Immigration News

Visa Bulletin August 2024

Are you waiting for a green card? We’ve got updates for you — The U.S. Department of State has published its Visa Bulletin for August 2024. This bulletin shows which green card applications can move forward based on priority dates.

Chelsea Spinos, Writer
Simon Craven, Manifest Immigration Lawyer

By:

Chelsea Spinos

Chelsea Spinos is a contributing writer for Manifest Law. She covers all topics related to U.S. visas and green cards. She is passionate about helping people navigate their immigration journey with clarity and confidence.

Reviewer:

Simon Craven, Esq.

Simon Craven is an immigration attorney with 11+ years of experience working on thousands of successful immigration cases. Simon is passionate about US immigration and helping people.

8 min read • Aug 06, 2024

Picture of Department of State
Picture of Department of State
Picture of Department of State

Key takeaways

Progress for some countries in EB-1 and EB-2 categories, but delays persist for India and China

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens aren’t affected by annual limits. Other family-based categories may see faster or slower processing times

Changes to per-country limits are affecting visa processing speeds, especially for high-demand countries

The USCIS Visa Bulletin for August 2024 has introduced several important updates that could impact your visa application. 


Firstly, there’s been some movement in the Employment-Based (EB) categories. For the EB-1 category, which is for priority workers, there's been progress in some countries, though backlogs remain for high-demand regions like India and China. The EB-2 category, aimed at professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional skills, is also seeing changes. While some countries are experiencing advancements, applicants from India and China may still face longer wait times. In the EB-3 category, which covers skilled and unskilled workers, delays continue for certain countries, although others are seeing more favorable dates.


Family-sponsored visas have also seen updates. While immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are not affected by annual limits and don’t face long wait times, other family-based categories have experienced shifts. This means some applicants might see faster processing, while others may face delays.


Additionally, the Visa Bulletin has adjusted per-country limits, which affects how quickly applicants from high-demand countries can progress through the visa process. There have also been changes in visa availability for specific programs and categories, potentially altering wait times for various applicants.

Keep reading for the latest visa bulletin updates for August 2024.

Passport with visa approval
Passport with visa approval
Passport with visa approval

What is the USCIS visa bulletin?

What is the USCIS visa bulletin?

The USCIS Visa Bulletin, released monthly by the U.S. Department of State, indicates which green card applications are eligible to advance. 


Your position in line is determined by your priority date, assigned when you file an immigrant petition (Form I-140 or Form I-130). When your priority date becomes "current," you have reached the front of the line.

USCIS
USCIS
USCIS

How the USCIS Visa Bulletin Works

How the USCIS Visa Bulletin Works

  • Priority Dates: These dates serve as placeholders in the green card queue. The Department of State reviews the number of applications in each category monthly to estimate when applicants can proceed.

  • Dates for Filing: If your priority date is on or before the cut-off date for your category, you can move to the next step of your application.

  • Final Action Dates: These dates estimate when your application will be processed and finalized. The time between the Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates reflects the expected USCIS processing time.


In order to read the visa bulletin chart, you need to know two things:


  1. Your priority date

  2. Your preference category

Petition for Alien Relative
Petition for Alien Relative
Petition for Alien Relative

What is my priority date?

What is my priority date?

Your priority date is the date when USCIS receives your initial immigration petition, such as Form I-130.


Locating your priority date is easy. Simply refer to the receipt notice (Form I-797C) sent by USCIS after they process your petition. You’ll find your priority date at the top section of this document.


If you're unsure, reach out to the team at Manifest Law for assistance.

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

Your priority date is the date when USCIS receives your initial immigration petition, such as Form I-130.


Locating your priority date is easy. Simply refer to the receipt notice (Form I-797C) sent by USCIS after they process your petition. You’ll find your priority date at the top section of this document.


If you're unsure, reach out to the team at Manifest Law for assistance.

Handing immigration documents
Handing immigration documents
Handing immigration documents

What is my preference category?

What is my preference category?

To find your preference category, you'll need to determine which type of immigration petition you filed. Here are the primary categories:


Employment-Based Preference Categories:


  • EB-1: For individuals with extraordinary ability (EB-1A), outstanding professors and researchers (EB-1B), and multinational executives or managers (EB-1C).

  • EB-2: For individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities, applying for an EB-2 PERM or EB-2 NIW visa.

  • EB-3: For skilled workers with at least two years of experience, professionals with a bachelor's degree, and other workers applying for an EB-3 visa.

  • EB-4: For special immigrants, such as religious workers, applying for an EB-4 visa.

