The December 2024 Visa Bulletin, issued by the U.S. Department of State, brings modest advancements for Indian nationals in employment-based categories EB-2 and EB-3.
However, all other employment-based categories and dates remain static. This update provides critical information for employers, staffing agencies, and foreign workers navigating the U.S. immigration process.
Detailed Breakdown of the December 2024 Visa Bulletin
Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Categories
The Final Action date determines when a green card application can be approved. Below are the updates for December 2024:
EB-1
- China: November 8, 2022
- India: February 1, 2022
- All Other Countries: Current
EB-2
- China: March 22, 2020
- India: August 1, 2012 (advancing by two weeks)
- All Other Countries: March 15, 2023
EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers
- China: April 1, 2020
- India: November 8, 2012 (advancing by one week)
- All Other Countries: November 15, 2022
EB-3 Other Workers
- China: January 1, 2017
- India: November 8, 2012
- All Other Countries: December 1, 2020
EB-4
- All Countries: January 1, 2021
EB-5 (Unreserved – Regional and Non-Regional Centers)
- China: July 15, 2016
- India: January 1, 2022
- All Other Countries: Current
EB-5 (Set-Asides for Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure)
- All Countries: Current
Dates for Filing for Employment-Based Categories
The Dates for Filing indicate when applicants can begin submitting green card applications. These dates remain unchanged in December 2024:
EB-1
- China: January 1, 2023
- India: April 15, 2022
- All Other Countries: Current
EB-2
- China: October 1, 2020
- India: January 1, 2013
- All Other Countries: August 1, 2023
EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers
- China: November 15, 2020
- India: June 8, 2013
- All Other Countries: March 1, 2023
EB-3 Other Workers
- China: January 1, 2018
- India: June 8, 2013
- All Other Countries: May 22, 2021
EB-4
- All Countries: February 1, 2021
EB-5 (Unreserved – Regional and Non-Regional Centers)
- China: October 1, 2016
- India: April 1, 2022
- All Other Countries: Current
EB-5 (Set-Asides for Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure)
- All Countries: Current
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Workers
For employers and staffing agencies, the modest progress in the India EB-2 and EB-3 categories underscores the continued backlog in the employment-based immigration system. Employers should remain proactive in workforce planning and ensure the timely filing of applications for their foreign employees.
Indian nationals waiting in these categories may see incremental progress in their immigration journey, but the lengthy waiting times remain a challenge. Applicants must stay informed about changes in Visa Bulletin updates to ensure they do not miss critical filing opportunities.
Impact of USCIS Policy on Adjustment of Status Filings
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will determine whether applicants can file for adjustment of status based on the Visa Bulletin’s Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing chart. This decision is expected in the coming days and could influence how employers and foreign workers approach the filing process in December.
Tips for Employers and Agencies
- Stay Updated: Regularly review the Visa Bulletin and USCIS announcements to ensure compliance and timely applications.
- Work closely with Legal Professionals: Consult immigration attorneys to navigate complex policies and filing deadlines effectively.
- Plan: Given the slow pace of advancements, prepare for potential delays in bringing foreign workers to the U.S.
- Leverage Resources: Platforms like Winbi LLC offer valuable solutions to address staffing shortages with skilled foreign workers.
The December 2024 Visa Bulletin highlights modest progress for India’s EB-2 and EB-3 categories, while most employment-based preferences remain unchanged. Employers and foreign workers should stay vigilant about upcoming announcements from USCIS to optimize their immigration strategies.
For more information on how to address your staffing needs with top foreign talent, contact Winbi LLC today. Together, we can bridge the gap and bring your workforce goals to life.
