April 2024 Visa Bulletin Analysis: Key Advancements, No Retrogression, and EB-4 Religious Worker Update

Waiting for your green card to become available can feel like an eternity, a journey filled with hope, anxiety, and constant checking of the latest updates. At ImmiBook, we understand these emotions, and we're here to break down the complex world of the US Department of State Visa Bulletin into clear, actionable insights.

The **April 2024 Visa Bulletin** has just been released, and it brings a mix of positive news and a significant update for a specific category. While we're seeing some welcome forward movement and, thankfully, **no retrogressions** this month, a key change impacts EB-4 Religious Workers, making their visas "unavailable." Let's dive deep into what these changes mean for you and your immigration journey.

Remember, you can always track your priority date and monitor visa bulletin updates effortlessly with the ImmiBook Visa Bulletin Tracker.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin: Final Action Dates vs. Dates for Filing

Before we dissect the April 2024 data, it's crucial to understand the two main charts in the Visa Bulletin:

1. Final Action Dates (Chart A): This is the most critical chart. Your priority date must be earlier than the date listed here for your category and country of chargeability for USCIS to make a *final decision* on your Adjustment of Status (I-485) application or for the National Visa Center (NVC) to schedule your immigrant visa interview. If your priority date is current under Chart A, you can move forward with the final steps of your green card process.
2. Dates for Filing (Chart B): This chart indicates when applicants can *submit* their Adjustment of Status (I-485) applications to USCIS, or when the NVC can begin pre-processing immigrant visa applications. USCIS decides each month whether to accept Chart A or Chart B for Adjustment of Status filings. For April 2024, USCIS has indicated that **applicants must use the Final Action Dates (Chart A)** for family-sponsored preference categories and **Dates for Filing (Chart B)** for employment-based preference categories. This is a crucial distinction! Always check the USCIS website for their monthly update on which chart to use.

A priority date is essentially your place in line. For family-sponsored preferences, it's the date USCIS receives the I-130 petition. For employment-based preferences, it's usually the date the PERM labor certification application was filed, or the date the I-140 petition was received if no PERM is required.

April 2024 Visa Bulletin: Key Takeaways

The April 2024 Visa Bulletin presents a mixed but generally positive picture for many, especially compared to months with significant retrogressions. Here are the main highlights:

• No Retrogressions! This is excellent news. No preference categories saw their priority dates move backward, offering stability for those whose dates are already current or nearing current.
• Significant EB-4 Advancements: The EB-4 (Special Immigrants) category saw substantial forward movement for all countries, with Final Action Dates advancing by 336 days (nearly a year) and Dates for Filing by 335 days.
• EB-4 Religious Workers Unavailable: A critical development is that the EB-4 Religious Worker category has become "Unavailable" for all countries in the Final Action Dates chart. This is due to the expiration of the Special Immigrant Religious Worker program.
• F4 Philippines Advances: The Family-Sponsored F4 category for the Philippines saw a full year of advancement (365 days) in the Dates for Filing chart.
• Most Categories Unchanged: While there are some significant movements, the majority of categories (111 out of 150) remained unchanged from the previous month. This indicates a steady, albeit slow, pace for many applicants.
• Average Movement: Across all categories that advanced, the average forward movement was approximately 174 days.

Let's delve into the specifics for each preference category.

Employment-Based (EB) Preference Categories Analysis

The employment-based categories are allocated approximately 140,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year. These are divided into five preference levels, with specific percentages and per-country limits.

EB-1: Priority Workers

• Description: This category is for persons of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational managers or executives.
• April 2024 Status:
  • Final Action Dates:
    • China & India: Remained at **January 1, 2023**.
    • All Other Countries: **Current (C)**.
  • Dates for Filing:
    • China & India: Remained at **August 1, 2023**.
    • All Other Countries: **Current (C)**.
• Analysis: For most countries, EB-1 remains "Current," meaning visas are immediately available for eligible applicants. China and India continue to experience a backlog, but their dates held steady. This stability is good news, as it avoids any unexpected retrogressions. Applicants from China and India with priority dates on or before January 1, 2023 (for Final Action) or August 1, 2023 (for Dates for Filing) should prepare their documents.
• Actionable Advice: If you are in EB-1 from "all other" countries, congratulations, your visa is current! If you haven't already, file your I-485 (if in the U.S.) or prepare for your consular interview. For China and India, continue to monitor these dates closely.