  • EB-5: For individuals making substantial investments in U.S. businesses, applying for an EB-5 visa.

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

To find your preference category, you'll need to determine which type of immigration petition you filed. Here are the primary categories:


Employment-Based Preference Categories:


  • EB-1: For individuals with extraordinary ability (EB-1A), outstanding professors and researchers (EB-1B), and multinational executives or managers (EB-1C).

  • EB-2: For individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities, applying for an EB-2 PERM or EB-2 NIW visa.

  • EB-3: For skilled workers with at least two years of experience, professionals with a bachelor's degree, and other workers applying for an EB-3 visa.

  • EB-4: For special immigrants, such as religious workers, applying for an EB-4 visa.

  • EB-5: For individuals making substantial investments in U.S. businesses, applying for an EB-5 visa.

F1: Unmarried children over the age of 21 of U.S. citizens.

  • F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of lawful permanent residents.

  • F2B: Unmarried children over the age of 21 of lawful permanent residents.

  • F3: Married children of U.S. citizens.

  • F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens.

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

How do I read the visa bulletin chart?

How do I read the visa bulletin chart?

The USCIS Visa Bulletin can be confusing. If you need help understanding how to read it and finding your priority date, check out our comprehensive guide: USCIS Visa Bulletin Explained: Step-by-step Guide.


For a more detailed explanation, you can also watch our video walkthrough below.

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

The USCIS Visa Bulletin can be confusing. If you need help understanding how to read it and finding your priority date, check out our comprehensive guide: USCIS Visa Bulletin Explained: Step-by-step Guide.


For a more detailed explanation, you can also watch our video walkthrough below.

Visa Bulletin August 2024

Visa Bulletin August 2024

Employment-Based Green Card Backlogs

EB-1: Extraordinary people, outstanding researchers and professors, and multinational executives and managers

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

EB-1: Extraordinary people, outstanding researchers and professors, and multinational executives and managers

