USA Green Card Updates: Major Advancements for Indian Applicants
The July 2024 Visa Bulletin reveals significant updates for USA Green Card applicants, with both expected and surprising shifts in visa categories. The US State Department has notably retrogressed the EB-3 All Other Countries category more than anticipated. Despite predictions, the EB-2 All Other Countries category did not retrogress, even with just two months left in the fiscal year.
Major Leap for India in USA Green Card EB-1 Category
In a surprising move, India saw a substantial advancement in the EB-1 category. The date leaped forward by 11 months, now standing at February 1, 2022. This is a significant progression for applicants in this category. In contrast, the EB-2 category for India advanced modestly by two months, reaching June 15, 2012.
Modest Movements in Other USA Green Card Categories for India
The EB-3 Professional and EB-3 Other Workers categories for India showed minimal progress. Both advanced by just one month, now at September 22, 2012. These changes highlight both predicted adjustments and unexpected movements, underscoring the dynamic nature of visa category updates.
Dates for Filing USA Green Card Applications
The Dates for Filing 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
Final Action Dates estimate the wait time for application approval, leading to permanent residency. These dates function as a queue based on visa category and nationality, indicating when applicants can expect their applications to be processed. To file in July 2024, applicants must have an application date preceding the specific date listed for their category and country in the bulletin.
Significance of Final Action Dates
Final Action Dates are crucial in the application processing. These dates vary depending on the visa type and nationality. They directly impact the duration of the green card application process and potential wait times. Understanding and monitoring these dates is essential for individuals navigating the USA Green Card application process.
Highlights from the May 2024 Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin provides critical information for family-sponsored USA Green Card applicants. It outlines preference categories, helping navigate the Green Card process effectively.
Family-Sponsored Categories
The categories for family-sponsored immigrants include:
- First Preference (F1): Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
- Second Preference (F2): Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents
- F2A: Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents
- F2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age 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
The bulletin details the allocation of immigrant visas, primarily based on priority dates and demand received by April 1st of each fiscal year. Oversubscribed categories are determined by the priority date of the first applicant who couldn’t be accommodated within the numerical limits.
Limits and Allocations for Family-Sponsored Preferences
For fiscal year 2024, the limit for family-sponsored preference immigrants is set at 226,000. Specific allocations are provided for each preference category. Per-country limits are 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.
Employment-Based Preferences
The allocation of immigrant visas in the employment-based preference categories ensures a balanced distribution among various types of skilled and unskilled workers, professionals, and investors.
Employment-Based USA Green Card Categories
- Priority Workers: Includes individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors, researchers, and multinational executives or managers. This category receives 28.6% of the global employment-based preference level.
- Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees: Allotted 28.6% of the global employment-based preference level, covering individuals with advanced degrees and exceptional abilities.
- Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers: Receives 28.6% of the worldwide level, including skilled workers, professionals, and “Other Workers” performing unskilled labor.
- Certain Special Immigrants: Allocated 7.1% of the global level, including religious workers and certain employees of U.S. foreign service posts.
- Employment Creation: Receives 7.1% of the global level, ensuring targeted investment and job creation in specific areas.
Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preferences
Final Action Dates for employment-based preferences vary, reflecting the dynamic nature of visa category updates. For India, the EB-1 category stands at February 1, 2022, EB-2 at June 15, 2012, and EB-3 at September 22, 2012.
Understanding these intricacies is crucial for navigating the USA Green Card 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.