What You Can Expect — Visa Lawyer Blog — February 12, 2024
The March 2024 Visa Bulletin is finally here, and with it we have big advancements in the family sponsored preference categories, and minor advancements in the employment-based categories.
Highlights of the March 2024 Visa Bulletin
Dates for Filing Chart
The Dates for Filing Chart remains unchanged from the previous month, for both the family sponsored and employment-based categories, with the exception of the employment-based fourth preference category, EB-4 which will advance by 4 months to January 1, 2020.
Employment-based categories
Movement in the Final Action Dates
The Final Action Dates Chart shows some modest advancements in some of the employment-based preference categories, specifically:
- EB-1 China will advance by two weeks to July 15, 2022
- EB-1 India will advance by 1 month to October 1, 2020
- EB-2 Worldwide, Mexico, and the Philippines will advance by 1 week to November 22, 2022
- EB-3 Worldwide, Mexico, and the Philippines will advance by 1 week to September 8, 2022
- EB-3 Other Workers, Worldwide and Mexico will advance by 1 week to September 8, 2020
- EB-4 will advance by more than 6.5 months to December 1, 2019
Family-sponsored categories
Movement in the Final Action Dates
On the other hand, the Final Action Dates Chart for the family-sponsored categories shows major advancements across almost all preference categories.
- F1 Worldwide, China, and India will advance by more than 5 weeks to February 8, 2015
- F2A Worldwide, China, India, and the Philippines will advance by almost 4.5 months to June 22, 2020
- F2A Mexico will advance by almost 4.5 months to June 15, 2020
- F2B Worldwide, China, and India will advance by more than 7 weeks to November 22, 2015
- F3 Worldwide, China, and Mexico will advance by more than 5 months to October 1, 2009
- F4 Worldwide and China will advance by almost 2.5 weeks to June 8, 2007
- F4 India will advance by 1 month to December 15, 2005
- F4 Philippines will advance by 8 months to June 15, 2003
Adjustment of Status Filing Chart March 2024
For the month of March 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has not yet indicated whether it will continue to use the Dates for Filing Chart to determine eligibility for I-485 adjustment of status filings (green card filings inside the US) for both employment-based and family-sponsored filings. However, we expect the announcement to occur soon on the USCIS webpage below.
Please note: Based on past performance, Charlie Oppenheim has predicted that USCIS will end the use of the Dates for Filing Chart for adjustment of status filings, beginning in the month of March, and likely by April. Therefore, those who are eligible to file their adjustment of status applications, should do so in the month of February. Please click here for Charlie Oppenheim’s Visa Bulletin predictions for fiscal year 2024.
Employment-Based Categories
FINAL ACTION DATES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCE CASES
According to the Department of State’s March 2024 Visa Bulletin, the following Final Action cutoff dates will apply for employment-based categories:
- EB-1 Worldwide, Mexico, and the Philippines will remain current
- EB-1 China will advance by two weeks to July 15, 2022
- EB-1 India will advance by 1 month to October 1, 2020
- EB-2 Worldwide, Mexico, and the Philippines will advance by 1 week to November 22, 2022
- EB-2 China will remain at January 1, 2020 as the previous month
- EB-2 India will remain at March 1, 2012 as the previous month
- EB-3 Worldwide, Mexico, and the Philippines will advance by 1 week to September 8, 2022
- EB-3 China will remain at September 1, 2020
- EB-3 India will remain at July 1, 2012
- EB-3 Other Workers, Worldwide and Mexico will advance by 1 week to September 8, 2020.
- EB-3 Other Workers China will remain at January 1, 2017
- EB-3 Other Workers India will remain at July 1, 2012
- EB-3 Other Workers Philippines will remain at May 1, 2020
- EB-4 will advance by more than 6.5 months to December 1, 2019
- EB-5 Unreserved China remains at December 15, 2015
- EB-5 Unreserved India remains at December 1, 2020
- All other EB-5 categories remain current
The bold represents the advancement of the category.
