The June 2024 Visa Bulletin, issued by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, provides key updates and guidelines regarding the issuance of immigrant visas. It is essential for potential immigrants and stakeholders to understand the availability of visas, priority dates, and procedural notices contained within this bulletin. This detailed review will cover significant sections including family-sponsored preferences, employment-based preferences, and the diversity immigrant visa program as outlined in the bulletin.
Highlights of the June 2024 Visa Bulletin
Family-Sponsored Preferences
- Final Action Dates:
- F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens): As of 08 JUL 15 for most countries, 01 JAN 02 for Mexico, and 01 MAR 12 for the Philippines.
- F2A (Spouses and Minor Children of Permanent Residents): Mostly 15 NOV 21, except 01 FEB 21 for Mexico.
- F2B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents, 21 years and older): Dates range from 01 APR 16 to 08 JUL 04 for Mexico and 22 OCT 11 for the Philippines.
- F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens): Dates are as early as 01 MAR 10, with Mexico at 01 DEC 99 and the Philippines at 22 AUG 02.
- F4 (Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens): Dated 22 JUL 07 for most countries, with earlier dates for Mexico (01 FEB 01) and the Philippines (01 DEC 03).
- Dates for Filing Applications:
- F1: Up to 01 SEP 17 for most regions, earlier for Mexico (01 APR 05) and the Philippines (22 APR 15).
- F2A: All regions can file as of 01 SEP 23, indicating a current status.
- F2B: Ranges from 01 JAN 17 for most to 01 NOV 04 for Mexico and 01 OCT 13 for the Philippines.
- F3 and F4: Similar trends with staggered dates indicating longer waiting times for certain countries.
Employment-Based Preferences
- Final Action Dates:
- EB-1: Current for most countries except China (01 SEP 22) and India (01 MAR 21).
- EB-2: Varied dates, with India experiencing significant delays (15 APR 12).
- EB-3: Also varied, with India’s date at 22 AUG 12.
- Other Workers: Dates range as late as 08 OCT 20 for most to 01 MAY 20 for the Philippines.
- EB-4 and Certain Religious Workers: Uniformly set at 01 NOV 20 across all countries.
- Dates for Filing Applications:
- EB-1: Generally current, with specific dates for China and India.
- EB-2 through EB-5: Show varying degrees of availability, with some categories currently allowing for immediate application filing across several regions.
Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV-2024)
- General Allocation: 55,000 visas, reduced by specific allocations like NACARA, with a total of approximately 54,850 available.
- Regional Allocations for June:
- Africa: 57,000 visas with specific country caps.
- Asia: 9,000 visas with lower allocations for Iran and Nepal.
- Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America also have designated numbers, with specific lower caps for countries with high demand or previous high admissions.
Special Notes
- NACARA Adjustments: Impact the number of available diversity visas.
- Anticipated Retrogressions: Noted for EB-2 and EB-3 categories, indicating potential future delays in processing due to high demand.
- Cut-Off Dates for July 2024: Shows increased allocations across several DV regions, hinting at changes in visa demand or regulatory adjustments.
Family-Sponsored Preferences
The bulletin details various categories under family-sponsored preferences, indicating specific numerical limits and priority dates:
- First Preference (F1): 23,400 visas are available for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, plus any unused fourth preference numbers.
- Second Preference (F2A and F2B): This includes 114,200 visas for spouses and children, and unmarried sons and daughters of permanent residents, with specific allocations for F2A (77% of the second preference limit, mostly exempt from the per-country limit) and F2B (23% of the limit).
- Third Preference (F3): 23,400 visas for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
- Fourth Preference (F4): 65,000 visas for brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens.
For June 2024, the final action dates for these preferences show significant backlogs, especially for countries with high immigration rates like Mexico and the Philippines. For instance, the F1 category shows a final action date of January 2002 for Mexico, reflecting a considerable waiting period.
