Visa Bulletin for October 2024
The U.S. Department of State has issued the October 2024 Visa Bulletin, which is crucial for green card applicants as it indicates the latest wait times across various categories.
In the October bulletin, there have been significant shifts in both family- and employment-based categories. Key changes include a one-month advancement for all countries under the F-2A category, a four- to six-month movement in the EB-2 category for all regions, and a seven-month, two-week retrogression for EB-3 applicants from China.
What is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin outlines "priority dates," which serve as placeholders in the green card queue. Each month, the Department of State reviews the number of pending applications in each category to update these timelines, offering an idea of when applicants might be able to move forward in their process.
Dates for Filing: These dates indicate when you can begin the next step in the green card process. If your priority date falls on or before the listed date, you are eligible to proceed.
Final Action Dates: These show when applications will be processed and approved. The gap between the Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates gives an estimate of USCIS processing times.
Next Steps When Your Priority Date is Current:
Adjustment of Status: Applicable if you’re currently in the U.S.
Immigrant Visa Application: For those residing outside the U.S.
Common Visa Bulletin FAQs
What is my priority date? This is typically the date your initial green card application was filed.
What if my country is backlogged? Some countries experience higher demand, leading to longer waits or even backward shifts in priority dates (retrogression).
How long will I need to wait? The Visa Bulletin cannot give a precise timeline. Patterns in past bulletins may offer some guidance.
For a deeper dive into understanding the Visa Bulletin and tracking your category’s priority dates, check out our detailed guide: [How to Read the Visa Bulletin].
Family-Based Green Card Categories
F-1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 and older) of U.S. Citizens
F-2A: Spouses and Children (under 21) of U.S. Green Card Holders
F-2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 and older) of U.S. Green Card Holders
F-3: Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
F-4: Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens
Employment-Based Green Card Categories
EB-1: Priority Workers (Individuals with extraordinary abilities, top researchers, and multinational executives)
EB-2: Advanced Degree Holders and Persons of Exceptional Ability
EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
EB-4: Special Immigrants
EB-5: Investors
Family-Based Green Card Backlogs
| Category | Country | New Cut-Off Date | Old Cut-Off Date | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F-1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 and older) of U.S. Citizens | All Other Areas | 1-Sep-17 | 1-Sep-17 | No Change |
| China | 1-Sep-17 | 1-Sep-17 | No Change | |
| India | 1-Sep-17 | 1-Sep-17 | No Change | |
| Mexico | 1-Oct-05 | 1-Apr-05 | 6 months | |
| Philippines | 22-Apr-15 | 22-Apr-15 | No Change | |
| F-2A: Spouses and Unmarried Children (Under 21) of U.S. Green Card Holders | All Other Areas | 15-Jul-24 | 15-Jun-24 | 1 month |
| China | 15-Jul-24 | 15-Jun-24 | 1 month | |
| India | 15-Jul-24 | 15-Jun-24 | 1 month | |
| Mexico | 15-Jul-24 | 15-Jun-24 | 1 month | |
| Philippines | 15-Jul-24 | 15-Jun-24 | 1 month |
Employment-Based Green Card Backlogs
| Category | Country | New Cut-Off Date | Old Cut-Off Date | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1: Priority Workers | All Other Areas | Current | Current | No Change |
| China | 1-Jan-23 | 1-Jan-23 | No Change | |
| India | 15-Apr-22 | 8-Feb-22 | 2 months, 1 week | |
| Mexico | Current | Current | No Change | |
| Philippines | Current | Current | No Change |
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