| Employment- based |
All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed |
CHINA- mainland born |
INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
| 1st | C | 15JUL22 | 01OCT20 | C | C |
| 2nd | 22NOV22 | 01JAN20 | 01MAR12 | 22NOV22 | 22NOV22 |
| 3rd | 08SEP22 | 01SEP20 | 01JUL12 | 08SEP22 | 08SEP22 |
| Other Workers | 08SEP20 | 01JAN17 | 01JUL12 | 08SEP20 | 01MAY20 |
| 4th | 01DEC19 | 01DEC19 | 01DEC19 | 01DEC19 | 01DEC19 |
| Certain Religious Workers | 01DEC19 | 01DEC19 | 01DEC19 | 01DEC19 | 01DEC19 |
| 5th Unreserved (including C5, T5, I5, R5) |
C | 15DEC15 | 01DEC20 | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: Rural (20%) |
C | C | C | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: High Unemployment (10%) |
C | C | C | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: Infrastructure (2%) |
C | C | C | C | C |
Employment-Based March 2024 Final Action Dates
EB-1
- China: July 15, 2022 (Advancement)
- India: October 1, 2020 (Advancement)
- All other countries: Current
EB-2
- China: January 1, 2020
- India: March 1, 2012
- All other countries: November 22, 2022 (Advancement)
EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers
- China: September 1, 2020
- India: July 1, 2012
- All other countries: September 8, 2022 (Advancement)
EB-3 Other Workers
- China: January 1, 2017
- India: July 1, 2012
- Philippines: May 1, 2020
- All other countries: September 8, 2020 (Advancement)
EB-4
- All countries: December 1, 2019 (Advancement)
EB-5 Unreserved (Regional Center and Non-Regional Center)
- China: December 15, 2015
- India: December 1, 2020
- All other countries: Current
EB-5 Set-Asides
- Rural: Current for all countries
- High Unemployment: Current for all countries
- Infrastructure: Current for all countries
DATES FOR FILING FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCE CASES
According to the Department of State’s March 2024 Visa Bulletin, the Dates for Filing cutoff dates remain the same as the previous months, except for the employment-based fourth preference category, EB-4 which will advance by 4 months to January 1, 2020.
The bold represents the advancement of the category.
| Employment- based |
All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed |
CHINA- mainland born |
INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
| 1st | C | 01JAN23 | 01JAN21 | C | C |
| 2nd | 15FEB23 | 01JUN20 | 15MAY12 | 15FEB23 | 15FEB23 |
| 3rd | 01FEB23 | 01JUL21 | 01AUG12 | 01FEB23 | 01JAN23 |
| Other Workers | 15DEC20 | 01JUN17 | 01AUG12 | 15DEC20 | 15MAY20 |
| 4th | 01JAN20 | 01JAN20 | 01JAN20 | 01JAN20 | 01JAN20 |
| Certain Religious Workers | 01JAN20 | 01JAN20 | 01JAN20 | 01JAN20 | 01JAN20 |
| 5th Unreserved (including C5, T5, I5, R5) |
C | 01JAN17 | 01APR22 | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: (Rural – 20%) |
C | C | C | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: (High Unemployment – 10%) |
C | C | C | C | C |
| 5th Set Aside: (Infrastructure – 2%) |
C | C | C | C | C |
Employment-Based March 2024 Dates for Filing (unchanged from previous month)
EB-1
- China: January 1, 2023
- India: January 1, 2021
- All other countries: Current
EB-2
- China: June 1, 2020
- India: May 15, 2012
- All other countries: February 15, 2023
EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers
- China: July 1, 2021
- India: August 1, 2012
- Philippines: January 1, 2023
- All other countries: February 1, 2023
EB-3 Other Workers
- China: June 1, 2017
- India: August 1, 2012
- Philippines: May 15, 2020
- All other countries: December 15, 2020
EB-4
- All countries: January 1, 2020 (Advancement)
EB-5 Unreserved (Regional Center and Non-Regional Center)
- China: January 1, 2017
- India: April 1, 2022
- All other countries: Current
EB-5 Set-Asides
- Rural: Current for all countries
- High Unemployment: Current for all countries
- Infrastructure: Current for all countries
DATES FOR FILING FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCE CASES
According to the Department of State’s March 2024 Visa Bulletin, the Dates for Filing cutoff dates remain the same as in the previous month.
