October 2024 Visa Bulletin Predictions (2024)

FAQs

What are the predictions for the Visa Bulletin in 2024? ›

In the September 2024 Visa Bulletin, most categories remain unchanged. However, in the EB-3 category, we see the retrogression the State Department predicted in previous visa bulletins. In the first preference category, the dates hold steady across the board.

US Green Card applications: The August 2024 Visa Bulletin has been released, revealing slight progress for India's EB-2 and EB-3 categories. Meanwhile, other employment-based (EB) categories see no change. In the first preference category (EB-1, Priority Workers), the dates hold steady across all countries.

2. The fiscal year 2024 limit for family-sponsored preference immigrants determined in accordance with Section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is 226,000. The worldwide level for annual employment-based preference immigrants is at least 140,000.

These visa bulletin predictions are estimates based on recent movements in the family-based categories and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

USCIS Processing Times in 2024: Mixed Progress with Notable Improvements and Setbacks. Here's what you need to know: Dramatic reduction in green card replacement & renewal wait times: Form I-90 processing time decreased from 9.1 months to just 1.1 months, an 87.9% improvement.

These times can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the type of green card application, USCIS backlog, Local USCIS Service Center and individual circ*mstances of the applicant. On average, green card processing times in 2024 are approximately 15 months.

No labor certification is required. You must have been employed outside the United States for at least 1 year in the 3 years preceding the petition or the most recent lawful nonimmigrant admission if you are already working for the U.S. petitioning employer.

Other liberties the EB-1 green card includes are the ability to live and work in the U.S., travel freely in and out of the U.S., and pursue U.S. citizenship. There are about 40,000 EB-1 visas available each year and they are split between three subcategories: EB-1A, EB-1B, and EB-1C.

First Preference (EB-1)

The employment-based first preference category, also known as EB-1, includes exceptional workers, outstanding professors and researchers, and executives or managers of multinational corporations. It is estimated that 143,497 Indians (including dependents) are held up in this backlog.

The lottery cap for FY 2024 will be about 55,000. The win rate for the lottery has fallen about 80 percent since 1995, when the first lottery was held, to about 0.25 percent—a 1 in 400 chance of receiving a green card.

What is the longest time to get a green card? ›

It generally takes about two years for a green card to become available, and the whole process can take three years. It may take longer for citizens of Mexico, China, India, and the Philippines. If your spouse is a green card holder and you currently live outside the United States…

Every year, about 810,558 immigrants apply to become U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (“LPRs,” better known as green card holders) through family members. Of these, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) approves about 88% and denies 12%.

The U.S. Department of State has released its September 2024 Visa Bulletin imposing per-country cut-off dates that regulate immigrant visa availability and the flow of Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications and consular Immigrant Visa application filings and approvals.

The Visa Bulletin lists priority dates, which are like placeholders in the green card application line. Each month, the U.S. Department of State calculates how many applications are waiting in each category. This helps them estimate when different applicants might be able to move forward.

Demonstrate sufficient proof of funds

Ensure you familiarize yourself with the country-specific criteria for proving funds to prevent rejection or visa denial. Presenting a solid financial foundation enhances your chances of securing a prompt visa decision.

Experts predict the average price at the end of 2024 to be around $285, with a potential maximum of $330 and a minimum of $273. The 2025 forecast suggests that Visa's stock price could reach $379 per share.

If we look at the total number of H1B registrations for the last four years, we will find the numbers have steadily grown for these years (FY 2021- FY 2024). This suggests that this time, too, the number could go up.

On March 22, 2024, at 12 p.m. EST, the H-1B registration submission window will close, and no more registrations will be accepted. USCIS will then conduct the random lottery from the submitted petitions and select 65,000 from the regular H-1B cap and 20,000 from the master's cap as in previous years.

Future Growth

Visa is forecast to grow earnings and revenue by 9.6% and 9.3% per annum respectively. EPS is expected to grow by 11.8% per annum. Return on equity is forecast to be 67.6% in 3 years.