July 2024 Visa Bulletin: Delays for Skilled Worker Visas

The Visa Bulletin for July 2024 is a document published by the Department of State that summarizes information about the availability of immigrant visas for that month. It is important for people applying for immigrant visas to the United States to understand this information.

The bulletin includes information about:

• Family-sponsored preferences: This section explains the priority system for issuing visas to relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
• Employment-based preferences: This section explains the priority system for issuing visas to workers with special skills or qualifications.
• Diversity immigrant visas: This section explains the lottery program for issuing visas to people from countries with low immigration rates to the United States.

The bulletin also includes important dates for visa applicants, such as the “final action date” for each preference category. This is before an applicant must submit a complete application to be eligible for a visa in July.

Here are some of the points from the July 2024 Visa Bulletin:

The final action date for the EB-3 (skilled worker) preference category has been retrogressed. This means it will take longer for people in this category to be eligible for a visa. The Department of State monitors visa demand in the EB-3 category and may need further adjustments.

The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2024 may affect certain current and former U.S. government employees abroad applying for SIVs (special immigrant visas).

If you are applying for an immigrant visa to the United States, you should carefully review the Visa Bulletin and consult an immigration attorney to understand how it applies to your case.