Visa Bulletin July 2024: What You Need to Know Now

It’s late July, and you're wondering, “Is this finally the month when my number comes up?” You’ve been waiting for months, maybe years, monitoring the Visa Bulletin like a hawk. This month brings new developments, but will it be the breakthrough you’ve been hoping for?

Let’s rewind a bit.

In the world of U.S. immigration, the Visa Bulletin is the lifeline for many aspiring immigrants. Published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, it dictates when individuals can move forward in their immigration process based on their priority date. Each month feels like a lottery draw, but unlike the lottery, understanding the nuances of the Visa Bulletin can significantly impact your life trajectory. The July 2024 Bulletin continues this tradition of high stakes and fine margins. But what exactly should you be paying attention to this month?

The Priority Date Cutoff Change:

You might have expected little variation from June's bulletin. But, for many, the July 2024 Visa Bulletin carries substantial movement. The priority date cutoff has shifted noticeably for some categories, particularly for family-sponsored visas (F1 and F2B). F1 applicants—unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens—will see some positive movement, while F2B, reserved for unmarried sons and daughters (21 years or older) of lawful permanent residents, remains largely stagnant.

So, if you're an F1 applicant from Mexico, for example, you may find your date has finally moved forward, inching you closer to the finish line. On the other hand, applicants from India and China in employment-based categories continue to face significant backlogs. Employment-Based (EB) Categories 2 and 3 remain unchanged for India and China, which has been a source of frustration for many professionals waiting for their green cards.

What Does This Mean for Employment-Based Applicants?

For EB-2 and EB-3 applicants from India and China, the dates are largely stuck. In fact, many have begun exploring alternate pathways, like the EB-5 investor visa program, as a workaround to these lengthy backlogs. It’s not uncommon to see individuals invest in the U.S. economy through the EB-5 just to skip ahead in line. However, the July 2024 Bulletin hints that such workarounds may be necessary for the foreseeable future.

One of the surprising factors this month is the lack of movement in the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery numbers. After the unprecedented surge in applications last year, many expected the July bulletin to reflect this with some forward momentum. However, the stagnant numbers have left many questioning how quickly these visas will be allocated moving forward. For those in the DV program, patience is still required.

Family-Sponsored Visas: An Unexpected Twist

A curious development in this month’s bulletin is the slight advancement for family-sponsored visas, particularly for the F4 category—brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. Countries like Mexico have seen minimal, yet encouraging, forward movement. The F2A category, spouses, and children of lawful permanent residents, has remained current for several months. However, there’s growing concern that this might retrogress in the near future due to oversubscription.

If you’re an applicant waiting for your F2A visa, this bulletin might signal a good time to act fast. Retrogression could be just around the corner.

Predictions for the Future:

So, what should we anticipate in the coming months? If recent history has taught us anything, it’s that nothing is guaranteed. Backlogs in key categories like EB-2 and EB-3 for India and China are unlikely to resolve quickly. But if you’re in a family-sponsored category, particularly F1 or F4, there might be a glimmer of hope.

Experts suggest that further movement in family-based categories may continue into the latter half of 2024, especially if fewer applicants than expected continue the process due to delays or changes in personal circumstances. On the employment side, the EB-5 Investor Program could see a resurgence as high-net-worth individuals look to expedite their green card process.

One thing is certain: July 2024 is not a month for complacency. Whether you’re watching employment or family-based categories, the Visa Bulletin is a fast-moving, unpredictable force, and being proactive—whether through alternative visa programs or exploring legal advice—could mean the difference between months or years of waiting.

So, are you ready to take action? The Visa Bulletin is a call to arms for many, and with backlogs persisting, there’s no better time to explore your options. What will you do next?