Big Changes in US Visa Rules for July 2024

Notable Movements in Employment-Based Visa Categories Highlight Shifts in U.S. Immigration Landscape

The July 2024 Visa Bulletin, recently released by the U.S. Department of State, showcases notable advancements and retrogressions in several employment-based visa categories. These changes highlight the dynamic nature of the U.S. immigration landscape, reflecting both the high demand for certain visa categories and efforts to manage application backlogs.

Good News for Skilled Workers from India

Good news for skilled workers from India! The EB-1 visa category has moved forward by 11 months, making it quicker for many to get their applications processed. This significant advancement is a positive development for highly skilled workers from India, particularly those classified under extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives and managers​. This change will expedite the immigration process for many applicants who have been waiting for their priority dates to become current.

Significant Advancements in EB-1 Category

Alongside India’s advancements, China also saw a favorable movement with a two-month advancement in the EB-1 category. This progression is encouraging for Chinese applicants under the same classifications​.

Retrogression in EB-3 Category

Contrasting the advancements in the EB-1 category, the EB-3 category has faced retrogression. This category, which includes skilled workers, professionals, and other workers, is experiencing setbacks due to high demand and oversubscription. The priority dates for EB-3 applicants have moved back, lengthening the wait time for many individuals seeking to adjust their status​.

Impact and Implications

The advancements in the EB-1 category are expected to benefit a significant number of applicants, especially those from India, who have been waiting for their priority dates to become current. On the other hand, the retrogression in the EB-3 category underscores the challenges faced by U.S. immigration authorities in balancing the influx of applications with available visa numbers.

Applicants and stakeholders are advised to stay informed about these changes and consult with immigration professionals to understand how these updates might affect their specific cases. The July 2024 Visa Bulletin reflects the ongoing adjustments in U.S. immigration policies aimed at addressing the complexities of visa allocation and demand management.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the official Visa Bulletin for July 2024 and other related resources​