The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs released the April Visa Bulletin on Monday, showing significant progress in priority dates for green cards and immigrant visas for unmarried and married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens living abroad who are over 21 years old. However, changes for family members of green card holders remain limited.
For unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens over 21 living outside the U.S., the priority date for obtaining a green card or immigrant visa has advanced by nearly four months. In March, the cutoff was November 22, 2015, but for April, it has moved to March 15, 2016. This means those with priority dates before March 15, 2016, can receive their green cards or visas in April.
For married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens abroad, the priority date has progressed by almost nine months, shifting from July 1, 2010, in March to April 1, 2011, in April, offering some relief to applicants in this category.
For spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders living abroad, the priority date for obtaining a green card or immigrant visa remains unchanged at January 1, 2022, from March to April. However, the filing date for those in the U.S. has advanced by three months, from July 15, 2024, to October 15, 2024, making it easier for applicants inside the U.S. to submit their applications.
For unmarried children over 21 of green card holders, the priority date has seen a modest two-month improvement, moving from May 22, 2016, in March to July 22, 2016, in April. Meanwhile, the priority date for siblings of U.S. citizens remains static at August 1, 2007, for both March and April.
For the spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders inside the U.S., the filing date for green card applications has advanced by three months, from July 15, 2024, in March to October 15, 2024, in April, bringing some optimism to these applicants. Similarly, for siblings of U.S. citizens in the U.S., the filing date has moved forward by one month, from March 1, 2008, to April 1, 2008.
However, no changes have occurred in the filing dates for other family-based categories inside the U.S., including unmarried sons and daughters over 21 of U.S. citizens (September 1, 2017), married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (July 22, 2012), and unmarried children over 21 of green card holders (January 1, 2017). These dates remain the same from March to April.
The final action date and filing date differ for China (mainland-born), India, Mexico, and the Philippines.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
