The US Visa Bulletin for September 2024, released earlier this month, reveals extended waiting periods for employment-based green cards, especially in the EB-3 type. This group, which includes skilled employees and experts, has seen considerable deterioration across most nations, delaying the processing timelines for several applicants.
Important shifts and disruptions
The report indicates that for most countries, including Mexico and the Philippines, the goal date for the EB-3 group has been pushed up to December 1, 2020, leading to a one-year wait. This delay will then cause applicants who were once closer to receiving their green cards to have to wait long.
In contrast, candidates from China and India who are in the EB-3 category have never experienced the same loss and continue to receive their goal. The EB-1 type, which covers focus workers, even remains firm for India and China, with concern dates holding at February 1, 2022, and November 1, 2022, respectively.
Understanding the Visa report
The Visa Bulletin, issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS), distinguishes between “dates for filing” and “final action dates”. Programs must be made aware of these times because they set the deadlines for filing software and the likely completion of their cases.
Last action dates: These times represent the cut-off stage for when an application may get approved, paving the way for permanent residency.
Application deadlines for processing: These times set forth the deadlines for filing for immigrant visa applications.
Effects on candidates
The EB-3 category’s breakdown highlights the ongoing issues facing the US immigration system, especially the growing application waiting list. The control days have shortened, which has had an impact on dozens of applicants who have to wait even longer before their cases are resolved.
Looking forward
For those impacted by the changes in the Visa Bulletin, staying informed and strategic is necessary. In order to navigate the changing landscape of US immigration, consulting with immigration experts and closely monitoring potential USCIS updates will be important.
The September 2024 Visa Bulletin serves as a reminder of the difficulty of applying for permanent residency in the United States and the value of careful planning and persistence.