Also Read: Understanding the May 2024 Visa Bulletin: A Guide to U.S. Immigration Policies | VisaVerge
Detailed Analysis of Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Preference Cases
The section “Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Preference Cases” from the June 2024 Visa Bulletin details the priority dates applicable to various family-sponsored visa categories. These dates are crucial for determining when applicants can proceed with their immigrant visa applications. The system is designed to manage the flow of immigrants from different countries, ensuring that the annual limits set by U.S. law are not exceeded.
Explanation of Terminology
- Oversubscribed: A term used when the demand for visas in a category exceeds the available supply for the current month.
- Current (C): This status means there are more visas available than the known demand in that category, allowing all qualified applicants to receive numbers regardless of their priority date.
- Unauthorized (U): Indicates that numbers are not authorized for issuance because the annual limit has been reached.
Visa Availability in Family-Sponsored Categories
Here’s a detailed look at the final action dates for June 2024 across different family-sponsored visa categories:
| Category | All Chargeability Areas Except Listed | China – Mainland born | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 08 JUL 15 | 08 JUL 15 | 08 JUL 15 | 01 JAN 02 | 01 MAR 12 |
| F2A | 15 NOV 21 | 15 NOV 21 | 15 NOV 21 | 01 FEB 21 | 15 NOV 21 |
| F2B | 01 APR 16 | 01 APR 16 | 01 APR 16 | 08 JUL 04 | 22 OCT 11 |
| F3 | 01 MAR 10 | 01 MAR 10 | 01 MAR 10 | 01 DEC 99 | 22 AUG 02 |
| F4 | 22 JUL 07 | 22 JUL 07 | 15 JAN 06 | 01 FEB 01 | 01 DEC 03 |
Analysis of Visa Allocation
- F1 Category: This category is for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens. The table shows a significant backlog, especially for applicants from Mexico and the Philippines, indicating high demand and limited visa availability from these countries.
- F2A Category: For spouses and children of permanent residents. It’s notable that for June 2024, F2A numbers exempt from the per-country limit are authorized for issuance to applicants with priority dates earlier than 01 FEB 21. This provides a more lenient threshold compared to other categories and demonstrates a relatively current status for many countries except Mexico, which has a specific cut-off of 01 FEB 21.
- F2B Category: This involves unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age or older) of permanent residents. The dates range significantly, with Mexico again showing a much earlier cut-off, reflecting longer waiting periods due to higher demand.
- F3 Category: For married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, the dates are substantially backlogged across all countries, with the earliest dates going back to 1999 for Mexico, indicating a very high demand and limited visa slots.
- F4 Category: For brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens, there’s a consistent delay across all regions, with the earliest date for Mexico being in 2001.
The final action dates reflect the complex interplay of supply and demand in family-sponsored immigration to the U.S., with significant variations by country and visa category. These dates are critical for applicants and their families to understand as they navigate the immigration process, helping them to gauge the timeline for when they might move forward with their visa applications. Applicants from countries with earlier priority dates are closer to receiving their visas, while those from countries with later dates may have to wait longer due to higher demand and lower visa availability.
Detailed Analysis of Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications
The section “Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications” from the June 2024 Visa Bulletin offers a structured timeline for when applicants can start the process of filing for their immigrant visas based on their priority dates. This guideline is crucial for those preparing to submit their applications to the U.S. Department of State’s National Visa Center.
Understanding the Chart and Terminology
- Current (C): Indicates that the category is open for all applicants to file their applications, regardless of their priority date.
- Priority Date: This is the date when the immigrant visa petition was filed on behalf of the applicant. It acts as their place in the queue for visa availability.
Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications
The table below represents the earliest dates by which applicants from different countries can start filing their visa applications, based on their priority dates:
| Category | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | China – Mainland born | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 01 SEP 17 | 01 SEP 17 | 01 SEP 17 | 01 APR 05 | 22 APR 15 |
| F2A | 01 SEP 23 | 01 SEP 23 | 01 SEP 23 | 01 SEP 23 | 01 SEP 23 |
| F2B | 01 JAN 17 | 01 JAN 17 | 01 JAN 17 | 01 NOV 04 | 01 OCT 13 |
| F3 | 01 SEP 10 | 01 SEP 10 | 01 SEP 10 | 15 JUN 01 | 08 NOV 03 |
| F4 | 01 MAR 08 | 01 MAR 08 | 15 JUN 06 | 27 APR 01 | 01 JUN 05 |
Analysis
- F1 Category (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens): There is significant variation in the dates, indicating longer wait times for Mexico and the Philippines compared to other regions.
- F2A Category (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents): Remarkably, the category is current for all regions as of September 2023, suggesting that applicants from any country can file their applications as of this date.
- F2B Category (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents, 21 years of age or older): Shows a significant backlog, particularly for Mexico, reflecting the high demand and slower processing.
- F3 Category (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens): This category also shows longer wait times, especially for Mexico and the Philippines, indicative of lower visa availability and higher demand.
- F4 Category (Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens): The backlog is extensive across all countries, with the earliest dates going back more than a decade, highlighting the limited number of visas available versus demand.
The “Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications” section provides crucial data for applicants to understand when they might begin the application process based on their priority date. This system helps manage expectations and preparations for the potentially lengthy waiting periods, especially for those from oversubscribed countries. Applicants are encouraged to check the USCIS website regularly to confirm whether this chart is applicable for filing adjustment of status applications within the U.S. in the current month.
Employment-Based Preferences
The bulletin sets forth the annual limits and details for employment-based preference categories:
- First Preference (EB-1): For priority workers, including outstanding professors, researchers, and multinational executives.
- Second Preference (EB-2): For professionals holding advanced degrees or persons with exceptional ability.
- Third Preference (EB-3): This includes skilled workers and professionals, capped annually, with a set-aside for ‘Other Workers’.
- Fourth and Fifth Preferences (EB-4 and EB-5): For special immigrants and immigrant investors, respectively, with set-asides for investments in rural or high unemployment areas.
As of June 2024, several categories remain current, allowing for immediate processing for approved applicants, while others like EB-2 for India reflect a backlog extending to April 2012.
Detailed Analysis of Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases
The “Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases” in the June 2024 Visa Bulletin outlines the current status of visa availability for various employment-based categories. This information is crucial for foreign nationals seeking U.S. permanent residency through employment, as it indicates when they may proceed with their green card applications.
Key Terminology
- Oversubscribed: This term indicates that the demand for visas in a category exceeds the number of visas available, leading to backlogs.
- Current (C): A category status where visas are available to all qualified applicants regardless of their priority date.
- Unauthorized (U): Indicates that no visas are available for issuance for that category.
Visa Availability in Employment-Based Categories
Here’s a breakdown of the final action dates for June 2024 across different employment-based visa categories:
| Category | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | China – Mainland born | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | C | 01 SEP 22 | 01 MAR 21 | C | C |
| 2nd | 15 JAN 23 | 01 FEB 20 | 15 APR 12 | 15 JAN 23 | 15 JAN 23 |
| 3rd | 22 NOV 22 | 01 SEP 20 | 22 AUG 12 | 22 NOV 22 | 22 NOV 22 |
| Other Workers | 08 OCT 20 | 01 JAN 17 | 22 AUG 12 | 08 OCT 20 | 01 MAY 20 |
| 4th | 01 NOV 20 | 01 NOV 20 | 01 NOV 20 | 01 NOV 20 | 01 NOV 20 |
| Certain Religious Workers | 01 NOV 20 | 01 NOV 20 | 01 NOV 20 | 01 NOV 20 | 01 NOV 20 |
| 5th Unreserved | C | 15 DEC 15 | 01 DEC 20 | C | C |
Analysis
- 1st Category (Priority Workers): This category includes individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors and researchers, and certain multinational executives and managers. The category is current for most regions, except for China and India, indicating backlogs due to high demand from these countries.
