One of the most significant parts of getting a green card in the U.S. is waiting for your priority date to be current. For those who have invested the time, effort, and money into an immigrant visa, questions arise such as “How long will it take for my date to be current?” and “Can I speed this process up?” We provide regular monthly updates on the most recent visa bulletin, analyze the date movements, and predict upcoming months to help answer these questions. This month, we’ll go over the April 2024 visa bulletin.

If you want more information on the background of the visa bulletin and how to read the bulletin, make sure to scroll to the bottom of the post or click the interested link in the Table of Contents.

April 2024 Visa Bulletin: Overview and Predictions

For the multitude eagerly anticipating their turn in the employment-based and family-based
immigration queues, projections in the Visa Bulletin offer insights into potential timelines for
applying and securing green cards.

Understanding the Green Card system is important, and predictions aim to help people plan their
immigration journey. The April Visa Bulletin gives updates on when priority dates will progress
for family and employment green cards, crucial for those dealing with the system complexities.

The significance of final action dates lies in their role in determining the processing timeline for applications. These dates are specific to visa types and geographical origins, influencing the overall wait time for the issuance of green cards.

The government expects to allocate 165,000 green cards to employment categories in Fiscal Year
2024. This is less than the 197,000 allocated in FY 2023 but more than the required 140,000,
thanks to the extra 25,000 unused family-based green cards from Fiscal Year 2023.
Fixing the long delays in the Green Card system needs comprehensive reforms. However, getting
Congress to agree on immigration changes is challenging for lawmakers and not much is
expected to change in the next few years.

Key updates for April 2024 include:

EB-1 China: The Final Action Date advances by six weeks to September 1, 2022
EB-1 India: The Final Action Date advances by five months to March 1, 2021
EB-1(Rest of the world): The Final Action Date is current.
EB-2 (All countries except China and India): The Final Action Date advances by seven weeks to January 15, 2023.
EB-2 China: The Final Action Date advances by one month to February 1, 2020
EB-2 India: The Final Action Date advances by six weeks to April 15, 2012
EB-3 Professional/Skilled Worker (China): The Final Action Date remains unchanged at September 1, 2020
EB-3 Professional/Skilled Worker (India): The Final Action Date advances by six weeks to August 15, 2012
EB-3 Professional/Skilled Worker (Rest of the world): The Final Action Date advances by two and a half months to November 22, 2022

USCIS will adhere to the Final Action Dates for employment-based categories in April.

Looking Ahead: The U.S. State Department projects minimal to no movement in priority dates for employment-based categories throughout the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, concluding on September 30, 2024. However, it is emphasized in the Visa Bulletin that recent trends in Final Action date movements are subject to change, and retrogressions are possible due to fluctuations in applicant demand and other influencing factors. Therefore, applicants are urged to stay informed and be aware of potential adjustments to the projected timelines

Applicants who have experienced excess delays have few options for visa issuance if an I-140 priority date is no longer current or has been significantly affected by retrogression. One option is to explore “porting” or “downgrading” one’s visa category.  This avenue is most workable for individuals “downgrading” from EB-2 to EB-3.  Since the visa cut-off dates are not completely predictable, applicants should carefully consider this option before starting the process. Some applicants may choose to watchfully wait for the next visa bulletin to make a decision. 

The Final Action Dates chart determines when an I-485 or IV can be approved, while the Dates for Filing Chart determines when an applicant can file an I-485.

Suppose you have an Adjustment of Status (AOS) application currently pending. Your priority date must be current under the Final Action Chart to adjudicate your green card. If you are contemplating interfiling—a process that allows AOS applicants to change their preference category—don’t hesitate to contact VisaNation Law Group.

Family-Based Green Cards

The category for family-based immigration comprises four preference levels based on who your sponsoring family member is in relation to you. There are five chargeability areas for this category: China, India, Mexico, the Philippines, and all other countries. Due to the global pandemic and limited appointments at overseas consular offices, family-based immigrant visas continue to see low usage numbers. Therefore, any unused family-based visas get added to the EB categories. 

Family-Based Dates for Filing Charts

The Dates for Filing chart determines when an applicant can file an I-485. 

In the F-1 category, we see no change across the board from the February bulletin. China, India, and all other countries of chargeability remain at September 1, 2017. Mexico remains at April 1, 2005, and the Philippines remains on April 22, 2015.

In the F-2A category, all countries are at September 1, 2023.

In the F-2B category, China, India, and all other countries of chargeability remain at January 1, 2017. The Philippines stayed on October 1, 2013. Mexico remains at August 1, 2004.  

In the F-3 category, there is no change across the board. China, India, and all other countries of chargeability remain at March 1, 2010. Mexico remains at June 15, 2001 and the Philippines remains at November 8, 2003. 

