Applying for a green card to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. can be a long, slow, and often frustrating journey. The process involves meeting numerous requirements, submitting extensive documentation, and navigating various stages of review, which can leave applicants feeling anxious to hear back about their case.
The Visa Bulletin offers an important way to stay informed about the progress of applications to help immigrants estimate their waiting time. Keeping track of the Visa Bulletin allows you to manage your expectations and monitor any changes in the availability of green cards. This might offer some clarity and guidance in what can otherwise be an uncertain process.
California immigration lawyers can further clarify and interpret updates in the Visa Bulletin, helping applicants understand their priority dates and what steps they can take to expedite their cases.
What Is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication issued by the U.S. Department of State that provides updates on the availability of immigrant visas for various categories. It informs immigrants about how long they can anticipate waiting before receiving lawful permanent resident status.
The bulletin shows priority dates, which indicate when applicants in certain categories may move forward with the next step in their immigration application process. By checking the Visa Bulletin, immigrants can track the estimated timeframe for their application to be processed and decided upon.
It is an essential resource for those waiting for family-based or employment-based green cards, helping them to stay informed on any potential movement in visa availability.
October 2024 Visa Bulletin
The October 2024 Visa Bulletin marked the start of the U.S. government’s fiscal year and brought slight forward momentum in some employment-based visa categories. In particular, employment-based category 3 (EB-3) for India saw slight advancements, allowing applicants to move closer to obtaining their green cards.
At the same time, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) continued to accept I-485 Adjustment of Status applications early, based on the “Dates for Filing” Chart, which allowed some applicants to secure work and travel permits before their priority dates became current.
However, not all changes were positive this month. For China’s EB-3 category, priority dates were retrogressed, meaning they were pushed back by several months, delaying the timeline for applicants from China to move forward in the immigration process.
November 2024 Visa Bulletin
The November 2024 Visa Bulletin, on the other hand, shows no forward movement from the previous month. This freeze in visa availability affected many categories, particularly applicants from China and India. The Final Action Dates (when a green card can be issued) for these countries remained static across key employment-based categories like EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3.
Contact an Immigration Lawyer Today
At Reeves Immigration Law Group, we take pride in our role in doing everything we can to grant each individual a successful entry into the United States. Whether you are seeking a temporary visa, pursuing permanent residency, or dealing with a complex immigration issue, our experienced immigration lawyers will support you through every step of the process.
Fill out our contact form today to discuss your immigration needs with an immigration attorney. Our California immigration law firm is standing by to help.
