The United States Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has released the Visa Bulletin for July 2024. This document is essential for individuals seeking to understand the availability of immigrant visas and the priority dates for filing and final actions. This article will break down the bulletin into easily understandable sections, focusing on key dates and information.
Introduction to the Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin provides a monthly update on the availability of immigrant numbers for various visa categories. It includes “Final Action Dates,” which determine when visa applicants can receive their visas, and “Dates for Filing Applications,” which indicate when applicants should submit their documentation to the National Visa Center.
Statutory Numbers for Preference Immigrant Visas
The allocation of immigrant visas is governed by sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). For the fiscal year 2024, the family-sponsored preference immigrant limit is set at 226,000, and the worldwide level for employment-based preference immigrants is at least 140,000. Each country’s limit is 7% of the total annual family-sponsored and employment-based preference limits, equivalent to 25,620 visas. Dependent areas have a limit of 2%, or 7,320 visas.
Family-Sponsored Preferences
The INA prescribes specific categories for family-sponsored immigrant visas:
- First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
- Second Preference (F2): Spouses, children, and unmarried sons and daughters of permanent residents. This is further divided into:
- F2A: Spouses and children of permanent residents.
- F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years or older) of permanent residents.
- Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
- Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens.
Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Preference Cases
The “Final Action Dates” indicate when applicants can receive their visas. For July 2024, the dates are as follows:
- F1: October 22, 2015, for all chargeability areas except Mexico (May 8, 2002) and the Philippines (March 1, 2012).
- F2A: November 15, 2021, for all areas except Mexico (February 1, 2021).
- F2B: May 1, 2016, for all areas except Mexico (July 8, 2004) and the Philippines (October 22, 2011).
- F3: April 1, 2010, for all areas except Mexico (March 1, 2000) and the Philippines (September 8, 2002).
- F4: August 1, 2007, for all areas except India (January 22, 2006), Mexico (February 8, 2001), and the Philippines (February 1, 2004).
Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications
These dates indicate when applicants can begin assembling and submitting their documents:
- F1: September 1, 2017, for all areas except Mexico (April 1, 2005) and the Philippines (April 22, 2015).
- F2A: November 1, 2023, for all chargeability areas.
- F2B: January 1, 2017, for all areas except Mexico (May 1, 2005) and the Philippines (October 1, 2013).
- F3: October 1, 2010, for all areas except Mexico (June 15, 2001) and the Philippines (November 8, 2003).
- F4: March 1, 2008, for all areas except India (June 15, 2006), Mexico (April 28, 2001), and the Philippines (April 1, 2006).
Employment-Based Preferences
The INA also prescribes categories for employment-based immigrant visas:
- First Preference (EB-1): Priority workers.
- Second Preference (EB-2): Members of the professions holding advanced degrees or persons of exceptional ability.
- Third Preference (EB-3): Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
- Fourth Preference (EB-4): Certain special immigrants.
- Fifth Preference (EB-5): Employment creation.
Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases
The “Final Action Dates” for employment-based visas for July 2024 are:
- EB-1: Current for all areas except China (November 1, 2022) and India (February 1, 2022).
- EB-2: March 15, 2023, for all areas except China (March 1, 2020) and India (June 15, 2012).
- EB-3: December 1, 2021, for all areas except China (September 1, 2020) and India (September 22, 2012).
- Other Workers: January 1, 2021, for all areas except China (January 1, 2017), India (September 22, 2012), and Mexico (May 1, 2020).
- EB-4: January 1, 2021, for all areas.
- Certain Religious Workers: January 1, 2021, for all areas.
- EB-5 Unreserved: Current for all areas except China (December 15, 2015) and India (December 1, 2020).
- EB-5 Set-Asides: Current for all areas.
Dates for Filing Employment-Based Visa Applications
The dates for filing employment-based visa applications are:
- EB-1: Current for all areas except China (January 1, 2023) and India (February 8, 2022).
- EB-2: March 22, 2023, for all areas except China (June 1, 2020) and India (June 22, 2012).
- EB-3: February 1, 2023, for all areas except China (July 1, 2021) and India (October 1, 2012).
- Other Workers: January 8, 2021, for all areas except China (June 1, 2017), India (October 1, 2012), and Mexico (May 15, 2020).
- EB-4: February 1, 2021, for all areas.
- Certain Religious Workers: February 1, 2021, for all areas.
- EB-5 Unreserved: Current for all areas except China (January 1, 2017) and India (April 1, 2022).
- EB-5 Set-Asides: Current for all areas.
Diversity Immigrant (DV) Category
The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) program allocates up to 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to persons from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. For July 2024, the following regional lottery rank numbers are applicable:
- Africa: 67,500, except Algeria (67,250), Egypt (40,000), and Morocco (52,000).
