June 13th, 2024 at 03:56 am
BIG Good News for EB1: July 2024 Visa Bulletin & More | Immigration Update
This blog post from the July 2024 Visa Bulletin explores the most recent changes to the employment- and family-based preference categories. We analyze the evolution and regression of priority dates from the final action chart to the filing chart, providing applicants with possible insights.
Family-based Preference Category Analysis
Family-based Preference Only
With F1 going from July 2015 to October 2015, a progression of almost three months, there has been a noteworthy advancement. Comparably, in the F2a category, China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines have all witnessed improvements of about half a year. There has been just a slight fluctuation, moving from April 2016 to May 2016 by around one month for all chargeabilities, including China and India.
Additionally, there have been minor advancements of roughly one month each in the F3 and F4 categories. These developments represent a favorable trend in the family-based category, pointing to rising demand and the distribution of Visa numbers that are available.
Filing Chart
The F2a category has undergone a two-month advancement, from September 1, 2023, to November 1, 2023, whilst the F1 category remains unchanged. The remaining categories—F2b, F3, and F4—have undergone very little alteration and have continued to advance steadily. The family-based category’s consistent advancement is heartening, indicating that demand is being met and that it might eventually spread to other Visa categories.
Employment-based Preference Category Analysis
Employment-based Preference Only
The final action chart for the employment-based preference category shows some notable revisions, especially for EB1 petitions. Although EB1 is still current for all chargeabilities, China has advanced by two months, and India has advanced significantly by eleven months between March 1, 2021, and February 1, 2022. This impressive increase highlights the projected quarterly growth.
EB2 continues to be behind schedule for all chargeabilities, but there was minor progress from January 15 to March 15. India and China have likewise made only slight advancements. In contrast, EB3 has experienced advancements for all chargeabilities of roughly two months; India advanced from August 22, 2012, to September 22, 2012.
Long-awaited applicants now have optimism thanks to these advances, especially those in the Indian subcategory. The filing day chart, however, presents a complex picture. Even though all chargeabilities are still outstanding, India has advanced dramatically between April 1, 2021, and February 8, 2022. Although there are hopes for significant breakthroughs, this progression suggests more developments in the upcoming months. February or March 2022 will still be speculative.
Furthermore, there has been a regression in the employment-based third preference category for applicants from countries other than the Philippines and Mexico. This change, which is a result of rising demand and Visa number usage, can require more retrogressions or the unavailability of some categories.
H4 EAD Advice
It is important to address concerns about H4 EAD extensions amid these upgrades. For the majority of EADs, including H4 EADs, USCIS has announced automatic extensions of 540 days; nevertheless, there are new considerations. The term of the extension is dependent on the accompanying H1 or H4 Visa remaining valid. If the Visa is only valid for 540 days, the extension will also be valid for that amount of time.
Final Thoughts
The July 2024 Visa Bulletin exhibits a conflicting picture of progress and regressions in the employment- and family-based priority categories. While EB1 applicants—especially those from India—celebrate notable advancements, difficulties in other categories still exist, requiring careful observation and careful planning.
It’s critical that we stay educated, seek professional advice, and anticipate future changes to the Visa Bulletin landscape as we manage current improvements. Remaining up-to-date with these modifications is essential for anyone hoping to apply for an EB1 visa or an H4 EAD beneficiary to effectively navigate the immigration process.
In summary, each applicant’s journey is unique and shaped by regulatory details and personal circumstances, even though the Visa Bulletin offers a roadmap. Applicants can persevere and resolutely negotiate the difficulties of the immigration system by remaining knowledgeable, proactive, and adaptive.
This research provides applicants with the knowledge they need to successfully manage their immigration journey by shedding light on the complex dynamics of the Visa Bulletin. As we move forward, let’s continue to be watchful, encouraging, and knowledgeable to cultivate a resilient and hopeful community in the face of changing immigration laws and practices.