The USCIS Visa Bulletin for October 2024 has introduced several important updates that could impact your visa application. 

Though there has been some movement, the changes from the Visa Bulletin from September 2024 to October 2024 have not been dramatic. Most categories saw moderate movement, especially for applicants from India and China, where backlogs remain a persistent problem. The reset of visa quotas at the start of the fiscal year hasn’t significantly eased the high demand, especially in popular categories like EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3​.

Keep reading for the latest visa bulletin updates for October 2024.

What is the USCIS visa bulletin?

The USCIS Visa Bulletin, released monthly by the U.S. Department of State, indicates which green card applications are eligible to advance. 

Your position in line is determined by your priority date, assigned when you file assigned when you file a labor certification (“PERM”) or an immigrant petition (Form I-140 or Form I-130). When your priority date becomes “current,” you have reached the front of the line.

How the USCIS Visa Bulletin Works

• Priority Dates: These dates serve as placeholders in the green card queue. The Department of State reviews the number of applications in each category monthly to estimate when applicants can proceed.
• Dates for Filing: Depending on the guidance for the month, if your priority date is on or before the cut-off date for your category, you can move to the next step of your application.
• Final Action Dates: These dates estimate when your application will be processed and finalized. The time between the Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates reflects the expected USCIS processing time.

In order to read the visa bulletin chart, you need to know three things:

1. Your priority date
2. Your preference category
3. Which charts apply for filing that month

What is my priority date?

Your priority date is the date when USCIS receives your initial immigration request, such as Form I-130.

Locating your priority date is easy. Simply refer to the receipt notice (Form I-797C) sent by USCIS after they process your petition. You’ll find your priority date at the top section of this document.

If you’re unsure, reach out to the team at Manifest Law for assistance.

What is my preference category?

To find your preference category, you’ll need to determine which type of immigration petition you filed. Here are the primary categories:

Employment-Based Preference Categories:

• EB-1: For individuals with extraordinary ability (EB-1A), outstanding professors and researchers (EB-1B), and multinational executives or managers (EB-1C).
• EB-2: For individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities, applying for an EB-2 PERM or EB-2 NIW visa.
• EB-3: For skilled workers with at least two years of experience, professionals with a bachelor’s degree, and other workers applying for an EB-3 visa.
• EB-4: For special immigrants, such as religious workers, applying for an EB-4 visa.
• EB-5: For individuals making substantial investments in U.S. businesses, applying for an EB-5 visa.

Family-Sponsored Preference Categories:

• F1: Unmarried children over the age of 21 of U.S. citizens.
• F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of lawful permanent residents.
• F2B: Unmarried children over the age of 21 of lawful permanent residents.
• F3: Married children of U.S. citizens.
• F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens.

How do I read the visa bulletin chart?

The USCIS Visa Bulletin can be confusing. If you need help understanding how to read it and finding your priority date, check out our comprehensive guide: USCIS Visa Bulletin Explained: Step-by-step Guide.

For a more detailed explanation, you can also watch our video walkthrough below.

Visa Bulletin October 2024

Employment-Based Green Card Backlogs

EB-1: Extraordinary people, outstanding researchers and professors, and multinational executives and managers

EB-2: Exceptional people and advanced degree holders

EB-3: Skilled worker, professional, or other worker

EB-4: “Special immigrants” category

EB-5: “Investors” category

Family-Based Green Card Backlogs

F-1: Unmarried children (age 21 and older) of U.S. Citizens

F-2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under age 21) of U.S. Green card holders

F-2B: Unmarried children (age 21 or older) of U.S. Green card holders

F-3: Married children of U.S. Citizens

F-4: Siblings of U.S. Citizens

Frequently asked questions

Why is the visa bulletin not moving?

Occasionally, the priority dates on the visa bulletin chart stay the same or even move backward compared to the previous month. This situation is known as visa retrogression.

Visa retrogression happens when the number of applicants in a certain category or from a specific country exceeds the available visas for that month. This is especially common towards the end of the fiscal year when the annual visa limits for certain categories or countries are nearly reached.

What is the next step if my green card priority date is current?

Congrats! Depending on where you’re applying from, your next step of the green card process is to go through Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status.

Consular Processing: If you’re outside the United States, you’ll apply for an immigrant visa (green card) through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

The National Visa Center (NVC) will notify you when the visa becomes available. They’ll ask for the immigrant fee, visa application, Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), and a medical exam. Once you provide these, your case will move to the U.S. embassy or consulate for an interview.

Adjustment of Status: If you’re already in the United States, you might qualify for adjustment of status, which means changing from a temporary visa to permanent residency (green card).

Certain individuals who entered the U.S. lawfully and meet specific criteria, like immediate relatives or K-1 visa holders who married a U.S. citizen, can adjust status. Others may need to go through consular processing.

How long do I have to file once my priority date is current?

You must file the next steps within the month that your case is current. You can look for the release of the next month’s visa bulletin to know if there will be any changes in advance.

Navigate the green card process with ease

When your priority date becomes current according to the USCIS visa bulletin, our team of immigration attorneys is here to help. We’ll guide you through completing and submitting all the necessary forms, like the I-485, I-765, and I-131, accurately and on time.

We’ll also prepare you for any interviews you may need to attend, ensuring you present your case confidently and effectively.

At Manifest Law, our immigration attorneys have over 10 years of experience and have successfully handled thousands of visa and green card applications. Plus, we offer flexible payment plans that span up to 6 months, along with a visa-approved or money-back guarantee (terms apply).

Book a free visa consultation with us today to get the support and guidance you need on your immigration journey.