US Visa Bulletin for October 2024 Released: Key Updates on Final Action and Filing Dates

The U.S. Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for October 2024, detailing the availability of immigrant numbers for both 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing Applications.' This bulletin helps guide applicants on when to submit their required documentation to the National Visa Center.

For individuals seeking to adjust their status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the "Final Action Dates" section determines when they can file their applications. In instances where more immigrant visas are available for the fiscal year than the known applicants, USCIS allows applicants to use the "Dates for Filing Visa Applications."

Family-Sponsored Preference Immigrants

The fiscal year 2025 cap for family-sponsored preference immigrants stands at 226,000. The preferences are as follows:

F1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens – 23,400, plus any unused numbers from fourth preference.

F2A: Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents – 77% of the second preference quota, with 75% exempt from the per-country limit.

F2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 and older) of Permanent Residents – 23% of the second preference limit.

F3: Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens – 23,400, plus unused numbers from first and second preferences.

F4: Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens – 65,000, plus any unused numbers from the other preferences.

Employment-Based Preference Immigrants

The global limit for employment-based preference immigrants is at least 140,000, with per-country caps set at 7%, or 25,620. Here are the employment-based categories:

EB-1: Priority Workers – 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any unused numbers from EB-4 and EB-5.

EB-2: Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability – 28.6% of the worldwide level, plus any unused numbers from EB-1.

EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers – 28.6% of the worldwide level, with a maximum of 10,000 visas for "Other Workers."

EB-4: Certain Special Immigrants – 7.1% of the global quota.

EB-5: Employment Creation – 7.1% of the global level, with 32% reserved for investments in rural areas, high unemployment areas, and infrastructure projects. The remaining 68% is unreserved.

The October 2024 Visa Bulletin helps clarify the priority dates for applicants, ensuring they can plan accordingly for their application submissions.