priority dates are your place in line for your green card application. The United States Department of State looks at how many applications are waiting in each category to figure out when different people might get to move forward every 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 processed and decided upon for your category and country. (When your visa can be finalized based on the priority date).

• Dates for Filing chart: You can take the next step in the visa application process if your priority date is on or before the date listed (cut-off date) for your category and country. (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.

It's important to know that Visa Bulletin changes are unpredictable. It’s important to understand what visa retrogression means and why it happens because the bulletin can move backward (retrogress) or forward at any given month. Be sure to watch monthly updates closely so you can plan your move to the United States.