EB-2: Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability

• Description: This category is for professionals with advanced degrees (Master's or higher) or persons with exceptional ability in arts, sciences, or business.
• April 2024 Status:
  • Final Action Dates:
    • China: Remained at **February 1, 2020**.
    • India: Remained at **April 15, 2012**.
    • All Other Countries: Remained at **January 1, 2023**.
  • Dates for Filing:
    • China: Remained at **June 1, 2020**.
    • India: Remained at **May 15, 2012**.
    • All Other Countries: Remained at **June 1, 2023**.
• Analysis: EB-2 dates remained unchanged across the board this month. India continues to face a significant backlog, with its Final Action Date stuck in early 2012. China also has a substantial wait, though less severe than India. "All other" countries are backlogged to January 2023, indicating that even for these countries, demand is high. The lack of movement suggests that visa usage is proceeding steadily within annual limits, but without enough elasticity to push dates forward significantly yet.
• Actionable Advice: If your priority date is current or very close, ensure all your documentation is ready. For those with distant priority dates, particularly from India and China, the wait continues. Explore options like EB-1 if you qualify, or consider whether a change to EB-3 might offer a faster path, though this often involves re-filing.

EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers

• Description: This category is for skilled workers (requiring at least 2 years of training or experience), professionals (requiring a bachelor's degree), and other workers (requiring less than 2 years of training or experience).
• April 2024 Status:
  • Final Action Dates:
    • China: Remained at **September 1, 2020**.
    • India: Remained at **August 15, 2012**.
    • Philippines: Remained at **December 1, 2022**.
    • All Other Countries: Remained at **January 1, 2023**.
  • Dates for Filing:
    • China: Remained at **January 1, 2021**.
    • India: Remained at **September 1, 2012**.
    • Philippines: Remained at **January 1, 2023**.
    • All Other Countries: Remained at **February 1, 2023**.
• Analysis: Similar to EB-2, EB-3 saw no movement in April. India's backlog remains severe, only slightly ahead of EB-2 India. China and the Philippines also face significant waits. The "all other" category is backlogged to early 2023. This stability, while preventing retrogressions, also means a continued wait for many.
• Actionable Advice: Keep your documents updated. If you are in the U.S. and your priority date is close to the Dates for Filing, prepare your I-485 application. For those with long waits, patience and regular monitoring of the ImmiBook tracker are essential.

EB-4: Special Immigrants

• Description: This category includes certain religious workers, broadcasters, Iraqi and Afghan translators, physicians, and other special immigrants.
• April 2024 Status:
  • Final Action Dates:
    • All Countries (except Religious Workers): Advanced significantly from December 1, 2019 to **November 1, 2020** (a 336-day jump!).
    • EB-4 Religious Workers (All Countries): Became **Unavailable (U)**.
  • Dates for Filing:
    • All Countries (except Religious Workers): Advanced significantly from January 1, 2020 to **December 1, 2020** (a 335-day jump!).
• Analysis: This is where the most dramatic changes occurred.
  

  Positive News for Most EB-4 Applicants: For most EB-4 subcategories (excluding religious workers), this is fantastic news! A nearly one-year jump in both Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing means many applicants who have been waiting will now find their priority dates current or nearly current. This advancement indicates that the demand in these areas might have been lower than anticipated, or annual visa numbers are being utilized efficiently.

  Concerning News for EB-4 Religious Workers: The "Unavailable" status for EB-4 Religious Workers is a significant and concerning development. This is directly related to the expiration of the Special Immigrant Religious Worker program on March 23, 2024. Without Congressional reauthorization, no new visas can be issued in this category. This means that even if your priority date was current, you cannot receive your visa or adjust status unless the program is reauthorized. This is a recurring issue, and historically, Congress has often reauthorized it, sometimes retroactively. However, there's no guarantee.

