The U.S. Department of State has issued the June 2024 Visa Bulletin, bringing encouraging updates for Green Card applicants. This month’s bulletin reveals significant advancements in priority dates for most family-based preference categories.
Key Updates for Green Card Applicants
Visa Bulletin Overview
The Visa Bulletin is a crucial resource for Green Card applicants, split into two main sections: Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates. These sections help determine when applicants can submit their applications and the expected timeline for processing and approval.
Dates for Filing: The earliest you can submit your application based on your visa category and country of origin.
Final Action Dates: The estimated timeframe for when your application might be processed and approved.
Green Card Process
Applicants already in the U.S. can file for Adjustment of Status, while those outside the U.S. can apply for an Immigrant Visa. The June 2024 Visa Bulletin provides guidance for both pathways, ensuring applicants are well-prepared for their next steps.
Family-Based Preferences
June’s bulletin shows positive progress in most family-based preference categories. The USCIS will accept cases based on the “Date of Filing Chart” for these categories. Here’s a breakdown:
F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens): Dates remain unchanged for most countries, with Mexico advancing to January 1, 2002.
F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents): Dates advance to February 1, 2021, for Mexico and November 15, 2021, for all other countries.
F2B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21+) of Permanent Residents):
Dates for Mexico progress to July 8, 2004, while the rest of the world stays at April 1, 2016. The Philippines remained unchanged on October 22, 2011.
F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens):
This category sees advancement to March 1, 2010, for most countries, December 1, 1999, for Mexico, and August 22, 2002, for the Philippines.
F4 (Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens):
Dates move slightly forward to January 15, 2006.
Employment-Based Categories
The June bulletin shows no changes in final action dates or dates for filing for employment-based categories (EB-1 through EB-5). Future bulletins should be monitored for any potential changes.
Annual Limits
The bulletin highlights annual limits for both family-sponsored (226,000) and employment-based (at least 140,000) preferences. A 7% per-country cap ensures fair distribution of visas.
Monitoring Dates
Applicants should closely monitor “Final Action Dates” to understand when they can proceed with their applications, as these dates can change based on visa availability. “Dates for Filing” range from current to specific cut-offs in 2020 and 2022, allowing for strategic application filing.
The Visa Bulletin is updated monthly. Stay informed and consult with an immigration attorney for personalized guidance on your Green Card journey.
