August Visa Bulletin: Future Retrogression of EB-3, Modest Advancement of EB-2 and EB-3 India Final Action and Dates for Filing, and Movement in the Family-Sponsored Dates for Filing Chart

We are pleased to inform our readers that yesterday July 9th, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs released the August Visa Bulletin. In this blog post we breakdown the projected movement of the employment-based and family-sponsored categories in the month of August.

USCIS Adjustment of Status

For employment-based preference categories, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that in August it will continue to use the Final Action Dates chart to determine filing eligibility for adjustment of status to permanent residence.

For family-sponsored preference categories, USCIS will continue to use the Dates for Filing chart to determine filing eligibility for adjustment of status to permanent residence.

Highlights of the August 2024 Visa Bulletin

Employment-Based Categories

Final Action and Dates for Filing EB-2 and EB-3 India Advancement

The Final Action date for EB-2 India will advance to July 15, 2012 and the Date for Filing to July 22, 2012
The Final Action date for EB-3 India will advance to October 22, 2012 and the Date for Filing to November 1, 2012

Other Categories

The Final Action dates and Dates for Filing for the remaining employment-based categories remain the same as the July Visa Bulletin

EB-3 Retrogression in September

The State Department warns applicants that the EB-3 Final Action date will likely retrogress or become unavailable in the September Visa Bulletin

Family-Sponsored Categories

Dates for Filing Advancements

F-2A Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

F2A All countries will advance by seven and a half months to June 15, 2024 (from November 1, 2023)

F3 Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

Except for Mexico and the Philippines, all other countries will advance by three months to January 1, 2011 (from October 1, 2010)

F-4 Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens

F4 Mexico will advance by two days to April 30, 2001

Final Action Date Advancements

F-2B Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

F2B Mexico will advance by one week to July 15, 2004

Employment-Based Categories

FINAL ACTION DATES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCE CASES

According to the Department of State’s August 2024 Visa Bulletin , the following Final Action cutoff dates will apply for employment-based categories and adjustment of status applications filed with USCIS in August:

EB-1 Aliens of extraordinary ability, Outstanding Professors and Researchers, and Certain Multinational Managers or Executives

EB-1 India will remain at February 1, 2022
EB-1 China will remain at November 1, 2022
EB-1 All other countries will remain current

EB-2 Members of the Professions and Aliens of Exceptional Ability

EB-2 India will advance by one month to July 15, 2012
EB-2 China will remain at March 1, 2020
EB-2 All other countries will remain at March 15, 2023

EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers

EB-3 India will advance by one month to October 22, 2012
EB-3 China will remain at September 1, 2020
EB-3 All other countries will remain at December 1, 2021 (this category retrogressed in July by eleven months and three weeks)

EB-3 Other Workers

EB-3 India will advance by one month to October 22, 2012
EB-3 China will remain at January 1, 2017
EB-3 Philippines will remain at May 1, 2020
EB-3 All other countries will remain at January 1, 2021

EB-3 FINAL ACTION DATE IMPORTANT NOTICE OF RETROGRESSION IN SEPTEMBER

Given continued high demand and number use in the EB-3 category, the State Department projects that this category will likely further retrogress or become unavailable in September.

EB-4 Religious Workers

EB-4 All countries will remain at January 1, 2021

EB-5 Unreserved Categories (C5, T5, I5, and R5)

India will remain at December 1, 2020
China will remain at December 15, 2015
All other countries will remain current

EB-5 Set-Aside Categories (Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure) will also 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	01NOV22	01FEB22	C	C
2nd	15MAR23	01MAR20	15JUL12	15MAR23	15MAR23
3rd	01DEC21	01SEP20	22OCT12	01DEC21	01DEC21
Other Workers	01JAN21	01JAN17	22OCT12	01JAN21	01MAY20
4th	01JAN21	01JAN21	01JAN21	01JAN21	01JAN21
Certain Religious Workers	01JAN21	01JAN21	01JAN21	01JAN21	01JAN21
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 August 2024 Final Action Dates

