US Visa Bulletin for Nov out: Check details

The U.S. Department of State released its Visa Bulletin for November 2024. This monthly update is important if you’re waiting for a green card because it shows how long you might have to wait.In November, there were changes in all family-based categories, except in the F-2A category. The biggest change was in the F-4 category for India, which saw an 11-month, 1-week change.There were no changes in wait times for the employment-based categories.Highlights from the November 2024 Visa BulletinIn the November Visa Bulletin released by the State Department, the Final Action cutoff dates for India are set as follows: For the EB-1 category, the date is February 1, 2022; for EB-2, it is July 15, 2012; and for EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers, the cutoff is November 1, 2012. The EB-3 Other Workers category also holds at November 1, 2012. Additionally, for the EB-5 Unreserved categories, the date remains January 1, 2022. These dates outline the waiting periods for Indian applicants seeking immigrant visas and adjustments of status.The Visa Bulletin outlines preference categories for family-sponsored immigrants, providing critical information for navigating the Green Card process. The categories are as follows:First Preference (F1): Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. CitizensSecond Preference (F2): Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent ResidentsF2A: Spouses and Children of Permanent ResidentsF2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent ResidentsThird Preference (F3): Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. CitizensFourth Preference (F4): Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. CitizensThe bulletin provides detailed insights into the allocation of immigrant visas, primarily based on priority dates and demand received by April 1st of each fiscal year. When demand surpasses the available visas in a particular category or country, that category is classified as oversubscribed. In such cases, the final action date for oversubscribed categories is determined by the priority date of the first applicant who couldn't be accommodated within the numerical limits.For the fiscal year 2024, the limit for family-sponsored preference immigrants is set at 226,000, with specific allocations for each preference category. Additionally, there are per-country limits set at 7% of the total annual family-sponsored and employment-based preference limits. Immigrant visas are issued in order of priority based on the filing date of the petition.Spouses and children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status and consideration as the principal applicant. In instances where visa issuances surpass the per-country limit, visa prorating provisions come into effect for oversubscribed chargeability areas, including China (mainland born), India, Mexico, and the Philippines. These provisions ensure fair allocation of visas among applicants from different countries.Understanding these intricacies is crucial for individuals navigating the immigrant visa process. The Visa Bulletin serves as a vital tool, providing essential information about visa availability and processing times, helping applicants plan their immigration journey effectively.Understanding the Visa Bulletin is crucial for individuals seeking Green Cards, as it provides vital information about the timeline for adjusting immigration status and eligibility based on application submission. The bulletin acts as a guide for the Green Card journey, featuring two essential sections.Dates for Filing: This section specifies the earliest date applicants can submit their adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications. It helps applicants determine when they can proceed with their filing based on their visa category and country of origin.Final Action Dates: These dates estimate the wait time for application approval, leading to permanent residency. They function as a queue based on visa category and nationality, indicating when applicants can expect their applications to be processed.The significance of final action dates lies in their role in application processing. These dates vary depending on the visa type and nationality, directly impacting the duration of the green card application process and potential wait times. Understanding and monitoring these dates is essential for individuals navigating the Green Card application process.FAMILY-SPONSORED GREEN CARDS: FINAL ACTION DATESFamily-SponsoredINDIAF122 October, 2015 (unchanged)F2A1 January, 2022 (was November 22, 2021)F2B1 May, 2016 (unchanged)F315 April, 2010 (was April 1, 2010)F48 March, 2006 ( was 1 March, 2006)FAMILY-SPONSORED GREEN CARDS: DATES FOR FILINGFamily-SponsoredINDIAF11 September, 2017 (unchanged)F2A15 July, 2024 (unchanged)F2B1 January, 2017 (unchanged)F322 April, 2012 (was 1 July, 2011)F401 August, 2006 (Was June 15, 2006)Employment-based preferencesThe allocation of immigrant visas in the employment-based preference categories is structured to ensure a balanced distribution among various types of skilled and unskilled workers, professionals, and investors. Understanding these categories and their allocation percentages is crucial for individuals seeking employment-based immigrant visas.1. Priority Workers: This category receives 28.6% of the global employment-based preference level. It includes:Individuals with extraordinary abilities in their fieldOutstanding professors and researchersMultinational executives or managersAdditionally, any surplus numbers not used for the fourth and fifth preferences may also be allocated here.2. Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Individuals of Exceptional Ability: This category is also allotted 28.6% of the global employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required by the first preference. It covers:Individuals with advanced degreesIndividuals with exceptional abilities in their respective fields3. Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers: This category receives 28.6% of the worldwide level, along with any numbers not required by the first and second preferences. It includes:Skilled workers and professionals"Other Workers" performing unskilled labor, with a cap of 10,000 visas4. Certain Special Immigrants: This category is allocated 7.1% of the global level and includes:Religious workersCertain employees of U.S. foreign service postsIndividuals who have served in the U.S. armed forces5. Employment Creation: This category also receives 7.1% of the global level. It is further divided to ensure targeted investment and job creation:20% for qualified immigrants investing in rural areas10% for those investing in high-unemployment areas2% for those investing in infrastructure projectsThe remaining 68% is unrestricted and available to all other eligible investorsThese employment-based preference categories are designed to attract a diverse pool of talented individuals to the United States, fostering economic growth and innovation. By understanding these allocation percentages and categories, applicants can better navigate the U.S. immigration system and plan their visa applications accordingly.EMPLOYMENT-BASED GREEN CARDS: FINAL ACTION DATESEmployment-basedINDIA1st1 February, 2022(unchanged)2nd15 July, 2012 (unchanged)3rd1 November, 2012 (unchanged)Other Workers1 November, 2012 (unchanged)4th1 January, 2021 (unchanged)Certain Religious Workers1 January, 20215th Unreserved(including C5, T5, I5, R5)1 January, 2022( unchanged)5th Set Aside: Rural (20%)Current5th Set Aside: High Unemployment (10%)Current5th Set Aside: Infrastructure (2%)CurrentEMPLOYMENT-BASED GREEN CARDS: DATES FOR FILINGEmployment-basedINDIA1st15 April, 2022( was 15 April, 2022)2nd1 January, 2013 (unchanged)3rd8 June, 2013 (unchanged)Other Workers8 June, 2013 (unchanged)4th1 February, 2021 (unchanged)Certain Religious Workers1 February, 2021 (unchanged)5th Unreserved(including C5, T5, I5, R5)1 April 2022 (unchanged)5th Set Aside:(Rural - 20%)Current5th Set Aside:(High Unemployment - 10%)Current5th Set Aside:(Infrastructure - 2%)Current100471170