Navigating the November 2023 Visa Bulletin: What You Need to Know

Navigating the November 2023 Visa Bulletin: What You Need to Know

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In the ever-changing landscape of US immigration, staying informed about the latest updates is crucial, especially for individuals seeking to immigrate legally. The November 2023 Visa Bulletin brings forth significant insights into the availability of immigrant numbers and plays a pivotal role for those aspiring to make the United States their new home. Let’s delve into the key topics covered in the November 2023 Visa Bulletin, providing a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved.

Understanding Visa Numbers Allocation

The Visa Bulletin divides immigrant numbers into “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” guiding applicants on when to assemble and submit required documentation. USCIS determines the applicable chart to use, and we explore the procedures for determining priority dates, oversubscription, and the chronological order of reported priority dates.

Family-Sponsored Preferences

The fiscal year of 2024 limit for family-sponsored preference immigrants is set at 226,000, with worldwide levels and per-country limits specified. Understanding these limits is essential for those navigating the immigration process.

Preference Classes and Final Action Dates

Breaking down the preference classes (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4), we analyze the Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Preference Cases. Notable dates for various chargeability areas, including China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines, are explored, providing a comprehensive view of oversubscribed categories and current availability.

The bulletin sustains:

First: (F1) Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens: 23,400 plus any numbers not required for fourth preference.

Second: Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents: 114,200, plus the number (if any) by which the worldwide family preference level exceeds 226,000, plus any unused first preference numbers:

A. (F2A) Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents: 77% of the overall second preference limitation, of which 75% are exempt from the per-country limit;

B. (F2B) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents:  23% of the overall second preference limitation.

Third: (F3) Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens: 23,400, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences.

Fourth: (F4) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens: 65,000, plus any numbers not required by the first three preferences.

Employment-Based Preferences

The employment-based preferences (First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth) are outlined, shedding light on the allocation of immigrant visas for each category. Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases are scrutinized, focusing on oversubscribed categories and important dates for chargeability areas.

Employment-Based Preference Categories:

• First Preference (EB-1 – Priority Workers):
  • Targets individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors and researchers, and certain multinational executives and managers.
  • Receives 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level.
• Second Preference (EB-2 – Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability):
  • Caters to professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities.
  • It also receives 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level.
• Third Preference (EB-3 – Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers):
  • Designed for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers with various skill sets.
  • Again, it receives 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level.
• Fourth Preference (EB-4 – Certain Special Immigrants):
  • Reserves 7.1% of the worldwide level for certain special immigrants, including religious workers, employees of US foreign service posts, and other unique categories.
• Fifth Preference (EB-5 – Employment Creation):
  • Promotes job creation by facilitating investment in new commercial enterprises in the US.
  • Allots 7.1% of the worldwide level, with specific reservations for different investment types.

Diversity Immigrant (DV) Category

The Diversity Immigrant (DV) Category stands as a beacon of opportunity, meticulously designed to provide immigration prospects for countries with historically low admissions to the United States. The essence of this category lies in fostering diversity within the immigrant population, ensuring a broad representation of individuals from various regions around the globe.

DV-2024 Annual Limit and Allocation:

The DV-2024 annual limit sets the stage for a unique immigration avenue, offering up to 55,000 immigrant visas. This allocation is strategically divided among six geographic regions, ensuring a fair and equitable distribution. It is important to note that no single country can receive more than seven percent of the available diversity visas in any given year.

Numbers Game: Allocation by Region and Country:

Breaking down the allocation further, specific numbers are earmarked for each region, excluding certain countries. This careful distribution aims to encompass a diverse range of nationalities and backgrounds, contributing to the multicultural tapestry of the United States. Understanding these allocations provides valuable insights for prospective immigrants from different regions, allowing them to assess their chances and plan their immigration journey strategically.

Important Dates and Considerations: Navigating the DV Landscape

Entitlement to Immigrant Status:

Securing immigrant status in the DV category is a time-sensitive endeavor. The entitlement to immigrant status lasts only through the end of the fiscal year. It’s imperative for DV applicants to be aware of this timeframe, emphasizing the need for timely and diligent action to ensure a smooth transition into the United States.

Latest DV Category Rank Cut-offs for November:

As we navigate the nuances of the November 2023 Visa Bulletin, understanding the latest DV category rank cut-offs is crucial. These cut-offs determine the eligibility of applicants based on their regional lottery rank numbers. Being aware of these numbers is fundamental for DV-2024 applicants, guiding them on whether their applications fall below or above the specified cut-off points.

Scheduled Expiration of the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) Category:

In tandem with the DV category, the November 2023 Visa Bulletin sheds light on the scheduled expiration of the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category. With the non-minister special immigrant program set to expire on November 17, 2023, applicants in this category face a deadline for visa issuance and final action on adjustment of status cases. This impending expiration necessitates careful planning and swift action for those seeking immigration opportunities under this specific category.

The November Visa Bulletin: An Important Guide

As we discussed, the November 2023 Visa Bulletin serves as a crucial guide for individuals navigating the intricate path of US immigration. Our exploration of key topics, including visa numbers allocation, family-sponsored and employment-based preferences, the DV category, and upcoming changes, underscores the importance of staying well-informed.

For the latest updates on visa processing, we encourage readers to visit not only the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at travel.state.gov but also the official US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at www.uscis.gov. These resources provide valuable and up-to-date information, ensuring individuals have the necessary tools to make informed decisions about their immigration journey.

As the landscape evolves, staying connected with authoritative sources remains pivotal. The journey to the United States is unique for each individual, and a well-informed approach is key to a successful and smooth transition.

For help regarding your status in the US, contact immigration lawyers at San Diego, California, Kannan Law. We recommend you have an immigration attorney help you with your case.