In the F-4 category, China, and the rest of the world remain at March 1, 2008. India moves to APril 8, 2006 while Mexico is at April 15, 2001 and Philippines moves to April 22, 2005. 

For the purposes of the April 2023 bulletin AOS, USCIS has indicated  to use the Dates for Filing Chart for all family-sponsored filings. If a particular immigrant visa category is “current” on the Final Action Dates chart or the cutoff date on the Final Action Dates chart is later than the date on the Dates for Filing chart, applicants in that immigrant visa category may file using the Final Action Dates chart during that month.

Category

Rest of the World

Mainland China

India

Mexico

Philippines

F-1

9/1/17

no change

9/1/17

no change

9/1/17

no change

4/01/05

no change

4/22/15

no change

9/1/23 

9/1/23 

9/1/23 

9/1/23 

9/1/23 

1/01/17

no change

1/01/17

no change

1/01/17

no change

8/01/04

no change

10/01/13

no change

F-3

3/01/10

no change

3/01/10

no change

3/01/10

no change

06/15/01

no change

11/08/03

no change

F-4

3/1/08

no change

3/1/08

no change

4/08/06

+45 days

4/15/01

no change

04/22/05

+ 1 year

*The numbers in the brackets designate the amount of movement in the filing date for that particular category compared to the previous month. If there’s no bracket below certain dates, there is no movement for those dates/categories in the latest visa bulletin.

Family-Based Final Action Dates Chart

The Final Action Dates Chart shows some changes since the last bulletin. In the F-1 category, India, China and the rest of the world remain at February 8, 2015  while Mexico is at May 1, 2001 and the Philippines at March 1, 2012. 

In the F2A category, all countries advance to September 8, 2020 except for Mexico at August 15, 2020.

In the F-2B category, there is no change across the board since the last update.

In the F-3 category we see countries remain at October 1, 2009 while Mexico remains at September 8, 1998 and Philippines at June 8, 2002.

In the F-4 category we see China and the rest of the world at June 8, 2007 while India remains at December 15, 2005 and Mexico at October 15, 2000.

Category

Rest of the World

Mainland China

India

Mexico

Philippines

F-1

2/8/15

no change

2/8/15

no change

2/8/15

no change

5/01/01

no change

3/1/12

no change

9/08/20

+78 days

9/08/20

+78 days

9/08/20

+78 days

8/15/20

+62 days

9/08/20

+78 days

11/22/15

no change

11/22/15

no change

11/22/15

no change

10/22/03

no change

10/22/11

no change

F-3

10/01/09

no change

10/01/09

no change

10/01/09

no change

9/8/98

no change

06/08/02

no change

F-4

6/08/07

no change

6/08/07

no change

12/15/05

no change

10/15/00

no change

6/15/03

no change

*The numbers in the brackets designate the amount of movement in the final action date for that particular category compared to the previous month. If there’s no bracket below certain dates, there is no movement for those dates/categories in the latest visa bulletin.

Remember, marriage-based green card applicants, are known as immediate relatives and don’t have to wait to receive a green card.

Employment-Based Green Cards

With five different preference levels and seven chargeability areas, USCIS issues employment-based category visas through your job or occupation. The chargeability areas are China, India, Mexico, the Philippines, Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador), Vietnam, and the general category.

Employment-Based Final Action Dates Chart

We see some changes in the Final Action Dates Chart in the employment-based category.

For EB-1 China the Final Action Date advances by six weeks to September 1, 2022. EB-1 India the Final Action Date advances by five months to March 1, 2021. For the rest of the world, the Final Action Date is current.

In EB-2 (All countries except China and India) the Final Action Date advances by seven weeks to January 15, 2023. China advances by one month to February 1, 2020. India advances by six weeks to April 15, 2012.

For EB-3 Professional/Skilled Worker (China) the Final Action Date remains unchanged at September 1, 2020.  EB-3 Professional/Skilled Worker (India) the Final Action Date advances by six weeks to August 15, 2012 while the rest of the world advances by two and a half months to November 22, 2022.

USCIS has specified to use the Final Action Chart for all employment-based AOS Filings. 

Rest of the World

Mainland China

India

Mexico

Philippines

Current

9/01/22

(+48 days)

03/1/21

 +5 months

Current

Current

1/15/23

+61 days

2/01/20

+1 month

4/15/12

+45 days

1/15/23

+55 days

1/15/23

+55 days

11/22/22

+76 days

9/01/20

no change

8/15/12

+46 days

11/22/22

+75 days

11/22/22

+75 days

EB-3 Other

10/08/20

+30 days

1/1/17

(no change)

8/15/12

+45 days

10/08/20

+1 month

5/01/20

no change

11/01/20

+11 months

11/01/20

+11 months

11/01/20

+11 months

11/01/20

+11 months

11/01/20

+11 months

Current 

12/15/2015

12/1/2020

Current 

Current

Employment-Based Dates for Filing Chart

Here are the April 2024 Visa Bulletin Final Action dates for employment-based immigrant visas.

