December 2024 Visa Bulletin Update

The U.S. Department of State has released the December 2024 Visa Bulletin, providing updates on immigrant visa availability for the upcoming month. This article outlines the priority dates that determine when applicants can file for adjustment of status or receive immigrant visas across various employment-based (EB) and family-based (FB) categories.

Key Highlights

1. USCIS will use the Dates for Filing Chart for employment-based adjustment of status applications

2. Dates for Filing Chart:

   The Dates for Filing chart remains unchanged from the previous month, indicating no advancement in priority dates for any employment-based and family-based categories. Applicants should not expect new filing opportunities in December based on the Dates for Filing chart.

3. Final Action Dates Chart:

   The Final Action Dates chart remains unchanged from the previous month for family-based categories.

   EB-1 Category:

   1. China: The cut-off day remains at November 8, 2022.

   2. India: The cut-off day remains at February 1, 2022.

   3. All other countries: Remain current.

   EB-2 Category:

   1. India: The cut-off day advances by 15 days to August 1, 2012.

   2. China: The cut-off day remains at March 22, 2020.

   3. All other countries: Remain at March 15, 2023.

   EB-3 Category:

   1. India: The cut-off day advances by 7 days to November 8, 2012.

   2. China: The cut-off day remains at April 1, 2020.

   3. All other countries: Remain at November 15, 2022.

   EB-4 Category: Remain unchanged

   EB-5 Category: Remain unchanged

Conclusion

The December 2024 Visa Bulletin reflects minimal changes, with the Dates for Filing chart remaining static and only slight advancements in the Final Action Dates for certain categories. Applicants from India in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories may find slight relief with the minor advancements in the Final Action Dates chart. Since the Dates for Filing chart remains changed, individuals whose priority dates are not current will need to wait for future updates for advancements. Employers and applicants are encouraged to closely monitor monthly visa bulletins to refine immigration strategies as needed, particularly in light of the limited movement observed in recent months.