• Actionable Advice:
  • For non-Religious Worker EB-4 applicants: If your new priority date is current under Final Action Dates, prepare to file your I-485 or attend your consular interview. This is a major opportunity! Ensure all your documents are in order.
  • For EB-4 Religious Worker applicants: This is a challenging situation. You cannot move forward with your green card process until Congress reauthorizes the program. Stay informed on legislative developments. Consult with an experienced immigration attorney to understand your options, which might include exploring other visa categories if applicable, or preparing to act quickly if reauthorization occurs.

Here's a summary of the EB-4 movements:

EB-5: Immigrant Investors

• Description: This category is for investors who make a qualifying investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States and create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
• April 2024 Status:
  • Final Action Dates:
    • China: Remained at **December 15, 2015**.
    • India: Remained at **December 1, 2020**.
    • All Other Countries: **Current (C)**.
  • Dates for Filing:
    • China: Remained at **January 1, 2017**.
    • India: Remained at **April 1, 2022**.
    • All Other Countries: **Current (C)**.
• Analysis: EB-5 remains "Current" for most countries, reflecting the lower demand or higher availability of visas compared to other categories. China and India, however, continue to experience significant backlogs. The dates for these countries remained unchanged this month.
• Actionable Advice: If you are an EB-5 investor from a "Current" country, your path forward is clear. For China and India, continue to monitor. The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 created "set-aside" visas for rural, high unemployment, and infrastructure projects, which are generally "Current." If you are considering EB-5, explore these set-aside categories for potentially faster processing.

Family-Sponsored (F) Preference Categories Analysis

Family-sponsored preference categories are subject to annual limits of approximately 226,000 visas. These are also divided into four preference levels with per-country limits.

F1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

• Description: This category is for unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age or older) of U.S. citizens.
• April 2024 Status:
  • Final Action Dates:
    • Mexico: Remained at **August 1, 2001**.
    • Philippines: Remained at **March 1, 2012**.
    • All Other Countries: Remained at **January 1, 2015**.
  • Dates for Filing:
    • Mexico: Remained at **April 1, 2005**.
    • Philippines: Remained at **April 22, 2013**.
    • All Other Countries: Remained at **September 1, 2017**.
• Analysis: The F1 category saw no movement this month. Mexico continues to face an extremely long wait, followed by the Philippines. "All other" countries are also backlogged by several years. The lack of movement indicates high demand and the slow pace of visa availability within the annual limits.
• Actionable Advice: If your priority date is current or nearing, ensure you have all necessary documents for your I-485 or consular interview. For those with distant dates, consistent monitoring of the ImmiBook tracker is key.

F2A: Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

• Description: This category is for spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years of age) of U.S. permanent residents.
• April 2024 Status:
  • Final Action Dates:
    • All Countries: Remained at **June 1, 2021**.
  • Dates for Filing:
    • All Countries: Remained at **September 1, 2023**.
• Analysis: F2A dates remained unchanged for all countries. This category often moves more quickly than others, but it has been somewhat stagnant recently. While not "Current," a June 2021 Final Action Date means a wait of just under three years for most applicants. The Dates for Filing at September 2023 are also relatively recent, allowing many to file their applications.
• Actionable Advice: If your priority date is on or before June 1, 2021, and you are eligible, proceed with your application. If your priority date is on or before September 1, 2023, you may be able to file your I-485 (if USCIS allows use of Chart B for family-sponsored categories, which it *does not* for April 2024). Always double-check the USCIS website for their monthly guidance on which chart to use for filing. For April, family-sponsored must use Chart A for filing.

F2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

• Description: This category is for unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age or older) of U.S. permanent residents.
• April 2024 Status:
  • Final Action Dates:
    • Mexico: Remained at **August 1, 2003**.
    • Philippines: Remained at **October 22, 2011**.
    • All Other Countries: Remained at **September 22, 2016**.
  • Dates for Filing:
    • Mexico: Remained at **March 1, 2005**.
    • Philippines: Remained at **October 1, 2013**.
    • All Other Countries: Remained at **January 1, 2017**.
• Analysis: F2B also saw no movement in April. Mexico and the Philippines continue to have very long backlogs, while "all other" countries are backlogged to late 2016. This category, like F1, typically experiences slow movement due to high demand and limited visa numbers.
• Actionable Advice: Continue to monitor the bulletin. If your priority date is approaching, ensure all your documents are ready.

