John Burson  edited Thursday, November 14, 2024

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November 2024 U.S. Visa Bulletin: Key Dates & Updates

U.S. Department of State Announces Final Action and Filing Dates for Family and Employment-Based Immigrant Visas

Quick Takeaways

• Visa Bulletin Released: November 2024 updates available.
• Final Action & Filing Dates: Key for visa eligibility and application timing.
• Family-Sponsored Visas: F1 to F4 categories with specific priority dates.
• Employment-Based Visas: EB-1 & EB-5 current; EB-2, EB-3 have backlogs.
• DV Program Reduced: Annual limit decreased to ~51,350 visas.
• Special Categories Extended: Religious Workers visas valid until Dec 19, 2024.

The November 2024 Visa Bulletin, issued by the United States Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, provides critical updates on the availability of immigrant visa numbers for family-sponsored and employment-based preferences. This bulletin outlines the "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing Applications," guiding applicants on when to proceed with their visa applications.

Final Action Dates and Filing Dates

The Visa Bulletin for November 2024 details the priority dates that determine when applicants can receive their visas. For those filing for adjustment of status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it is essential to refer to the “Final Action Dates” charts to understand eligibility. USCIS may also allow the use of “Dates for Filing Visa Applications” if additional immigrant visas become available. For more detailed information, refer to the full Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State.

Family-Sponsored Preference Categories

The family-sponsored preferences are categorized into four classes:

1. F1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
   Final Action Date: October 22, 2015 (All Chargeability Areas)
2. F2: Spouses and Children (F2A) and Unmarried Sons and Daughters (F2B) of Permanent Residents
   F2A (Spouses and Children): January 1, 2022
   F2B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters): May 1, 2016
3. F3: Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
   Final Action Date: April 15, 2010
4. F4: Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens
   Final Action Date: August 1, 2007

For filing purposes, applicants in the family-sponsored categories can submit their applications if their priority dates are earlier than the specified dates in the "Dates for Filing" section. Notably, F2A applicants from Mexico are exempt from the per-country limit, enhancing their chances of visa approval.

Employment-Based Preference Categories

Employment-based visas are divided into five preferences:

1. EB-1: Priority Workers
   Current for most chargeability areas, indicating no backlog.
2. EB-2: Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability
   Final Action Date: March 15, 2023 (All Chargeability Areas except China)
3. EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
   Final Action Date: November 15, 2022 (All Chargeability Areas except China)
4. EB-4: Certain Special Immigrants
   Final Action Date: January 1, 2021
5. EB-5: Employment Creation
   Current for most categories, facilitating investment-based immigration.

For the latest news and updates, visit EB5 Investors magazine by Paperfree.com.

The bulletin also highlights a reduction in the Employment Third Preference "Other Workers" category due to the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA). The annual limit for this category is reduced by approximately 150 visas for Fiscal Year 2025.

Diversity Visa (DV) Program Updates

The Diversity Visa program, which allocates up to 55,000 visas annually to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S., has seen its annual limit reduced to approximately 51,350 visas for DV-2025. This reduction is due to allocations made under the NACARA program and amendments from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024.

For November, specific cut-off numbers determine visa availability across various regions. For instance, Africa has a total allocation of 15,000 visas, with specific caps for countries like Algeria, Egypt, and Morocco. Applicants must have regional lottery rank numbers below the specified cut-offs to qualify.

Special Categories and Extensions

• Employment Fourth Preference: Religious Workers (SR)
  The SR category has been extended until December 20, 2024. No SR visas will be issued after this date, and all visas issued before must be used by December 19, 2024.
• U.S. Government Employee Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs)
  Changes under the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2024 affect certain current and former U.S. government employees abroad applying for SIVs. Applicants are advised to contact their respective consular sections for specific impacts on their cases.

Guidance for Applicants

Applicants are encouraged to regularly check the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for the latest information on filing eligibility. Additionally, for comprehensive details on visa processing, individuals should visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at travel.state.gov.

Conclusion

The November 2024 Visa Bulletin provides essential information for prospective immigrants navigating the U.S. visa application process. By understanding the final action dates and filing dates, applicants can better plan their immigration strategies and ensure the timely submission of their applications.

For more detailed information, refer to the full Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State.