- Asia: 13,000, except Iran (10,250) and Nepal (10,250).
- Europe: 27,500, except Russia (24,750) and Uzbekistan (12,000).
- North America (Bahamas): 20.
- Oceania: 2,000.
- South America and the Caribbean: 3,000.
Retrogression in the Employment-Based Third (EB-3) Preference Category
Due to high demand, the worldwide EB-3 final action date has been retrogressed, including for Mexico and the Philippines. Further retrogression or unavailability in August is possible.
Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for U.S. Government Employees
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 may affect certain current and former U.S. Government employees abroad applying for SIVs. This does not impact Iraqis and Afghans applying for SQ and SI SIVs.
Understanding Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Preference Cases
The July 2024 Visa Bulletin provides critical information about the final action dates for family-sponsored preference cases. These dates indicate when the visa numbers are available for issuance to applicants whose priority dates are earlier than the listed dates. If a category is marked as “C” (current), numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants, regardless of their priority date. Conversely, “U” means unauthorized, indicating that numbers are not available for issuance. This bulletin highlights the oversubscription of certain categories, particularly for countries like Mexico and the Philippines, where the demand for visas exceeds the supply.
For instance, in the F1 category (unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens), the final action date is October 22, 2015, for most countries, but significantly earlier for Mexico (May 8, 2002) and the Philippines (March 1, 2012). Similarly, the F2A category (spouses and children of permanent residents) has a final action date of November 15, 2021, for most countries, but February 1, 2021, for Mexico. This differentiation underscores the higher demand and slower visa processing times for these countries. Notably, F2A numbers exempt from the per-country limit are authorized for issuance to applicants from all countries with priority dates earlier than February 1, 2021. This exemption does not apply to Mexico, where all F2A numbers are exempt from the per-country limit, emphasizing the unique demand dynamics in different regions.
Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Preference Cases (July 2024)
| Family-Sponsored Preference | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | China (mainland born) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | October 22, 2015 | October 22, 2015 | October 22, 2015 | May 8, 2002 | March 1, 2012 |
| F2A | November 15, 2021 | November 15, 2021 | November 15, 2021 | February 1, 2021 | November 15, 2021 |
| F2B | May 1, 2016 | May 1, 2016 | May 1, 2016 | July 8, 2004 | October 22, 2011 |
| F3 | April 1, 2010 | April 1, 2010 | April 1, 2010 | March 1, 2000 | September 8, 2002 |
| F4 | August 1, 2007 | August 1, 2007 | January 22, 2006 | February 8, 2001 | February 1, 2004 |
Key Points:
- F1 Category: Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, with a significant backlog for Mexico and the Philippines.
- F2A Category: Spouses and children of permanent residents; numbers are generally available, but there are specific limitations for Mexico.
- F2B Category: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years or older) of permanent residents, with considerable delays for Mexico and the Philippines.
- F3 Category: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, showing extensive wait times, particularly for Mexico and the Philippines.
- F4 Category: Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens, experiencing the longest delays, especially for India, Mexico, and the Philippines.
These final action dates reflect the varying levels of demand across different countries and highlight the challenges faced by applicants from oversubscribed regions.
Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications
The July 2024 Visa Bulletin provides detailed information on the dates for filing family-sponsored visa applications. These dates indicate when applicants can begin the process of submitting their documentation to the National Visa Center. Applicants whose priority dates are earlier than the dates listed below should prepare to submit their required documents. The bulletin emphasizes the importance of acting promptly once the notification from the National Visa Center is received.
The “Dates for Filing Applications” chart is crucial for applicants in oversubscribed categories, as it provides a timeline for when they can move forward with their visa applications. A “C” designation in any category means it is current, allowing all applicants in that category to file their applications regardless of their priority date. This system ensures that the application process remains organized and timely, especially for those from regions with high demand.
Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications (July 2024)
| Family-Sponsored Preference | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | China (mainland born) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | September 1, 2017 | September 1, 2017 | September 1, 2017 | April 1, 2005 | April 22, 2015 |
| F2A | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
| F2B | January 1, 2017 | January 1, 2017 | January 1, 2017 | May 1, 2005 | October 1, 2013 |
| F3 | October 1, 2010 | October 1, 2010 | October 1, 2010 | June 15, 2001 | November 8, 2003 |
| F4 | March 1, 2008 | March 1, 2008 | June 15, 2006 | April 28, 2001 | April 1, 2006 |
Key Points:
- F1 Category: Applicants can file if their priority date is earlier than September 1, 2017, except for Mexico and the Philippines, which have much earlier dates due to higher demand.
