November 2024 Visa Bulletin: Results & Analysis

The November 2024 Visa Bulletin brought some surprises, though not quite as dramatic as last month’s shifts. While we didn’t see the same level of progress that excited many applicants in the October 2024 Visa Bulletin Announcement, there were still positive movements in certain categories. These developments are crucial for those who found themselves on the edge of priority dates from last month’s bulletin. Unfortunately, the employment-based categories, which had consistently seen positive shifts over the past few months, showed virtually no change this time around. Though we didn’t witness any negative shifts, the lack of forward movement is somewhat concerning. Stagnancy, especially in categories that have been steadily advancing, can sometimes signal future challenges or delays.

This month’s bulletin is a mix of positive and stagnancy, with just enough progress to provide some hope, but also enough stagnation to make applicants wonder whether negative shifts are looming. Let’s take a closer look at the November 2024 Visa Bulletin and explore what this could mean moving forward.

Family-based

Final Action Date

November 2024 Visa Bulletin: Results & Analysis
  • F1 Mexico – January 1, 2003 to November 22, 2004 + 1 year, 10 months, & 21 days
  • F2A All Other Chargeable Areas – November 22, 2021 to January 1, 2022 + 1 year & 10 days
  • F2A China – November 22, 2021 to January 1, 2022 + 1 year & 10 days
  • F2A India – November 22, 2021 to January 1, 2022 + 1 year & 10 days
  • F2A Mexico – March 8, 2021 to April 15, 2021 + 1 month & 7 days
  • F2A Philippines – November 22, 2021 to January 1, 2022 + 1 year & 10 days
  • F2B Mexico – January 15, 2005 to July 1, 2005 + 5 months & 16 days
  • F3 All Other Chargeable Areas – April 1, 2010 to April 15, 2010 + 14 days
  • F3 China – April 1, 2010 to April 15, 2010 + 14 days
  • F3 India – April 1, 2010 to April 15, 2010 + 14 days
  • F3 Mexico – August 22, 2000 to October 22, 2000 + 2 months
  • F4 India – March 1, 2006 to March 8, 2006 + 7 days
  • F4 Mexico – February 22, 2001 to March 1, 2001 + 7 days

Date of Filing Application

November 2024 Visa Bulletin: Results & Analysis
  • F2B Mexico – August 1, 2005 to July 1, 2006 + 11 months
  • F3 All Other Chargeable Areas – July 1, 2011 to April 22, 2012 + 9 months & 21 days
  • F3 China – July 1, 2011 to April 22, 2012 + 9 months & 21 days
  • F3 India – July 1, 2011 to April 22, 2012 + 9 months & 21 days
  • F4 India – June 15, 2006 to August 1, 2006 + 1 month & 17 days
  • F4 Philippines – August 1, 2006 to July 22, 2007 + 11 months & 21 days

Employment-based

Final Action Date

November 2024 Visa Bulletin: Results & Analysis
Certain Religious Workers has been relisted
  • Certain Religious Workers China – July 15, 2016
  • Certain Religious Workers India – January 1, 2022

Date of Filing Application

November 2024 Visa Bulletin: Results & Analysis
  • No Changes

Employment-Based Categories: What Does This Mean?

One of the more concerning trends in the November 2024 Visa Bulletin is the stagnation in employment-based categories. After months of steady positive changes, the fact that these categories saw little to no movement is a notable shift. For example, the reinstating of the Certain Religious Workers category was the only major change, following its delisting last month. This category has been volatile in recent years, fluctuating between availability and unavailability. While its reinstatement is good news, the lack of other significant employment-based changes raises some questions.

Could the USCIS be taking a step back to reassess its demand and capacity before moving forward? The slow or stagnant movement could be the agency’s way of balancing visa demand across categories, ensuring that the system remains manageable. We’ve seen similar patterns before, where large positive shifts were followed by a pause, and this could simply be another instance of recalibration. However, it’s worth watching closely, as stagnation can sometimes signal a future downturn.

Family-Based Categories: Continuing the Trends

What stands out in the family-based categories is that the same categories that saw shifts last month also saw changes this month. This consistency is somewhat unusual, as it’s rare to see the exact same categories experiencing significant shifts multiple times in a row. Typically, visa bulletins show a wider range of movements across different family-based categories, so the fact that the shifts are concentrated in similar areas is noteworthy.

In the case of the family-based categories, it seems that 2024 has been anything but typical. The USCIS has been unpredictable this year, making it challenging to forecast future movements. However, the ongoing positive shifts in these categories are certainly encouraging for those waiting for their priority dates.

December 2024 Visa Bulletin Predictions

So, what can we expect in the December 2024 Visa Bulletin? As we look ahead, we are left wondering what is going on behind the scenes at the USCIS. This year has been marked by testing, reassessment, and recalibration. Early in 2024, we saw months of positive shifts, followed by a period of stagnation, and then another round of significant forward movement. Now, with employment-based categories showing virtually no change and family-based categories seeing repeated shifts, we are left to speculate.

It’s possible that the USCIS is once again recalibrating its approach as we head into the end of the year. The lack of movement in employment-based categories could be a signal that negative shifts are on the horizon. On the other hand, the agency could simply be pausing to reassess its capacity before making any more changes. With the new year approaching, there could be another round of positive shifts as the USCIS adjusts its priorities and resources. 

As we wait for the December 2024 Visa Bulletin, we remain cautiously optimistic but aware that the unpredictability of this year could continue. Only time will tell what the USCIS has in store as we move into the final month of 2024.

See the U.S. Department of State website to view the November 2024 Visa Bulletin.

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