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October 2024 Visa Bulletin Released The Department of State (DOS) has released the October 2024 Visa Bulletin.  With the start of the government’s new fiscal year on October 1, visas will once again become available in the employment-based (EB) categories that went completely “unavailable” in September.   USCIS confirms that in October, all employment-based and family-based preference categories should refer to the Dates for Filing chart for filing adjustment of status applications. Individuals with a priority date before the published cut-off date on the Dates for Filing chart may file an adjustment of status application with USCIS.   If a category is marked “C,” the category is “current,” and applications may be filed in that category regardless of the individual’s priority date.  Notably,  The EB-1 category for Worldwide, Mexico, and the Philippines is “current” on the October Dates for Filing chart, while the EB-1 China cut-off date is January 1, 2023 and the EB-1 India cut-off date is April 15, 2022.     Individuals in the EB-2, EB-3 and EB-4 categories are eligible to file adjustment of status applications with USCIS in October, subject to cut-off dates for all countries.    The Final Action Dates for Religious Workers in the EB-4 category remain completely unavailable, but individuals in this category will be eligible to file an adjustment of status application in October if they have a priority date before February 1, 2021, consistent with the Dates for Filing chart. There were some modest advances in the Dates for Filing for the family-based preference categories. As a reminder, Dates for Filing indicates the earliest date when applicants may apply for an immigrant visa (“green card”) by filing and adjustment of status application.  The Final Action Dates chart controls when an adjustment of status or immigrant visa application may finally be approved, and the green card issued.   For specific categories and cut-off dates, please see: https://lnkd.in/gDRgzjuT  

Employment-Based Visa Number Unavailability Through September 30, 2024 As of August 29, 2024, several employment-based visa categories will have no further immigrant visas or green cards available through September 30, 2024, the end of the fiscal year. The categories already known to have no visa numbers available for the rest of the fiscal year are: the EB-1, EB-3, EW (other workers), EB-4, and EB-5 (unreserved) preference categories. This means that by law, no further immigrant visas or green cards will be issued for these categories for the remainder of this fiscal year, which ends on September 30, 2024. This development is was anticipated by those keeping an eye on the number of visas that have been issued. The Department of State, which monitors visa usage in light of the annual numerical limitations set by law, had warned that due to high demand for visa numbers in the employment-based categories, it might be necessary “to immediately make [a] preference category ‘unavailable,’ and no further requests for numbers would be honored.” Based on this warning, experts predict that the EB-2 category will also become unavailable in the very near future. As noted, when numbers become unavailable, no further visas/green cards in the relevant preference categories will be issued for the remainder of this fiscal year, which ends on September 30, 2024. USCIS has confirmed that it will continue to accept adjustment of status applications for the remainder of the month in accordance with the September 2024 Visa Bulletin and the Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin, but will not approve any cases this month. Typically, when visa numbers are fully utilized, DOS will not publish a new Visa Bulletin for the month. Per DOS, “[t]he annual limits will reset with the start of the new fiscal year (FY 2025) on October 1, 2024. At that point, embassies and consulates may resume issuing immigrant visas in these categories to qualified applicants.” The same will apply for USCIS as well. EB-1 visas became unavailable as of August 27, 2024. EB-3 and EW visas became unavailable as of August 16, 2024. EB-4 visas became unavailable as of August 29, 2024. EB-5 Unreserved visas became unavailable as of August 16, 2024. --- https://lnkd.in/gk-tb2y

Your US visa approval depends on the consular officer you meet and what they have had for breakfast. Kind of 😬. US non-immigrant visas (NIV) such as B2 (visitor) or F1 (student) visas can be challenging to obtain due to the subjective nature of the adjudication process. Even with a strong B2 or tourist visa application showing: • a 3-week visit to the US • for the purposes of vacation • an ability to pay for the trip & • strong ties to your home country (family, stable job, community involvement, etc.), your application could still get denied. One very common reason for denial is failure to demonstrate strong ties to your home country, as required by INA 214(b) and INA 101(a)(15). INA 214(b) presumes every NIV applicant is an immigrant until proven otherwise to the consular officer's satisfaction. This analysis is factual, not legal, and consular officers have significant discretion due to the subjective nature of this analysis. Because of the doctrine of consular non review-ability their decisions are also final and non reviewable although you can appeal a wrong unfavorable NIV decision based on a legal determination (e.g., fraud or misrepresentation). Understanding the standard of proof and burden of proof for your visa type is crucial. Meeting each element required by law maximizes your chances of approval, regardless of the interviewing officer you meet. So, be prepared and make it hard for them to deny your visa, whether they've had sour patch or sweet honey caramel for breakfast. If you are looking for help to apply for any type of US visa be it an immigrant or a non immigrant visa, we are here to help you. #akpoku #akpokulaw #usimmigrationlaw #usimmigrationlawyer

