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Below, you will find an analysis of the Visa Bulletin issued by the Department of State, corresponding to the month of January 2024, which determines the availability of immigrant visas for the different categories of family and work petitions, as well as general information. It will help you understand how it works. 

 

 

PETITION BY FAMILY

FOR MOST COUNTRIES (except: China, India, Mexico and the Philippines)

CAT. BENEFICIARIES PRIORITY DATE WAIT TIME DIFFERENCE WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH
F1 Citizen's children over 21 years of age January 1, 2015 9 years 0 days
F2A Spouse or unmarried children under 21 years of age of Legal Permanent Resident November 1, 2019 4 years, 2 months 8 months and 21 days
F2B Single children over 21 years of age of a Legal Permanent Resident October 1, 2015 8 years and 3 months 9 days
F3 Married children of Citizen April 22, 2009 14 years, 8 months and 9 days 3 months and 14 days
F4 Citizen Brothers May 22, 2007 16 years, 7 months and 10 days 1 month

MEXICO 

F1 Citizen's children over 21 years of age May 1, 2001 22 years, 8 months 0 days
F2A Spouse or unmarried children under 21 years of age of Legal Permanent Resident October 22, 2019 4 years, 2 months and 10 days 8 months and 21 days
F2B Single children over 21 years of age of a Legal Permanent Resident October 22, 2003 20 years, 2 months and 10 days 1 year, 5 months and 21 days
F3 Married children of Citizen September 8, 1998 25 years, 3 months and 23 days 5 months and 17 days
F4 Citizen Brothers September 15, 2000 23 years, 3 months and 16 days 0 days

REQUEST FOR WORK

FOR MOST COUNTRIES INCLUDING MEXICO

E1 Priority Workers January 1, 2024 0 days 1 month
E2 People of exceptional ability November 1, 2022 1 year, 2 months 3 months and 17 days
E3 Experienced and professional workers August 1, 2022 1 year and 5 months 8 months
E3 Other workers September 1, 2020 3 years and 4 months 1 month

 

 

What is the Visa Bulletin?

 

 

The Visa Bulletin (BV) is a guide that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of State have to define who can or cannot receive an immigrant visa, depending on the date on which the person submitted their visa. Application.  That date is called the Priority Date, and it determines the beneficiary's place on the waiting list.

 



 The reason for the Visa Bulletin is that immigration law limits the number of people by category who can immigrate to the United States each year.  When the number of applicants is greater than the number of visas available, a delay is generated.   

 



 Each month the Visa Bulletin announces the priority or cut-off date, which means that in order for an immigrant to adjust status, in other words, obtain residency, the immigrant must have a priority date prior to the closing date. The category in the Bulletin.

 



 In a family petition-based immigration case, the priority date is the date USCIS receives the petition.  In an employment-based case, the priority date is the date the Department of Labor receives the application to certify that the worker is eligible for permanent residence.  When the law does not require a labor certification, it is the day USCIS receives the petition.  

 



 Generally the Visa Bulletin date works forward, but if the State Department determines that visas for a certain category or country are being used faster than expected, the cut-off date may be delayed or stopped.

 



 Disclaimer: This newsletter is intended solely to provide general information and does not establish an attorney-client relationship and should not be considered legal advice.  Any decision you make based on this information is at your own risk and responsibility.

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