- F2A Category: All areas, including Mexico, have the same filing date of November 1, 2023, indicating broad availability for spouses and children of permanent residents.
- F2B Category: Applicants with priority dates earlier than January 1, 2017, can file, with Mexico and the Philippines showing significant delays.
- F3 Category: Filing is allowed for priority dates before October 1, 2010, with longer wait times for applicants from Mexico and the Philippines.
- F4 Category: Filing is permitted for priority dates before March 1, 2008, with India, Mexico, and the Philippines facing the longest delays.
Employment-Based Preferences
Section 203(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) outlines the categories for employment-based immigrant visas, which are divided into five preferences:
- First Preference (EB-1): Priority workers, comprising 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required for the fourth and fifth preferences.
- Second Preference (EB-2): Members of the professions holding advanced degrees or persons of exceptional ability, also accounting for 28.6% of the worldwide level, plus any unused numbers from the first preference.
- Third Preference (EB-3): Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers, make up another 28.6% of the worldwide level, with a cap of 10,000 for “Other Workers.”
- Fourth Preference (EB-4): Certain special immigrants, including religious workers, which account for 7.1% of the worldwide level.
- Fifth Preference (EB-5): Employment creation, also at 7.1% of the worldwide level, with specific set-asides for investments in rural areas (20%), high unemployment areas (10%), and infrastructure projects (2%).
These preferences are designed to allocate visas to immigrants based on their employment qualifications, ensuring that a diverse range of skills and abilities are represented among new immigrants to the United States.
Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases
The July 2024 Visa Bulletin provides critical information on the final action dates for employment-based preference cases. These dates determine when applicants can receive their visas, indicating the latest priority dates for which visas can be issued. If a category is marked “C” (current), numbers are available for issuance to all qualified applicants, regardless of their priority date. Conversely, “U” means unauthorized, indicating no visas are available for issuance in that category.
For instance, the EB-1 category (priority workers) is current for most countries, but for China and India, the dates are November 1, 2022, and February 1, 2022, respectively. The EB-2 category (members of the professions holding advanced degrees or persons of exceptional ability) shows a final action date of March 15, 2023, for most areas, with earlier dates for China (March 1, 2020) and India (June 15, 2012). These differences highlight the varying levels of demand and processing times across different countries, reflecting the unique immigration landscapes and priorities of each region.
Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases (July 2024)
| Employment-Based Preference | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | China (mainland born) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Current | November 1, 2022 | February 1, 2022 | Current | Current |
| EB-2 | March 15, 2023 | March 1, 2020 | June 15, 2012 | March 15, 2023 | March 15, 2023 |
| EB-3 | December 1, 2021 | September 1, 2020 | September 22, 2012 | December 1, 2021 | December 1, 2021 |
| Other Workers | January 1, 2021 | January 1, 2017 | September 22, 2012 | January 1, 2021 | May 1, 2020 |
| EB-4 | January 1, 2021 | January 1, 2021 | January 1, 2021 | January 1, 2021 | January 1, 2021 |
| Certain Religious Workers | January 1, 2021 | January 1, 2021 | January 1, 2021 | January 1, 2021 | January 1, 2021 |
| EB-5 Unreserved | Current | December 15, 2015 | December 1, 2020 | Current | Current |
| EB-5 Set Asides: | |||||
| – Rural (20%) | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| – High Unemployment (10%) | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| – Infrastructure (2%) | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
Key Points:
- EB-1 Category: Current for most areas, with specific cut-off dates for China and India, reflecting high demand.
- EB-2 Category: March 15, 2023, for most areas, with earlier dates for China and India, indicating significant backlogs.
- EB-3 Category: December 1, 2021, for most areas, with China and India facing earlier cut-off dates due to higher demand.
- Other Workers: January 1, 2021, for most areas, with significant delays for China and India.
- EB-4 Category: January 1, 2021, universally, indicating a steady demand.
- Certain Religious Workers: January 1, 2021, for all regions.
- EB-5 Unreserved: Current for most areas, with specific dates for China and India, reflecting the nuances of investment immigration.
- EB-5 Set-Asides: Current for all specified sub-categories, indicating availability for qualified investments.
NACARA Impact on Employment Third Preference Other Workers Category
The Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), passed by Congress in November 1997 and amended by subsequent legislation, affects the Employment Third Preference Other Workers (EW) category. NACARA stipulates that once the EW cut-off date reaches the priority date of the latest EW petition approved before November 19, 1997, the 10,000 EW numbers available annually must be reduced by up to 5,000 each year. This reduction began in Fiscal Year 2002 and continues as necessary to offset adjustments under the NACARA program. For Fiscal Year 2024, this reduction will be approximately 150, ensuring compliance with the legislative requirements while managing the number of available visas.
