The U.S. Department of State

Visa Bulletin for September 2024

Stay updated on visa availability and priority dates with the September 2024 Visa Bulletin. It provides crucial information on visa categories, cut-off dates, and processing times to help you plan your applications effectively.

What is the Visa Bulletin?

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication that lists priority dates, which act as placeholders in the green card application queue. It helps estimate when different applicants might move forward based on the number of applications in each category.

Key Components of the Visa Bulletin

• Dates for Filing:

• These dates indicate when you can take the next step in your application process if your priority date is on or before the cut-off date for your category.

• Final Action Dates:

• This estimate shows when your application will be processed and decided upon, reflecting the expected USCIS processing time.

Steps to Take When Your Priority Date is Current:

• Filing for Adjustment of Status: For those already residing in the U.S.
• Applying for an Immigrant Visa: For those living outside the U.S.

Statutory Numbers for Preference Immigrant Visas – September 2024

The Visa Bulletin for September 2024 provides essential information about the availability of immigrant visa numbers. This summary details the “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications” and outlines procedures and annual limits for preference immigrant visas.

• Understanding Visa Availability

• Final Action Dates are used for filing adjustment of status applications unless USCIS directs otherwise.
• Dates for Filing Applications may be applicable if USCIS determines that more visas are available than there are known applicants.

• Annual Limits:

• Family-Sponsored Preference Limit: 226,000
• Employment-Based Preference Limit: 160,791
• Per-Country Limit: 7% of the total preference limits (27,075 for FY-2024)
• Dependent Area Limit: 2% (7,736)

Visa Allocation Breakdown:

• Family-Sponsored Preferences:

• F1: Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (23,400 visas)
• F2A: Spouses and children of permanent residents (77% of overall second preference visas)
• F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters of permanent residents (23% of overall second preference visas)
• F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (23,400 visas)
• F4: Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens (65,000 visas)

• Employment-Based Preferences:

• First Preference: Priority workers (28.6% of worldwide level)
• Second Preference: Members of professions holding advanced degrees or exceptional ability (28.6%)
• Third Preference: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers (28.6%)
• Fourth Preference: Certain special immigrants (7.1%)
• Fifth Preference: Employment creation (7.1%)

Family-Based Visa Categories

Final Action Dates

Category	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	China (Mainland)	India	Mexico	Philippines
F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens	01-Jan-2018	01-June-2017	01-Feb-2016	01-March-2017	01-May-2017
F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents)	01-April-2022	01-March-2022	01-May-2021	01-Jan-2022	01-May-2022
F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of Permanent Residents)	01-July-2016	01-Jan-2016	01-June-2015	01-July-2015	01-July-2015
F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens)	01-Oct-2011	1-April-2010	01-Sep-2009	01-Jan-2010	01-May-2010
F4 (Brothers/Sisters of U.S. Citizens)	01-Feb-2005	01-Dec-2004	01-March-2004	01-Sep-2004	01-July-2004

Dates for Filing Applications

Category	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	China (Mainland)	India	Mexico	Philippines
F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens	01-April-2024	01-July-2023	01-Jan-2023	01-June-2023	01-August-2023
F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents)	01-August-2024	01-July-2024	01-June-2023	01-May-2024	01-Sep-2024
F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of Permanent Residents)	01-Oct-2022	01-August-2022	01-July-2021	01-Oct-2021	01-Oct-2022
F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens)	01-April-2014	01-Jan-2014	01-Sep-2013	01-Jan-2014	01-August-2014
F4 (Brothers/Sisters of U.S. Citizens)	01-Jan-2008	01-Jan-2007	01-July-2006	01-Sep-2007	01-Oct-2007

Employment-Based Visa Categories

Final Action Dates

Category	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	China (Mainland)	India	Mexico	Philippines
1st Preference	Current	01-Nov-2022	01-Feb-2022	Current	Current
2nd Preference	15-March-2023	01-March-2020	15-July-2012	15-March-2023	15-March-2023
3rd Preference	01-Dec-2020	01-Sep-2020	22-Oct-2012	01-Dec-2020	01-Dec-2020
Other Workers	01-Dec-2020	01-Jan-2017	22-Oct-2012	01-Dec-2020	01-May-2020

Dates for Filing Applications

Category	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	China (Mainland)	India	Mexico	Philippines
1st Preference	Current	01-Jan-2023	08-Feb-2022	Current	Current
2nd Preference	22-March-2023	01-June-2020	22-July-2012	22-March-2023	22-March-2023
3rd Preference	01-Feb-2023	01-July-2021	01-Nov-2012	01-Feb-2023	01-Jan-2023
Other Workers	01-Feb-2023	01-Feb-2023	01-Sep-2013	01-Jan-2023	01-July-2022

Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery

DV-2024 Visa Availability

Region	Visa Availability
Africa	Current (Except Algeria: 108,500; Egypt: 57,000; Morocco: 70,000)
Asia	27,500 (Except Iran: 22,000; Nepal: 13,000)
Europe	50,000 (Except Russia: 49,500; Uzbekistan: 17,000)
North America (Bahamas)	Current

DV-2024 Visa Availability

Region	Visa Availability
Africa	15,000 (Except Algeria: 6,500; Egypt: 8,250; Morocco: 8,250)
Asia	3,000 (Except Iran: 2,950; Nepal: 2,950)
Europe	6,000 (Except Russia: 5,950; Uzbekistan: 4,900)

Important Note:

DV-2024 visas will not be issued after September 30, 2024. If you are a DV-2025 selectee, please act promptly.

Additional Information

• Priority Dates:

• Always check your priority date to understand when you can file your application and when your visa can be processed.

• Visa Availability:

• Visa availability is subject to change based on the number of applicants and the dates provided in the bulletin.

• Updates:

• The visa bulletin is updated monthly. For the latest information, refer to the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin.

Visa Bulletin FAQs

What is my priority date?

 This is typically the date your green card application petition was initially filed. Review your paperwork or consult with an immigration attorney for confirmation.

What if my country has a backlog?

Some countries experience longer wait times due to high demand, causing cut-off dates to move more slowly or even retrogress.

How long will I have to wait?

The Visa Bulletin doesn’t provide exact wait times. The duration depends on your category and country backlog. Tracking patterns over multiple months can offer a better estimate.