The US Department of State has unveiled its visa bulletin for September 2024, shedding light on the anticipated wait times for individuals seeking employment-based third preference (EB-3) visas. The news brings both good and bad news for hopeful immigrants.
For a majority of countries, including the Philippines and Mexico, the wait times for EB-3 visas have been extended by up to a year. This means that the priority date, a crucial date used to determine eligibility for a visa, has been pushed back to December 1, 2020. This delay could significantly impact the processing time for visa applications from these countries.
However, there is a silver lining for applicants from India and China. The visa bulletin maintains the priority dates for these countries at February 1, 2022, and November 1, 2022, respectively. This means that applicants from these countries will not face the extended delays encountered by those from other countries.
The visa bulletin also provides details about the final action dates and filing dates for employment-based preference cases. ‘C’ in the table indicates that the category is currently open, allowing for applications regardless of the priority date. A listed date signifies that applications are only permissible for applicants with a priority date earlier than the date listed.
The September 2024 visa bulletin offers a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the current state of US immigration and visa processing. Applicants from various countries should carefully review the bulletin to determine their eligibility and potential wait times. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for navigating the complex US immigration system effectively.
