US Visa Bulletin 2024: Significant Delays in EB-3 Green Card Processing

There have been noticeable delays in the EB-3 green card application processing, according to the US Visa Bulletin for September 2024. A one-year retrogression is imposed on countries like Mexico and the Philippines, but applications from China and India are not impacted.

News for those seeking green cards based on employment was recently published by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the US Visa Bulletin for September 2024.

According to the bulletin, there are long wait periods in the EB-3 category, which mostly affects professionals and skilled workers. There is also a noticeable retrogression that could cause delays for many applicants globally.

One-Year Delay for EB-3 Applicants

The Visa Bulletin lists major obstacles that applicants from various countries who fall under the EB-3 category must overcome. The priority dates for Mexico, the Philippines, and other countries have been rescheduled for December 1, 2020. Green card applicants now have to wait longer and must lower their expectations because their processing times will be much longer as a result of this one-year retrogression.

On the other hand, candidates from China and India who fall under the EB-3 category are not impacted by this retrogression and can keep their current priority dates. For these nations, the EB-1 category—which is designated for priority workers—has likewise stayed steady, with China and India having slots on November 1, 2022, and February 1, 2022, respectively.

Understanding the US Visa Bulletin

Two crucial data categories are listed in the US Visa Bulletin, an essential resource for those seeking green cards: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing.” These deadlines establish the window of opportunity for candidates to submit their applications and the potential for case approval.

• Final Action Dates: These are the earliest possible approval dates for applications, indicating the potential time of permanent residency grants.
• Dates of Submission: These dates show when candidates can submit their applications for an adjustment of status or an immigrant visa.
• To make timely judgments and have a better understanding of the status of their applications, applicants must stay informed about these dates.

Impact of Retrogression on Green Card Applicants

The EB-3 category’s delay highlights the growing difficulties with the US immigration system. The growing backlog of applications for employment-based green cards is a result of the increased demand, and it has a substantial impact on thousands of applicants worldwide.

Applicants who were getting close to getting approved for a green card now have to expect longer wait times as the processing timeframes increase. For individuals affected, the regress acts as a reminder of the continuous challenges in the US immigration system, which are caused by intricate regulations and strong demand for a finite number of visas.

Staying Prepared Amid Visa Changes

The Visa Bulletin for September 2024 highlights how uncertain US immigration laws are. Candidates must stay proactive and informed in light of the constantly changing landscape and possible delays. Those who interact with immigration experts and stay informed about upcoming modifications to the Visa Bulletin can be of greater assistance in overcoming these obstacles.

Conclusion

Even though many people may find the current state of affairs frustrating, maintaining awareness and comprehending the many nuances of the Visa Bulletin can offer much-needed clarity and direction. Given the ongoing changes in the immigration scene, applicants seeking permanent status in the United States must exercise patience and meticulous planning.