Country

Country

All Other Areas

All Other Areas

China

China

India

India

Mexico

Mexico

Philippines

Philippines

New Cut-Off Date

New Cut-Off Date

Current

Current

1-Nov-22

1-Nov-22

1-Feb-22

1-Feb-22

Current

Current

Current

Current

Old Cut-Off Date

Old Cut-Off Date

Current

Current

1-Jan-23

1-Jan-23

8-Feb-22

8-Feb-22

Current

Current

Current

Current

Movement

Movement

No Change

No Change

2 months

2 months

1 week

1 week

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

Manifest Law©️. Learn more on www.manifestlaw.com

EB-2: Exceptional people and advanced degree holders

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

EB-2: Exceptional people and advanced degree holders

Country

Country

All Other Areas

All Other Areas

China

China

India

India

Mexico

Mexico

Philippines

Philippines

New Cut-Off Date

New Cut-Off Date

15-Mar-23

15-Mar-23

1-Mar-20

1-Mar-20

15-Jun-12

15-Jun-12

15-Mar-23

15-Mar-23

15-Mar-23

15-Mar-23

Old Cut-Off Date

Old Cut-Off Date

15-Mar-23

15-Mar-23

1-Mar-20

1-Mar-20

15-Jun-12

15-Jun-12

15-Mar-23

15-Mar-23

15-Mar-23

15-Mar-23

Movement

Movement

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

Manifest Law©️. Learn more on www.manifestlaw.com

EB-3: Skilled worker, professional, or other worker

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

EB-3: Skilled worker, professional, or other worker

Country

Country

All Other Areas

All Other Areas

China

China

India

India

Mexico

Mexico

Philippines

Philippines

New Cut-Off Date

New Cut-Off Date

1-Dec-21

1-Dec-21

1-Sep-21

1-Sep-21

22-Oct-12

22-Oct-12

1-Dec-21

1-Dec-21

1-Dec-21

1-Dec-21

Old Cut-Off Date

Old Cut-Off Date

1-Dec-21

1-Dec-21

1-Sep-21

1-Sep-21

22-Oct-12

22-Oct-12

1-Dec-21

1-Dec-21

1-Dec-21

1-Dec-21

Movement

Movement

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

Manifest Law©️. Learn more on www.manifestlaw.com

EB-4: “Special immigrants” category

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

EB-4: “Special immigrants” category

Country

Country

All Other Areas

All Other Areas

China

China

India

India

Mexico

Mexico

Philippines

Philippines

New Cut-Off Date

New Cut-Off Date

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

Old Cut-Off Date

Old Cut-Off Date

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

1-Jan-21

Movement

Movement

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

Manifest Law©️. Learn more on www.manifestlaw.com

EB-5: “Investors” category

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

EB-5: “Investors” category

Country

Country

All Other Areas

All Other Areas

China

China

India

India

Mexico

Mexico

Philippines

Philippines

New Cut-Off Date

New Cut-Off Date

No wait

No wait

15-Dec-15

15-Dec-15

1-Dec-20

1-Dec-20

No wait

No wait

No wait

No wait

Old Cut-Off Date

Old Cut-Off Date

No wait

No wait

15-Dec-15

15-Dec-15

1-Dec-20

1-Dec-20

No wait

No wait

No wait

No wait

Movement

Movement

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

No Change

Manifest Law©️. Learn more on www.manifestlaw.com

Stay Informed about USCIS Visa Bulletin Updates

Stay Informed about USCIS Visa Bulletin Updates

Stay Informed about USCIS Visa Bulletin Updates

Enter your email address to receive a monthly update.

Enter your email address to receive a monthly update.

Young family smiling together
Young family smiling together
Young family smiling together

Family-Based Green Card Backlogs

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

Family-Based Green Card Backlogs

F-1: Unmarried children (age 21 and older) of U.S. Citizens

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

F-1: Unmarried children (age 21 and older) of U.S. Citizens

Country

Country

All Other Areas

All Other Areas

China

China

India

India

Mexico

Mexico

Philippines

Philippines

New Cut-Off Date

New Cut-Off Date

22-Oct-15

22-Oct-15

22-Oct-15

22-Oct-15

22-Oct-15

22-Oct-15

08-May-02

08-May-02

01-Mar-12

01-Mar-12

Old Cut-Off Date

Old Cut-Off Date

01-Sept-17

01-Sept-17

01-Sept-17

01-Sept-17

01-Sept-17

01-Sept-17

01-Apr-05

01-Apr-05

22-Apr-15

22-Apr-15

Movement

Movement

2 years, 1 month

2 years, 1 month

2 years, 1 month

2 years, 1 month

2 years, 1 month

2 years, 1 month

3 years, 1 month

3 years, 1 month

2 years, 11 months

2 years, 11 months

Manifest Law©️. Learn more on www.manifestlaw.com

F-2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under age 21) of U.S. Green card holders

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

F-2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under age 21) of U.S. Green card holders

