The U.S. Department of State's December Visa Bulletin shows slight forward movement in employment-based (EB) visa categories, providing critical updates for Indian applicants. While EB-2 and EB-3 categories made modest gains, EB-1 and EB-5 categories held steady.
December Employment-Based Visa Cutoff Dates for India
-EB-1 (Priority Workers): Final Action Date remains February 1, 2022, unchanged from the prior month.
-EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals): India’s date advances two weeks to August 1, 2012.
-EB-3 (Professionals and Skilled Workers): Progressed by one week, now at November 8, 2012.
-EB-3 (Other Workers): Also advances by one week to align with EB-3 Professionals, now at November 8, 2012.
-EB-5 (Immigrant Investors): For Unreserved categories, India remains at January 1, 2022. EB-5 set-aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure) remain current for all countries.
The Dates for Filing chart is consistent with November's entries.
Pending Adjustment of Status Guidance from USCIS
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will soon confirm if it will accept adjustment of status applications for December based on either the Final Action Dates or the Dates for Filing chart. Applicants should monitor the USCIS Visa Bulletin web page for the latest guidance on eligibility requirements for their adjustment applications.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin is essential for applicants, as it provides insight into green card processing timelines. Key sections include:
-Dates for Filing: Outlines the earliest date applicants can submit adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications.
-Final Action Dates: Signify when applications can be processed, indicating the timeline for permanent residency.
Family-Sponsored Green Cards: Final Action Dates and Filing Dates
The December bulletin also covers family-sponsored categories:
Final Action Dates for India:
- F1: October 22, 2015 (unchanged)
- F2A: January 1, 2022 (from November 22, 2021)
- F2B: May 1, 2016 (unchanged)
- F3: April 15, 2010 (from April 1, 2010)
- F4: March 8, 2006 (from March 1, 2006)
Dates for Filing for India:
- F1: September 1, 2017 (unchanged)
- F2A: July 15, 2024 (from June 15, 2024)
- F2B: January 1, 2017 (unchanged)
- F3: April 22, 2012 (from July 1, 2011)
- F4: August 1, 2006 (from June 15, 2006)
Overview of Employment-Based Preferences
Employment-based immigrant visas are divided to cater to various skill levels and roles, including:
1. Priority Workers: 28.6% of the global level for extraordinary ability individuals, professors, researchers, and executives.
2. Advanced Degree Professionals and Exceptional Ability: Also receives 28.6%, covering advanced degree holders and individuals with exceptional skills.
3. Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers: Receives 28.6% of the worldwide level, capped at 10,000 visas for unskilled labor.
4. Certain Special Immigrants: Allocated 7.1% of the global level, including religious workers and certain government employees.
5. Employment Creation: Also at 7.1%, divided to prioritize investments in rural areas, high-unemployment areas, and infrastructure projects.
Employment-Based Green Cards: Final Action Dates and Filing Dates
Final Action Dates for India:
- 1st Preference: February 1, 2022 (unchanged)
- 2nd Preference: August 1, 2012 (from July 15, 2012)
- 3rd Preference: November 8, 2012 (from November 1, 2012)
Dates for Filing for India:
- 1st Preference: April 15, 2022 (from April 14, 2022)
- 2nd Preference: January 1, 2013 (unchanged)
- 3rd Preference: June 8, 2013 (unchanged)
The December 2024 Visa Bulletin provides key updates, helping applicants navigate their green card journey by offering insights into current processing timelines and categories.
