What are the visa bulletin predictions beyond August 2024? The good news is that the August 2024 visa bulletin has arrived, and there is no retrogression in any visa classifications. For a quick overview of the movement we saw in the August 2024 visa bulletin, check out the video linked on this page.
What are the visa bulletin predictions moving forward, beyond August 2024? We've had lots of clients ask recently about what might happen to the movement of priority dates in the visa bulletin with a new president in office come January 2025. While no one has a crystal ball to predict the future, here's some information to keep in mind:
The fiscal year for Department of State (and Department of Homeland Security/USCIS) ends September 30th. The new fiscal year begins October 1. The start of the new fiscal year in October will also bring a fresh set of visa numbers (i.e. green card availability), so hope springs eternal, and is just around the corner!
In September 2024, we may see retrogression, or EB-3 could become unavailable. If a category says "unavailable" instead of listing a priority date, that means that there are no green cards available that month for that particular visa classification (and country category). This is because the State Department says that there is "strong demand" in the EB-3 visa category.
In October 2024, we should generally see more availability in multiple visa categories of the visa bulletin, but we'll have to wait to see exactly what those numbers look like.
The outcome of the November presidential election should not directly impact the visa bulletin. The number of green cards available each year is dictated by law; it is not determined by the presidential administration. In addition, the calculation of how many green cards remain available at any given point in the year is determined by the Department of State, and is based on actual usage (i.e. how many green cards have already been approved that year), and anticipated demand that's already in the pipeline. Again, it's not a person in the White House or presidential administration deciding how quickly or slowly to move the priority dates.
That being said, it is possible that the executive branch could have some impact on the visa bulletin and priority date movement, for better or for worse. For example, a presidential administration could encourage the change of regulations so that spouses and children of primary green card applicants are not counted in the total annual allotment of green cards. Alternatively, a presidential administration could potentially impose travel restrictions for certain nationals entering the United States, which could impact how many people apply for green cards.
For now, if you or your employee are interested in becoming a permanent resident (green card holder), the first step is to make a plan for how that will happen, and file as soon as possible to secure your priority date.
If you are not yet a Sumner Immigration Law client and you’re looking for an experienced, empathetic, and efficient team to help you navigate the process with confidence, please contact us today and set up yourinitial consultationto get the process started! You can set an appointment online. You can also call us at 804-396-3412 or send us an email atinfo@sumnerimmigration.com. We are immigration lawyers in Richmond, VA but we serve clients throughout the U.S. and around the world. For more information on our firm visitWho We Are and What Makes Us Different! We look forward to hearing from you!