EB-1

China: November 1, 2022
India: February 1, 2022
All other countries: Current

EB-2

China: March 1, 2020
India: July 15, 2012 (Advancement)
All other countries: March 15, 2023

EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers (Retrogression in September)

China: September 1, 2020
India: October 22, 2012 (Advancement)
All other countries: December 1, 2021

EB-3 Other Workers (Retrogression in September)

China: January 1, 2017
India: October 22, 2012 (Advancement)
Philippines: May 1, 2020
All other countries: January 1, 2021

EB-4

All countries: January 1, 2021

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 August 2024 Visa Bulletin , the Dates for Filing cutoff dates will be as follows:

EB-1 Aliens of extraordinary ability, Outstanding Professors and Researchers, and Certain Multinational Managers or Executives

EB-1 India will remain at February 8, 2022
EB-1 China will remain at January 1, 2023
EB-1 All other countries will remain current

EB-2 Members of the Professions and Aliens of Exceptional Ability

EB-2 India will advance by one month to July 22, 2012
EB-2 China will remain at June 1, 2020
EB-2 All other countries will remain at March 22, 2023

EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers

EB-3 India will advance by one month to November 1, 2012
EB-3 China will remain at July 1, 2021
EB-3 Philippines will remain at January 1, 2023
EB-3 All other countries will remain at February 1, 2023

EB-3 Other Workers

EB-3 India will advance by one month to November 1, 2012
EB-3 China will remain at June 1, 2017
EB-3 Philippines will remain at May 15, 2020
EB-3 All other countries will remain at January 8, 2021

EB-4 Religious Workers

EB-4 Religious Workers will remain at February 1, 2021

EB-5 Unreserved Categories (C5, T5, I5, and R5)

India will remain at April 1, 2022
China will remain at January 1, 2017
All other countries will remain current

EB-5 Set-Aside Categories (Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure) will also 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	01JAN23	08FEB22	C	C
2nd	22MAR23	01JUN20	22JUL12	22MAR23	22MAR23
3rd	01FEB23	01JUL21	01NOV12	01FEB23	01JAN23
Other Workers	08JAN21	01JUN17	01NOV12	08JAN21	15MAY20
4th	01FEB21	01FEB21	01FEB21	01FEB21	01FEB21
Certain Religious Workers	01FEB21	01FEB21	01FEB21	01FEB21	01FEB21
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 August 2024 Dates for Filing

EB-1

China: January 1, 2023
India: February 8, 2022
All other countries: Current

EB-2

China: June 1, 2020
India: July 22, 2012 (Advancement)
All other countries: March 22, 2023

EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers

China: July 1, 2021
India: November 1, 2012 (Advancement)
Philippines: January 1, 2023
All other countries: February 1, 2023

EB-3 Other Workers

China: June 1, 2017
India: November 1, 2012 (Advancement)
Philippines: May 15, 2020
All other countries: January 8, 2021

EB-4

All countries: February 1, 2021

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 August 2024 Visa Bulletin, the Dates for Filing cutoff dates will apply for adjustment of status applications filed with USCIS in the month of August.

F-1 Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F1 Mexico will remain at April 1, 2005
F1 Philippines will remain at April 22, 2015
F1 All other countries will remain at September 1, 2017

F-2A Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

F2A All countries will advance by seven and a half months to June 15, 2024 (from November 1, 2023)

F-2B Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

F2B Mexico will remain at May 1, 2005
F2B Philippines will remain at October 1, 2013
F2B All other countries will remain at January 1, 2017

F3 Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F3 Mexico will remain at June 15, 2001
F3 Philippines will remain at November 8, 2003
F3 All other countries will advance by three months to January 1, 2011 (from October 1, 2010)