EB-1 China remains unchanged with a cut-off date of January 1, 2023. EB-2 China stays consistent with a cut-off date of June 1, 2020. EB-3 China: Maintains the same cut-off date of July 1, 2021.

EB-1 India advances to April 1, 2021, EB-3 India advances 45 days to September 15, 2012.

Worldwide (except China and India)
EB-1 is current for all countries except China and India. EB-2: Worldwide (All Other) remains unchanged with a cut-off date of February 15, 2023. EB-3: Worldwide (All Other) maintains the same cut-off date of February 1, 2023

Category

Rest of the World

Mainland China

India

Mexico

Phillipines

Current

1/1/23

(no change)

4/1/21

+3 months

Current

Current

2/15/23

(no change)

6/1/2020

(no change)

5/15/12

(no change)

2/15/23

(no change)

2/15/23

(no change)

2/1/23

(no change)

7/1/21

(no change)

9/15/12

+45 days

2/1/23

(no change)

1/1/23

(no change)

EB-3 Other

12/15/20 

(no change)

6/01/17

(no change)

9/15/12

+45 days

12/15/20 

(no change)

5/15/20 

(no change)

12/1/20

12/1/20

12/1/20

12/1/20

12/1/20

Current 

1/1/17

4/1/22

Current 

Current

*The numbers in the brackets designate the amount of movement in the final action date for that particular category compared to the previous month. If there’s no bracket below certain dates, there is no movement for those dates/categories in the latest visa bulletin.

Important April 2024 Visa Bulletin Dates

For those new to the green card process, you should learn a few terms and remember to understand the rest of this April 2024 visa bulletin report. If you have further questions about the process or anything else about your green card, you should consult with your immigration attorney.

Visa Bulletin

Priority Dates

The first term that you’ll hear thrown around is the priority date. Each person who files a petition with the USCIS receives a priority date when the government obtains your petition. A priority date establishes a person’s place in line to get an immigrant visa. Keep this date handy since you will need it to compare to the dates in this bulletin. Remember that your priority date does not move, and you cannot change it except under certain circumstances.

Note: Priority dates are not relevant for immediate relatives of U.S. Citizens (e.g., spouses or minor children) as that category is always current.

Final Action Dates

Final action dates are based on the green card category and the chargeability area—your country of origin. Therefore, the final action dates constantly change based on how many people from each chargeability area have petitioned for that green card.

If green cards are still available, the final action date will likely move closer to your priority date. If green cards are unavailable, you will not see any movement from that final action date. However, if the limit has passed, you may see the date retrogress or move backward from your priority date.

Once the final action date in your green card preference level and chargeability area reaches your priority date, your priority date will be considered current. Once current, you will adjust your status or go through consular processing.

Date for Filing Charts and I-485

You’ll notice there are two charts for each category.

The Date for Filing chart determines whether or not one can submit the final immigrant visa application.

The Final Action Date chart indicates whether an immigrant visa number will be available.

If you need to file an adjustment of status, Form I-485, you need to follow the Final Action Date chart to know when to file based on your priority date. However, sometimes USCIS will note that they’ll accept I-485s based on the Date for Filing chart. USCIS will use this chart when more immigrant visas are available than applicants.

USCIS announces which chart applicants can use within a week of the visa bulletin’s release.

Can You Shorten Your Waiting Time?

The short answer is: probably not. However, there are two prominent cases in which you may be able to shorten your green card processing time, which we will explain here.

The first way is to file an I-140 for a green card and chargeability area with a current priority date. In this case, rather than wait the usual six months for your petition to be processed, you can pay an additional fee for premium processing, which will shorten the processing time to 15 calendar days. However, this is only available for certain green cards that use the I-140. It is unavailable for family- or investment-based immigration and the EB-1C or EB-2 NIW.

The second situation involves green card “porting,” or transferring your application from a lower preference level to a higher one to take advantage of the shorter waiting times. This is misleading because you don’t port your green card. In reality, you need to start with a new petition (and a new PERM if necessary). The “porting” aspect only comes in when you indicate that you want to retain your original priority date.

As attractive as “porting” might seem, it is a delicate process with particular requirements. Therefore, running decisions like these through your immigration attorney is always good.

Staying Up-to-Date

In the world of immigration law, it always pays to be informed. The more you know about your green card, the easier it will be to make informed decisions about your case. To stay in the know about things like the newest visa bulletin, you can subscribe to the Department of State’s newsletter by emailing [email protected] with the message “Subscribe Visa Bulletin.”

How VisaNation Can Help 

Schedule a Consultation

With these priority date waiting times being so long, it's imperative that your first attempt is done the right way. VisaNation Law Group attorneys have extensive experience helping people obtain green cards through their families and through their employment and can help you avoid the common pitfalls.