In May 2024, the United States Department of State released the Visa Bulletin, outlining immigrant number availability for both "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing Applications." These dates guide immigrant visa applicants on when to submit necessary documentation to the National Visa Center.

The bulletin highlights several key points:

1. Statutory Numbers for Preference Immigrant Visas: The bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers and provides guidelines for applicants based on "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing Applications."

2. Procedures for Determining Dates: Consular officers report documentary qualified applicants for numerically limited visas, while USCIS reports applicants for adjustment of status. Allocations are made based on chronological order of reported priority dates.

3. Limits and Categories: The fiscal year 2024 limits for family-sponsored and employment-based preference immigrants are specified, along with allocation percentages for per-country limits.

4. Preference Classes for Family-Sponsored Immigrant Visas: The bulletin details preference classes for family-sponsored immigrant visas, including categories for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, spouses and children of permanent residents, married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens.

5. Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing: The bulletin provides charts for both final action dates and dates for filing of family-sponsored and employment-based visa applications.

6. Diversity Immigrant (DV) Category: The bulletin outlines immigrant numbers available for qualified DV2024 applicants from different regions and countries, along with cut-off numbers for June.

7. Employment Fourth Preference (SR) Religious Workers Category Extension: H.R. 2882 extends the SR category until September 30, 2024, with certain stipulations.

8. Annual Waiting List Report: The National Visa Center provides information on applicants registered in numerically-limited immigrant categories for processing at overseas posts.

9. U.S. Government Employee Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs): The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2024 may affect certain current and former employees of the U.S. Government abroad applying for SIVs or adjustment of status.

10. For Latest Information: Applicants are directed to visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website for the latest information on visa processing at U.S. embassies and consulates.

The Visa Bulletin serves as a crucial resource for immigrants and stakeholders involved in the immigration process, providing transparency and guidance on visa availability and application procedures.