F-4 Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens

F4 Mexico will advance by two days to April 30, 2001
F4 Philippines will remain at April 1, 2006
F4 India will remain at June 15, 2006
F4 All other countries will remain at March 1, 2008

The bold represents the advancement of the category.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA- mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01SEP17	01SEP17	01SEP17	01APR05	22APR15
F2A	15JUN24	15JUN24	15JUN24	15JUN24	15JUN24
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01MAY05	01OCT13
F3	01JAN11	01JAN11	01JAN11	15JUN01	08NOV03
F4	01MAR08	01MAR08	15JUN06	30APR01	01APR06

Family Sponsored August 2024 Dates for Filing

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: June 15, 2024 (Advancement)

F-2B Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

Mexico: May 1, 2005
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: January 1, 2011 (Advancement)

F-4 Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens

India: June 15, 2006
Mexico: April 30, 2001(Advancement)
Philippines: April 1, 2006
All other countries: March 1, 2008

FINAL ACTION DATES FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCE CASES

According to the Department of State’s August 2024 Visa Bulletin, the following Final Action cutoff dates will apply for family-sponsored categories:

F-1 Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F1 Mexico will remain at May 8, 2002
F1 Philippines will remain at March 1, 2012
F1 All other countries will remain at October 22, 2015

F-2A Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

F2A Mexico will remain at February 1, 2021
F2A All other countries will remain at November 15, 2021

F-2B Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

F2B Mexico will advance by one week to July 15, 2004
F2B Philippines will remain at October 22, 2011
F2B All other countries will remain at May 1, 2016

F3 Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F3 Mexico will remain at March 1, 2000
F3 Philippines will remain at September 8, 2002
F3 All other countries will remain at April 1, 2010

F-4 Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens

F4 Mexico will remain at February 8, 2001
F4 Philippines will remain at February 1, 2004
F4 India will remain at January 22, 2006
F4 All other countries will remain at August 1, 2007

The bold represents the advancement of the category.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	22OCT15	22OCT15	22OCT15	08MAY02	01MAR12
F2A	15NOV21	15NOV21	15NOV21	01FEB21	15NOV21
F2B	01MAY16	01MAY16	01MAY16	15JUL04	22OCT11
F3	01APR10	01APR10	01APR10	01MAR00	08SEP02
F4	01AUG07	01AUG07	22JAN06	08FEB01	01FEB04

Family Sponsored August 2024 Final Action Dates

F-1 Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

Mexico: May 8, 2002
Philippines: March 1, 2012
All other countries: October 22, 2015

F-2A Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

Mexico: February 1, 2021
All other countries: November 15, 2021

F-2B Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

Mexico: July 15, 2004 (Advancement)
Philippines: October 22, 2011
All other countries: May 1, 2016

F3 Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

Mexico: March 1, 2000
Philippines: September 8, 2002
All other countries: April 1, 2010

F-4 Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens

Mexico: February 8, 2001
India: January 22, 2006
Philippines: February 1, 2004
All other countries: August 1, 2007

Conclusion

DOS Projection – Further Retrogression in the EB-3 Category Expected or Category May Become “Unavailable” by September

For the employment-based categories, India’s EB-2 final action date will advance by one month to July 15, 2012, and the Date for Filing will advance by one month to July 22, 2012.

Additionally, India’s EB-3 final action date will advance to October 22, 2012, and the Date for Filing will advance to November 1, 2012.

No other movement can be seen in the rest of the employment-based categories in the month of August.

Finally, the State Department warns applicants that the EB-3 Final Action date will likely retrogress or become unavailable in the September Visa Bulletin

With respect to the family-based categories dates for filing, F-2A will advance by seven and a half months to June 15, 2004. F3 will advance by three months to January 1, 2011, and F4 Mexico will advance by two days to April 30, 2001.

The final action date for F2B Mexico will also advance by one week to July 15, 2004.

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.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-569-1768 or call 619-819-9204.

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