As we approach the end of the year, the December Visa Bulletin brings insights into the availability of visas for both family-sponsored and employment categories. At our Atlanta immigration law firm, we understand the significance of staying informed about these updates, and we are here to break down the key points for you.
Limited Movement in Visa Availability:
The latest Visa Bulletin reveals minimal movement in visa availability, with the Dates for Filing remaining unchanged for all employment and family-sponsored visa categories compared to the previous month. Additionally, the Final Action Dates for family-sponsored categories have also shown no changes.
Notable Advances in Employment Categories:
While overall movement is modest, there are some notable advancements in specific employment categories. In particular, the Final Action Dates for the EB-2 China category will progress by three weeks to October 22, 2019. Similarly, the EB-3 China category will see a three-week advancement to January 22, 2020. However, it’s important to note that the Final Action Dates for the remaining employment-based categories remain consistent with the previous month.
EB-4 Certain Religious Workers Category Unavailability:
A significant development in the December Visa Bulletin is the unavailability of the EB-4 Certain Religious Workers category. This category is set to expire on November 17, 2023, and as of December, it will become unavailable. It’s crucial to be aware of this change, as there is currently no legislative action extending this category beyond the expiration date.
Adjustment of Status Applications:
Despite the limited movement and the unavailability of certain categories, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue to accept employment-based adjustment of status applications. Foreign nationals with a priority date earlier than the Dates for Filing listed in the Visa Bulletin are encouraged to proceed with their applications.
As we navigate the December Visa Bulletin, our team at Garvish Immigration Law Group is committed to keeping you informed about the latest updates that may impact your immigration journey. Whether you have questions about specific categories, adjustments of status, or the implications of legislative changes, we are here to provide guidance and support. Schedule your consultation online to begin your immigration journey with our award-winning team of immigration lawyers.
Check out the Visa Bulletin for December 2023.
About the Author
Natalia Muñoz
Natalia Muñoz is an Associate Attorney at Garvish Immigration Law Group. She was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia where she earned a law degree from Universidad de Los Andes followed by a specialization in Foreign Relations and Negotiation at the same University. She later moved to the U.S. to pursue her graduate studies in law in Boston University. After graduating she moved to Miami where she worked as an international tax and corporate attorney advising foreign investors for over 15 years.