Dates for Filing Employment-Based Visa Applications
The July 2024 Visa Bulletin includes important information about the dates for filing employment-based visa applications. These dates indicate when applicants can begin assembling and submitting their documents to the National Visa Center. If an applicant’s priority date is earlier than the date listed below, they may proceed with filing their application. This is essential for ensuring timely processing and preparation of necessary documentation.
The “Dates for Filing Applications” chart specifies the timeframe within which applicants can take immediate action. If a category is designated as “C” (current), it means that applications can be filed regardless of the priority date. This chart helps manage the flow of applications, especially for categories with high demand, ensuring a structured and efficient process.
Dates for Filing Employment-Based Visa Applications (July 2024)
| Employment-Based Preference | All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | China (mainland born) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Current | January 1, 2023 | February 8, 2022 | Current | Current |
| EB-2 | March 22, 2023 | June 1, 2020 | June 22, 2012 | March 22, 2023 | March 22, 2023 |
| EB-3 | February 1, 2023 | July 1, 2021 | October 1, 2012 | February 1, 2023 | January 1, 2023 |
| Other Workers | January 8, 2021 | June 1, 2017 | October 1, 2012 | January 8, 2021 | May 15, 2020 |
| EB-4 | February 1, 2021 | February 1, 2021 | February 1, 2021 | February 1, 2021 | February 1, 2021 |
| Certain Religious Workers | February 1, 2021 | February 1, 2021 | February 1, 2021 | February 1, 2021 | February 1, 2021 |
| EB-5 Unreserved | Current | January 1, 2017 | April 1, 2022 | Current | Current |
| EB-5 Set Asides: | |||||
| – Rural (20%) | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| – High Unemployment (10%) | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| – Infrastructure (2%) | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
Key Points:
- EB-1 Category: Current for most areas, with cut-off dates for China and India reflecting high demand.
- EB-2 Category: March 22, 2023, for most areas, with earlier dates for China and India indicating significant backlogs.
- EB-3 Category: February 1, 2023, for most areas, with specific dates for China, India, and the Philippines.
- Other Workers: January 8, 2021, for most areas, with significant delays for China, India, and the Philippines.
- EB-4 and Certain Religious Workers: February 1, 2021, universally, indicating steady demand.
- EB-5 Unreserved and Set Asides: Current for most areas, with specific cut-off dates for China and India, reflecting the nuances of investment immigration.
Diversity Immigrant (DV) Category
The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) program allocates up to 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. The NACARA program impacts this allocation, reducing the annual limit to approximately 54,850 for FY 2024. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2024 will further adjust this number starting FY 2025.
Diversity Visa Availability for July 2024
| Region | DV Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Bahamas) | 20 | None |
| Oceania | 2,000 | None |
| South America and the Caribbean | 3,000 | None |
Key Points:
- Africa: High cut-off numbers except for Algeria, Egypt, and Morocco, indicating varying demand levels within the region.
- Asia: Cut-off numbers reflect significant demand from Iran and Nepal.
- Europe: High cut-off numbers with notable exceptions for Russia and Uzbekistan.
- North America (Bahamas): Low cut-off number, reflecting limited demand.
- Oceania and South America and the Caribbean: Moderate cut-off numbers indicating steady demand.
Diversity Visa Availability for August 2024
| Region | DV Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Africa | 75,000 | Algeria (74,900), Egypt (50,000), Morocco (70,000) |
| Asia | 15,000 | Iran (14,500), Nepal (12,000) |
| Europe | 30,000 | Russia (29,500), Uzbekistan (12,500) |
| North America (Bahamas) | 20 | None |
| Oceania | 2,000 | None |
| South America and the Caribbean | 3,150 | None |
Key Points:
- Africa: Increased cut-off numbers for August, reflecting ongoing demand adjustments.
- Asia: Slightly increased cut-off numbers, with consistent demand from Iran and Nepal.
- Europe: Higher cut-off numbers, with Russia and Uzbekistan still reflecting high demand.
- North America (Bahamas): Steady low cut-off number.
- Oceania and South America and the Caribbean: Moderate cut-off numbers indicating consistent demand.
The July 2024 Visa Bulletin provides essential information for applicants navigating the visa application process. Understanding the dates for filing and final action dates for both family-sponsored and employment-based visas is crucial. Additionally, the Diversity Immigrant Visa category offers opportunities for individuals from underrepresented countries, with specific regional cut-off numbers indicating availability.
Applicants should stay informed and prepare their documentation promptly to ensure a smooth and timely application process. For the latest updates and more detailed information, applicants are encouraged to visit the USCIS website.