F3: Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

• Description: This category is for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
• April 2024 Status:
  • Final Action Dates:
    • Mexico: Remained at **April 15, 1998**.
    • Philippines: Remained at **June 8, 2004**.
    • All Other Countries: Remained at **March 1, 2009**.
  • Dates for Filing:
    • Mexico: Remained at **December 1, 2000**.
    • Philippines: Remained at **November 8, 2004**.
    • All Other Countries: Remained at **June 1, 2010**.
• Analysis: F3 dates remained unchanged this month. This category has some of the longest backlogs, particularly for Mexico (stuck in the late 1990s). The Philippines and "all other" countries also face very long waits. This is a reflection of the high demand and limited annual visa numbers for this preference category.
• Actionable Advice: Patience is paramount for F3 applicants. Keep your contact information updated with USCIS and NVC. Regularly check the ImmiBook tracker for any future movements.

F4: Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens

• Description: This category is for brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens.
• April 2024 Status:
  • Final Action Dates:
    • Mexico: Remained at **September 1, 1999**.
    • Philippines: Remained at **June 1, 2002**.
    • All Other Countries: Remained at **March 1, 2008**.
  • Dates for Filing:
    • Mexico: Remained at **April 15, 2001**.
    • Philippines: Advanced significantly from April 22, 2004 to **April 22, 2005** (a full 365-day jump!).
    • All Other Countries: Remained at **November 1, 22008**.
• Analysis: The F4 category saw a very welcome advancement for the Philippines in the Dates for Filing chart – a full year forward! This means many Filipino applicants with priority dates up to April 22, 2005, can now prepare and submit their initial paperwork. For Final Action Dates, however, all F4 categories remained unchanged, with Mexico and the Philippines facing exceptionally long waits. The F4 category generally has the longest backlogs due to high demand.
• Actionable Advice:
  • For F4 Philippines (Dates for Filing): If your priority date is on or before April 22, 2005, use this opportunity to prepare your documents for filing your I-485 or for NVC processing. While you can't get your final green card yet, getting your application in is a critical step.
  • For all F4 applicants (Final Action Dates): The wait continues for final approval. Keep your information updated and monitor future bulletins.

Here's a summary of the F4 Philippines movement:

Actionable Advice for Applicants

Based on the April 2024 Visa Bulletin, here's what you should do:

1. Check Your Priority Date: The first step is always to verify your priority date against the **Final Action Dates (Chart A)** and **Dates for Filing (Chart B)** for your specific category and country of chargeability. Remember, for April 2024, USCIS requires **Final Action Dates (Chart A)** for family-sponsored and **Dates for Filing (Chart B)** for employment-based categories for filing Adjustment of Status applications.
2. For Those Whose Dates Became Current (or Are Very Close):
   • Gather Documents: If your priority date is current under Final Action Dates, immediately gather all required documents for your I-485 Adjustment of Status application (if you are in the U.S.) or for your immigrant visa interview at a U.S. consulate abroad. This includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical exam results, affidavits of support, police certificates, and more.
   • File I-485 (if in U.S.): If you are in the U.S. and your priority date is current under the chart USCIS has announced for *filing*, submit your I-485 application along with supporting documents. You can also file for employment authorization (EAD) and advance parole (AP) concurrently.
   • Prepare for Interview (Consular Processing): If you are outside the U.S. and your priority date is current under Final Action Dates, the National Visa Center (NVC) should be contacting you to schedule your immigrant visa interview. Ensure you have submitted all requested documents to the NVC and prepare for your interview.
   • Consult an Attorney: If your date is current, it's highly recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to ensure your application is complete and error-free.
3. For EB-4 Religious Workers:
   • Stay Informed: Monitor legislative news for any updates on the reauthorization of the Special Immigrant Religious Worker program.
   • Consult an Attorney: Discuss alternative immigration pathways with an attorney if available, or strategize on how to proceed if and when the program is