The September 2024 US Visa Bulletin, released earlier this month, indicates prolonged waiting periods for employment-based green cards, especially in the EB-3 category. This category, which encompasses skilled workers and professionals, has experienced substantial retrogression across numerous countries, causing delays in processing timelines for many applicants.

Major Changes and Delays

The bulletin shows that the priority date for the EB-3 category has been pushed back to December 1, 2020, for most countries, including Mexico and the Philippines, resulting in a one-year delay.

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This retrogression means that applicants who were previously nearing the final stages of receiving their green cards will now experience a longer wait.

In contrast, EB-3 applicants from India and China have not faced the same delays and continue to hold their current priority dates. The EB-1 category, which includes priority workers, also remains stable for India and China, with priority dates set at February 1, 2022, and November 1, 2022, respectively.

Interpreting the Visa Bulletin

The Visa Bulletin, published by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), differentiates between “dates for filing” and “final action dates.” These dates are essential for applicants to comprehend, as they determine when applications can be submitted and when cases are likely to be processed.

Final Action Dates : These dates indicate the cut-off point for when an application may be approved, allowing for permanent residency.

Dates for Filing : These dates specify when applicants are eligible to submit their adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications.

Effect on Applicants

The retrogression in the EB-3 category underscores the persistent challenges within the US immigration system, particularly the increasing backlog of applications. As demand for green cards continues to surge, processing times have extended, impacting thousands of applicants who now face even longer waits for their cases to be resolved.

Looking Forward

For those affected by the changes in the Visa Bulletin, staying informed and proactive is key. Consulting with immigration experts and closely tracking future updates from USCIS will be vital for navigating the shifting US immigration landscape.

The September 2024 Visa Bulletin highlights the complexities of the immigration process and underscores the need for careful planning and patience for those pursuing permanent residency in the United States.

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