I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See all posts Frank GogolNovember Visa Bulletin
Updated on April 10, 2024
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At a Glance: In the November 2021 Visa Bulletin updates, the EB-1 category remains current for all countries. EB-2 China moves forward by about four and a half months, and EB-2 India advances by three months. However, EB-3 India and China retrogress, while other countries stay current. The bulletin provides information on filing for status adjustment in both employment-based and family-based categories. It includes final action dates and filing dates for visa applications, indicating when immigrant visa numbers will likely be available. The chart helps determine priority dates and eligibility for submitting required documents.
The November 2021 Visa Bulletin by the United States State Department shows backlogs in getting green cards. These include both family and employment-based categories. Depending on your petition’s category and country of birth, your green card will take a while. This bulletin is updated every month. Each month’s bulletin predicts how rapidly your priority date in the Visa Bulletin will advance or retrogress.
It has also been confirmed by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that it will accept employment-based Form I-485, Applications to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, next month according to the Visa Bulletin’s “Dates of Filing” chart.
The DOS releases a Visa Bulletin each month to indicate the availability of statutorily limited visas for prospective immigrants. Eligibility to file a Form I-485 application in a particular month dictates the cut-off dates reflected in the Visa Bulletin and the USCIS’ confirmation of which chart will apply. Additionally, the Final Action Dates chart in the applicable Visa Bulletin will determine whether or not a pending Form I-485 or immigrant visa application will be approved.
November Visa Bulletin Updates
Find below the updates of the November 2021 Visa Bulletin:
- EB-1 will remain current for all countries.
- EB-2 China Final Action dates will move forward by about four and a half months to November 15, 2018, and EB-2 India Final Action dates will advance by three months to December 1, 2011.
- Filing dates will advance by five months for EB-2 China to February 1, 2019, and for EB-2 India, it will be extended by six months to January 8, 2013. For all other countries, it will remain current.
- EB-3 India Final Action dates will retrogress almost two years to January 15, 2012. EB-3 China will revert by 9 1/2 months to March 22, 2018. The EB-3 Dates for Filing will retrogress to January 22, 2012, for India, and to April 1, 2018, for China. All other countries will remain current.
Information about when an applicant can file for status adjustment in November 2021 has been provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services under both preference categories – employment-based and family-based.
Employment-Based Final Action Dates
The dates for when immigrant visa numbers will most likely be available for foreign nationals with a current priority date that month is indicated through Final Action Dates. Why is this date important? Once an immigration visa number is available, the foreign national’s physical green card can be issued.
Note: The regional center program for EB-5 expired on 30 June 2021.
On the chart above, the listing date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed. “C” means current. (The numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants) and “U” means unauthorized. (The numbers are not authorized for issuance).
Employment-Based Filing Date Chart
The following chart reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Immigrant visa applicants with a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart may submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center after receiving the receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions.
The EB-5 Regional Center program expired on June 30, 2021.
Family-Based Final Action Dates
Following are the family-based categories in the visa bulletin:
- F-1 Unmarried Adult Sons and Daughters of United States Citizens
- F-2A Spouses and Children of Legal permanent residents (LPRs)
- F-2B Unmarried Adult Sons and Daughters of Legal permanent residents
- F-3 Married Sons and Daughters of United States citizens
- F-4 Brothers and Sisters of United States Citizens
The day the government receives the applicant’s I-130 Petition is the applicant’s priority date. If you’re interested in exploring and checking out various other shortening waiting times for a green card, you can watch family-based videos.
The word “Current,” as one can see in the Visa Bulletin, signifies that no backlog currently exists in a particular category. The “U” or the word “Unavailable” indicates that it is not possible to apply for permanent residence in that category.
The chart above shows dates for filing visa applications in between a certain time frame and justifies the immediate action in the application process. Those applicants who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart and are for immigrant visas can assemble and submit the necessary documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center. They should visit the Department of State’s National Visa Center after receiving notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions.
For an oversubscribed category, the application date is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa.
Family-Based Filing Date Chart
The chart below shows dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Immigrants visa applicants with a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart below may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, after receiving the receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions.
The application date for a category that is oversubscribed is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a certain category is labeled as current, all applications belonging to that category are allowed to file applications irrespective of the priority date.
Read More
- How Do I Speak to a Live Person at USCIS?
- How Many Citizenships Can You Have?
- How Do I Know Which USCIS Service Center?
- How Do I Know If USCIS Received My Application?
- What “Country of Residence” and How to Know Yours When on a Visa
- How to Check Dropbox Eligibility with the App
Conclusion
The US Department of State: Consular Affairs (@TravelGov) will be hosting a forum called “Chats with Charlie” on its YouTube channel to discuss the information provided in the monthly Visa Bulletin with our expert Charlie Oppenheim. The purpose of this event is to address general interest issues related to the Visa Bulletin.
Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.