- 2nd Category (Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability): There is considerable variation in the backlogs among different countries, with India facing the most significant delays, dating back to April 2012.
- 3rd Category (Skilled Workers and Professionals): Like the 2nd category, backlogs are notable, especially for India, which has a final action date in August 2012.
- Other Workers: Part of the 3rd preference, this subcategory for less skilled workers shows severe backlogs, particularly for China and India.
- 4th Category (Certain Special Immigrants): This category is current for all countries, facilitating faster processing for special immigrants such as religious workers, employees of U.S. foreign service posts, retired employees of international organizations, and others.
- 5th Category (Investors): The EB-5 category, which includes investors who create employment opportunities in the U.S., shows that the unreserved slots are current for most except China and India, where significant delays are evident.
Special Note on NACARA Adjustments
The bulletin also highlights a specific legislative adjustment affecting the “Other Workers” category under the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA). This legislation has resulted in a reduction of available visas from 10,000 to approximately 5,000, which impacts the availability of visas for applicants under this category.
The June 2024 Visa Bulletin provides critical insights into the availability and backlogs of employment-based immigrant visas. It is essential for applicants from oversubscribed countries like India and China to be aware of these dates as they significantly impact their application timelines. Applicants should continuously monitor these dates and prepare their documentation accordingly, anticipating potential delays or advancements in visa availability.
Detailed Analysis of Dates for Filing of Employment-Based Visa Applications
The “Dates for Filing of Employment-Based Visa Applications” section from the June 2024 Visa Bulletin is crucial for applicants ready to file their employment-based visa applications. This segment informs applicants about when they can submit their documentation to the National Visa Center, based on their priority dates.
Understanding Key Aspects
- Current (C): Indicates that applicants can file their applications regardless of their priority date.
- Priority Date: This is the date when the immigrant visa petition was initially filed on behalf of the applicant, establishing their place in the visa queue.
Dates for Filing Employment-Based Visa Applications
The table below illustrates the dates by which applicants from various countries can begin filing their employment-based visa applications, depending on their priority dates:
| Category | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | China – Mainland born | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | C | 01 JAN 23 | 01 APR 21 | C | C |
| 2nd | 15 FEB 23 | 01 JUN 20 | 15 MAY 12 | 15 FEB 23 | 15 FEB 23 |
| 3rd | 01 FEB 23 | 01 JUL 21 | 15 SEP 12 | 01 FEB 23 | 01 JAN 23 |
| Other Workers | 15 DEC 20 | 01 JUN 17 | 15 SEP 12 | 15 DEC 20 | 15 MAY 20 |
| 4th | 01 DEC 20 | 01 DEC 20 | 01 DEC 20 | 01 DEC 20 | 01 DEC 20 |
| Certain Religious Workers | 01 DEC 20 | 01 DEC 20 | 01 DEC 20 | 01 DEC 20 | 01 DEC 20 |
| 5th Unreserved | C | 01 JAN 17 | 01 APR 22 | C | C |
| 5th Set-Asides (Infrastructure – 2%) | C | C | C | C | C |
| 5th Set-Asides (Rural – 20%) | C | C | C | C | C |
| 5th Set Asides (Infrastructure – 2%) | C | C | C | C | C |
Analysis
- 1st Category (Priority Workers): This category is mostly current, allowing for immediate filing, except for China and India, which show some delays.
- 2nd Category (Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability): The delays are significant, particularly for India, dating back to May 2012, indicating a large backlog.
- 3rd Category (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers): Similar to the 2nd category, this category faces substantial backlogs, especially for India.
- 4th Category and Certain Religious Workers: All regions are aligned with the same filing date, showing uniformity in the backlog for these categories.
- 5th Category (Investors): The main category is current for most except China and India, where specific dates indicate when applicants can start filing. The set-asides for Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure are current for all, promoting investments in these specific areas.
