June 2024 Visa Bulletin: Minimal Movement Across Categories
The U.S. Department of State recently released the June 2024 Visa Bulletin, showing little to no advancement in most employment-based visa categories. This stagnation is a significant consideration for healthcare organizations looking to hire international nurses and other healthcare professionals through employment-based immigration channels.
Key Highlights:
- EB-1: Remains current for most countries. China and India see no change, staying at September 1, 2022, and March 1, 2021, respectively.
- EB-2: No movement for China (February 1, 2020) and India (April 15, 2012), while all other areas remain at January 15, 2023.
- EB-3: Minor advancement for India by one week to August 22, 2012. No changes for other regions, including China (September 1, 2020) and the Philippines (November 22, 2022).
Implications for Healthcare Employers
Given the stagnant movement in the visa bulletin, healthcare employers must strategize effectively to manage their workforce needs. The backlog, particularly for EB-2 and EB-3 categories for Indian applicants, means that securing a green card for skilled nurses from these regions may take significantly longer.
Recommendations for Healthcare Organizations:
- Early Planning: Initiate the visa application process well in advance to account for potential delays.
- Alternative Visa Options: Consider temporary visa options such as the H-1B or the TN visa for Canadian and Mexican nurses, which may provide quicker entry into the U.S.
- Stay Informed: Regularly monitor the Visa Bulletin and consult with immigration experts to stay updated on any changes that might affect your staffing plans.
The Road Ahead
USCIS has indicated that due to the high volume of pending I-485 applications, particularly for EB-2 and EB-3 India, significant forward movement is unlikely for the rest of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. This scenario underscores the importance of patience and strategic planning for healthcare employers relying on international talent.
VisaMadeEZ remains committed to assisting healthcare organizations in navigating these complexities. Our team of immigration experts is here to provide personalized guidance and ensure that your recruitment efforts are both effective and compliant with U.S. immigration laws. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your staffing needs amid these challenging times.
For more detailed updates and personalized advice, please reach out to VisaMadeEZ.