Country

Country

All Other Areas

All Other Areas

China

China

India

India

Mexico

Mexico

Philippines

Philippines

New Cut-Off Date

New Cut-Off Date

15-Nov-21

15-Nov-21

15-Nov-21

15-Nov-21

15-Nov-21

15-Nov-21

01-Feb-21

01-Feb-21

15-Nov-21

15-Nov-21

Old Cut-Off Date

Old Cut-Off Date

01-Nov-23

01-Nov-23

01-Nov-23

01-Nov-23

01-Nov-23

01-Nov-23

01-Nov-23

01-Nov-23

01-Nov-23

01-Nov-23

Movement

Movement

2 years

2 years

2 years

2 years

2 years

2 years

2 years, 9 months

2 years, 9 months

2 years

2 years

Manifest Law©️. Learn more on www.manifestlaw.com

F-2B: Unmarried children (age 21 or older) of U.S. Green card holders

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

F-2B: Unmarried children (age 21 or older) of U.S. Green card holders

Country

Country

All Other Areas

All Other Areas

China

China

India

India

Mexico

Mexico

Philippines

Philippines

New Cut-Off Date

New Cut-Off Date

01-May-16

01-May-16

01-May-16

01-May-16

01-May-16

01-May-16

15-Jul-04

15-Jul-04

22-Oct-11

22-Oct-11

Old Cut-Off Date

Old Cut-Off Date

01-Jan-17

01-Jan-17

01-Jan-17

01-Jan-17

01-Jan-17

01-Jan-17

01-May-05

01-May-05

01-Oct-13

01-Oct-13

Movement

Movement

8 months

8 months

8 months

8 months

8 months

8 months

11 months

11 months

2 years

2 years

Manifest Law©️. Learn more on www.manifestlaw.com

F-3: Married children of U.S. Citizens

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

F-3: Married children of U.S. Citizens

Country

Country

All Other Areas

All Other Areas

China

China

India

India

Mexico

Mexico

Philippines

Philippines

New Cut-Off Date

New Cut-Off Date

01-Apr-10

01-Apr-10

01-Apr-10

01-Apr-10

01-Apr-10

01-Apr-10

01-Mar-00

01-Mar-00

08-Sep-02

08-Sep-02

Old Cut-Off Date

Old Cut-Off Date

01-Oct-10

01-Oct-10

01-Oct-10

01-Oct-10

01-Oct-10

01-Oct-10

15-Jun-01

15-Jun-01

8-Nov-03

8-Nov-03

Movement

Movement

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

1 year, 3 months

1 year, 3 months

1 year, 2 months

1 year, 2 months

Manifest Law©️. Learn more on www.manifestlaw.com

F-4: Siblings of U.S. Citizens

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

F-4: Siblings of U.S. Citizens

Country

Country

All Other Areas

All Other Areas

China

China

India

India

Mexico

Mexico

Philippines

Philippines

New Cut-Off Date

New Cut-Off Date

01-Aug-07

01-Aug-07

01-Aug-07

01-Aug-07

22-Jun-06

22-Jun-06

08-Feb-01

08-Feb-01

01-Feb-04

01-Feb-04

Old Cut-Off Date

Old Cut-Off Date

01-Mar-08

01-Mar-08

01-Mar-08

01-Mar-08

15-Jun-06

15-Jun-06

28-Apr-01

28-Apr-01

1-Apr-06

1-Apr-06

Movement

Movement

7 months

7 months

7 months

7 months

1 week

1 week

2 months

2 months

2 months

2 months

Manifest Law©️. Learn more on www.manifestlaw.com

FAQ
FAQ
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Why is the visa bulletin not moving?

Occasionally, the priority dates on the visa bulletin chart stay the same or even move backward compared to the previous month. This situation is known as visa retrogression.


Visa retrogression happens when the number of applicants in a certain category or from a specific country exceeds the available visas for that month. This is especially common towards the end of the fiscal year when the annual visa limits for certain categories or countries are nearly reached.

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

What is the next step if my green card priority date is current?

Congrats! Depending on where you're applying from, your next step of the green card process is to go through Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status.

Consular Processing: If you're outside the United States, you'll apply for an immigrant visa (green card) through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

The National Visa Center (NVC) will notify you when the visa becomes available. They'll ask for the immigrant fee, visa application, Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), and a medical exam. Once you provide these, your case will move to the U.S. embassy or consulate for an interview.


Adjustment of Status: If you're already in the United States, you might qualify for adjustment of status, which means changing from a temporary visa to permanent residency (green card).


Certain individuals who entered the U.S. lawfully and meet specific criteria, like immediate relatives or K-1 visa holders who married a U.S. citizen, can adjust status. Others may need to go through consular processing.

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

How long do I have to file once my priority date is current?

Once your priority date becomes current, you have one year to apply for your immigrant visa.


During this time, it's crucial to start the application process and respond promptly to any messages from the National Visa Center (NVC). If you don't begin the process within this one-year period, you might miss the chance to get your immigrant visa and keep your priority date. You'd then need to reapply for the visa.

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

Navigate the green card process with ease

When your priority date becomes current according to the USCIS visa bulletin, our team of immigration attorneys is here to help. We'll guide you through completing and submitting all the necessary forms, like the I-485, I-765, and I-131, accurately and on time.


We'll also prepare you for any interviews you may need to attend, ensuring you present your case confidently and effectively.


At Manifest Law, our immigration attorneys have over 10 years of experience and have successfully handled thousands of visa and green card applications. Plus, we offer flexible payment plans that span up to 6 months, along with a visa-approved or money-back guarantee (terms apply).


Book a free visa consultation with us today to get the support and guidance you need on your immigration journey.

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.


The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.


If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

Take the First Step:

Schedule your free consultation!

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Review of visa options available for you

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General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

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Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

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Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Picture of Avi Goldenberg, principal attorney at Manifest Law

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law

Take the First Step:

Schedule your free consultation!

Check mark in a circle icon

Review of visa options available for you

Check mark in a circle icon

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Check mark in a circle icon

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Check mark in a circle icon

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Picture of Avi Goldenberg, principal attorney at Manifest Law

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law

Take the First Step:

Schedule your free consultation!

Check mark in a circle icon

Review of visa options available for you

Check mark in a circle icon

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Check mark in a circle icon

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Check mark in a circle icon

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Picture of Avi Goldenberg, principal attorney at Manifest Law

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law

Attorney Advertising. This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other. Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the
retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s).

2024 Manifest Copyright. All Rights Reserved.

Attorney Advertising. This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other. Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the
retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s).

2024 Manifest Copyright. All Rights Reserved.

Attorney Advertising. This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other. Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the
retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s).

2024 Manifest Copyright. All Rights Reserved.