The “Dates for Filing of Employment-Based Visa Applications” provides vital data for employment-based visa applicants, outlining when they can initiate their visa application process. The variation in dates across categories and countries reflects the complexities of visa allocation and demand. Applicants should use this information to prepare and submit their applications timely, considering their specific priority dates and the current state of visa availability. Regular updates from the USCIS website are recommended to stay informed about any changes that might affect their filing status.
Diversity Immigrant Visa Program
The Diversity Visa (DV) program for June 2024 allocates up to 55,000 visas to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. The bulletin specifies cut-off numbers for various regions, indicating a diverse geographical spread of visas. Notable allocations include:
- Africa: 57,000 visas, with specific lower allocations for countries like Egypt and Morocco.
- Asia and Europe: Varied numbers with specific exclusions for countries like Nepal, Iran, and Russia due to high demand.
Detailed Analysis of the Diversity Immigrant (DV) Category for June 2024
The “Diversity Immigrant (DV) Category” section of the June 2024 Visa Bulletin provides critical insights into the allocation of Diversity Visas (DVs), also known as Green Card Lottery visas. These visas are designed to diversify the immigrant population in the United States by selecting applicants from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S.
Key Aspects of the DV Category
- Annual Visa Allocation: Up to 55,000 visas are allocated annually, with adjustments made for specific programs like NACARA, reducing the total to approximately 54,850 for DV-2024.
- Geographic Distribution: Visas are divided among six geographic regions, ensuring no single country receives more than 7% of the available diversity visas in any one year.
Visa Allocation by Region for June 2024
The DV visa allocations for June 2024 are detailed by region with specific cut-offs for certain countries, reflecting the demand and allocation strategy:
| Region | Allocation | Specific Country Cut-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Africa | 57,000 | Algeria: 56,950, Egypt: 32,000, Morocco: 41,500 |
| Asia | 9,000 | Iran: 8,500, Nepal: 8,500 |
| Europe | 21,000 | Russia: 20,240, Uzbekistan: 9,000 |
| North America | 15 | (Only Bahamas listed) |
| Oceania | 1,850 | |
| South America and the Caribbean | 2,750 |
Cut-Off Numbers and Their Implications
The cut-off numbers signify that visas are only available to applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbers below the specified allocation cut-off number. This mechanism ensures a controlled distribution of visas among eligible applicants.
Forward-Looking July 2024 Predictions
For July 2024, the allocations adjust upwards, indicating expected changes in demand or adjustments in the allocation strategy:
| Region | Allocation | Specific Country Cut-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Africa | 67,500 | Algeria: 67,250, Egypt: 40,000, Morocco: 52,000 |
| Asia | 13,000 | Iran: 10,250, Nepal: 10,250 |
| Europe | 27,500 | Russia: 24,750, Uzbekistan: 12,000 |
| North America | 20 | (Only Bahamas listed) |
| Oceania | 2,000 | |
| South America and the Caribbean | 3,000 |
The Diversity Visa program’s structured and regionally balanced approach ensures fair chances for applicants from different parts of the world. The specific allocations and cut-offs highlight the program’s goal to diversify the U.S. immigrant population. Applicants must be aware of these numbers and ensure they meet the application requirements before the close of the fiscal year on September 30, 2024, as visas may not be issued past this date. Furthermore, the distribution of visas through a lottery system underlines the randomness and equal opportunity principles of the DV program, making it a unique component of U.S. immigration policy.
Procedural Updates and Legal Considerations
The bulletin underscores important procedural aspects, such as the processing of visas at consular offices and adjustments of status through USCIS. It also discusses the implications of new laws such as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for certain immigrant categories.
Conclusion
The June 2024 Visa Bulletin is a critical document for those involved in the U.S. immigration process, offering detailed insights into visa availability, priority dates, and procedural guidelines across diverse immigrant categories. Applicants and stakeholders are advised to review their specific situations in light of these updates and prepare their documentation accordingly. For the most accurate and updated information, visiting the official USCIS website or consulting with immigration professionals is recommended.
