The other day, the US government issued a monthly visa bulletin, which made important changes to the procedure for obtaining various categories of visas. Learn how the updates affect the Green Card application process and what changes have occurred to the visa application process

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In the August visa bulletin, the US State Department introduced several significant changes to the procedure for issuing certain categories of visas. These changes concern migrants from different countries of the world.

What is a visa bulletin? What changes took place in the August edition? We tell.

What is a US visa bulletin?

Each year, the US government issues a limited number of immigrant visas and Green Cards. Their exact number is strictly defined by law.

Additionally, if there are unused quotas from last year, the number of visas can be increased. To record such visas, a visa bulletin has been developed, which helps the government and potential migrants navigate the procedures and deadlines.

The visa bulletin helps to understand when it is better to apply for a certain visa and when it can be approved. Priority dates are also indicated in the bulletin - this is the period when applications for certain categories of visas begin to be processed.

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How long is the visa bulletin valid for?

Each ballot is valid for one month. It is updated monthly on the second or third week.

The document informs you about the possibility of applying for a visa in a month. For example, the August bulletin was published on July 12, showing possible visa interviews in September of the current fiscal year.

Also, each document additionally indicates the maximum possible number of applications that can be processed.

How will a visa bulletin help an expat?

With the help of the bulletin, you can find your way in terms of submitting a package of documents for different categories of visas. In one column you will see the list of countries, in the other - visa category. Next, look at the dates: until which date you can apply for a certain visa and when this period ends.

The visa bulletin helps you monitor the current situation with the availability of visas and plan your actions. This is especially important for those applying for limited quota visas to maximize their chances of being granted a visa.

August visa bulletin: important changes

To apply in August 2024, applicants must have an application date before the specific deadline listed for their category and country in the bulletin.

The good news is that the new Visa Bulletin has significantly increased the quota for DV lottery winners. The July quota for European countries is 50,000 places, taking into account that last month there were 27,500. That is, if your number is included in these 50,000, you have every chance to apply and get a Green Card.

In general, it is worth noting that the August visa bulletin is completely focused on employment. In August, no promotions for various types of family visas were recorded.

So, the August visa bulletin contains progress for various types of work visas, but for expats who are waiting for decisions on family visas, no positive dynamics are observed yet.

We will remind you that we talked about the main requirements for participating in the Green Card draw, as well as the application procedure in detail here.

6 proven ways to legally migrate to the USA in this article.