| Family- Sponsored |
All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed |
CHINA- mainland born |
INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
| F1 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 01APR05 | 22APR15 |
| F2A | 01SEP23 | 01SEP23 | 01SEP23 | 01SEP23 | 01SEP23 |
| F2B | 01JAN17 | 01JAN17 | 01JAN17 | 01AUG04 | 01OCT13 |
| F3 | 01MAR10 | 01MAR10 | 01MAR10 | 15JUN01 | 08NOV03 |
| F4 | 01MAR08 | 01MAR08 | 22FEB06 | 15APR01 | 22APR04 |
Family Sponsored March 2024 Dates for Filing (unchanged from previous month)
F-1 Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
- Mexico: April 1, 2005
- Philippines: April 22, 2015
- All other countries: September 1, 2017
F-2A Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents
- All countries: September 1, 2023
F-2B Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents
- Mexico: August 1, 2004
- Philippines: October 1, 2013
- All other countries: January 1, 2017
F3 Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
- Mexico: June 15, 2001
- Philippines: November 8, 2003
- All other countries: March 1, 2010
F-4 Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens
- India: February 22, 2006
- Mexico: April 15, 2001
- Philippines: April 22, 2004
- All other countries: March 1, 2008
FINAL ACTION DATES FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCE CASES
According to the Department of State’s March 2024 Visa Bulletin, the following Final Action cutoff dates will apply for family-sponsored categories:
- F1 Worldwide, China, and India will advance by more than 5 weeks to February 8, 2015
- F1 Mexico will remain at May 1, 2001
- F1 Philippines will remain at March 1, 2012
- F2A Worldwide, China, India, and the Philippines will advance by almost 4.5 months to June 22, 2020
- F2A Mexico will advance by almost 4.5 months to June 15, 2020
- F2B Worldwide, China, and India will advance by more than 7 weeks to November 22, 2015
- F2B Mexico will remain at October 22, 2003
- F2B Philippines will remain at October 22, 2011
- F3 Worldwide, China, and Mexico will advance by more than 5 months to October 1, 2009
- F3 Mexico will remain at September 8, 1998
- F3 Philippines will remain at June 8, 2002
- F4 Worldwide and China will advance by almost 2.5 weeks to June 8, 2007
- F4 India will advance by 1 month to December 15, 2005
- F4 Philippines will advance by 8 months to June 15, 2003
| Family- Sponsored |
All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed |
CHINA-mainland born |
INDIA | MEXICO | PHILIPPINES |
| F1 | 08FEB15 | 08FEB15 | 08FEB15 | 01MAY01 | 01MAR12 |
| F2A | 22JUN20 | 22JUN20 | 22JUN20 | 15JUN20 | 22JUN20 |
| F2B | 22NOV15 | 22NOV15 | 22NOV15 | 22OCT03 | 22OCT11 |
| F3 | 01OCT09 | 01OCT09 | 01OCT09 | 08SEP98 | 08JUN02 |
| F4 | 08JUN07 | 08JUN07 | 15DEC05 | 15OCT00 | 15JUN03 |
Family Sponsored March 2024 Final Action Dates
F-1 Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
- Mexico: May 1, 2001
- Philippines: March 1, 2012
- All other countries: February 8, 2015 (Advancement)
F-2A Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents
- Mexico: June 15, 2020 (Advancement)
- All other countries: June 22, 2020 (Advancement)
F-2B Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents
- Mexico: October 22, 2003
- Philippines: October 22, 2011
- All other countries: November 22, 2015 (Advancement)
F3 Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
- Mexico: September 8, 1998
- Philippines: June 8, 2002
- All other countries: October 1, 2009 (Advancement)
F-4 Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens
- Mexico: October 15, 2000 (Advancement)
- India: December 15, 2005 (Advancement)
- Philippines: June 15, 2003 (Advancement)
- All other countries: June 8, 2007 (Advancement)
Conclusion
To summarize, the Dates for Filing remain the same as the previous month for both the employment based and family sponsored categories, except the employment-based fourth preference category EB-4, which will advance by 4 months to January 1, 2020.
For the Employment-Based Final Action Dates:
- EB-1 China will advance by two weeks to July 15, 2022
- EB-1 India will advance by 1 month to October 1, 2020
- EB-2 Worldwide, Mexico, and the Philippines will advance by 1 week to November 22, 2022
- EB-3 Worldwide, Mexico, and the Philippines will advance by 1 week to September 8, 2022
- EB-3 Other Workers, Worldwide and Mexico will advance by 1 week to September 8, 2020
- EB-4 will advance by more than 6.5 months to December 1, 2019
Family-sponsored Final Action Dates:
The March Final Action Dates show major movement for almost all family-sponsored categories as follows:
- F1 Worldwide, China, and India will advance by more than 5 weeks to February 8, 2015
- F2A Worldwide, China, India, and the Philippines will advance by almost 4.5 months to June 22, 2020
- F2A Mexico will advance by almost 4.5 months to June 15, 2020
- F2B Worldwide, China, and India will advance by more than 7 weeks to November 22, 2015
- F3 Worldwide, China, and Mexico will advance by more than 5 months to October 1, 2009
- F4 Worldwide and China will advance by almost 2.5 weeks to June 8, 2007.
- F4 India will advance by 1 month to December 15, 2005.
- F4 Philippines will advance by 8 months to June 15, 2003.
As we do every month, we will keep you updated on the upcoming movement and changes in the Visa Bulletin right here on our blog.
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