Your US visa approval depends on the consular officer you meet and what they have had for breakfast. Kind of 😬. US non-immigrant visas (NIV) such as B2 (visitor) or F1 (student) visas can be challenging to obtain due to the subjective nature of the adjudication process. Even with a strong B2 or tourist visa application showing: • a 3-week visit to the US • for the purposes of vacation • an ability to pay for the trip & • strong ties to your home country (family, stable job, community involvement, etc.), your application could still get denied. One very common reason for denial is failure to demonstrate strong ties to your home country, as required by INA 214(b) and INA 101(a)(15). INA 214(b) presumes every NIV applicant is an immigrant until proven otherwise to the consular officer's satisfaction. This analysis is factual, not legal, and consular officers have significant discretion due to the subjective nature of this analysis. Because of the doctrine of consular non review-ability their decisions are also final and non reviewable although you can appeal a wrong unfavorable NIV decision based on a legal determination (e.g., fraud or misrepresentation). Understanding the standard of proof and burden of proof for your visa type is crucial. Meeting each element required by law maximizes your chances of approval, regardless of the interviewing officer you meet. So, be prepared and make it hard for them to deny your visa, whether they've had sour patch or sweet honey caramel for breakfast. If you are looking for help to apply for any type of US visa be it an immigrant or a non immigrant visa, we are here to help you. #akpoku #akpokulaw #usimmigrationlaw #usimmigrationlawyer

Heads up! We've been anticipating this, and now it's official: visa application fees in New Zealand are going up. The new fees kick in on 1st October 2024, so if you are working on an application or have one planned, it’s wise to get it lodged before the end of next month if possible. There are big increases in the residence visas and the Accredited Employer work visa has more than doubled. The full changes can be seen in the link but as a quick comparison on some of the most frequent applications - 🔺 Skilled Residence visas – $4290 ➡ $6450 (this includes Skilled Migrant Category and The Green List) 🔺 Residence through Partnership – $2750 ➡ $5360 🔺 Employer Accreditation Job Check – $610 ➡  $735 🔺 Accredited Employer Work Visa – $750 ➡ $1540 🔺 Partner of Worker work visa -  $700 ➡ $1630 🔺 Student Visa - $375 ➡ $750 The Active Investor + visa sees a huge rise from $7900 to $27,470 which is unlikely to incentivise growth in this underperforming visa category.

🌟Think About It Thursday 🌟Understanding the Visa Bulletin 🔍 What is the Visa Bulletin? How does it work? We get this question a lot, so let me try to break it down. The Visa Bulletin is issued monthly by the Department of State. It is essential to understanding when various visas—including family-sponsored, employment-based, and diversity visas—become available. 💡What Is the Visa Bulletin? The Visa Bulletin acts as a waiting list for immigrants in categories with annual limits. It lists the availability of visas by category and country, guiding applicants on when they can move forward with their visa applications. If you’re waiting for a visa, the bulletin shows when your priority date becomes current, allowing you to either apply for a visa or adjust your status in the U.S. The priority date will be listed on your approval notice issued by USCIS. 💡Why It Matters: Visa availability isn’t static. Due to fluctuations in application volumes, dates can move forward—or even backward (called “retrogression”). Monitoring the Visa Bulletin each month is crucial to ensure you don’t miss your chance when your priority date becomes current. 💡For Those with a Current Priority Date: Congratulations! 🎉 You’re closer to achieving your immigration goals. Once your priority date is current, you can move forward with the next step of your immigration process! 💡Applications Subject to the Visa Bulletin Several types of applications fall under the Visa Bulletin, including family-sponsored immigration (such as sibling or adult child petitions), employment-based visas (like the EB-2 and EB-3 categories), just to name a few. Each of these categories has specific annual limits and can be affected by priority dates, making the Visa Bulletin a crucial tool for applicants tracking their place in line. Questions? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below! #ImmigrationMatters #VisaBulletin #BadeLawGroup #ThinkAboutItThursday

The Visa Processing System Immigrating to a new country can be exciting, but navigating the visa application process can be daunting. To succeed, it’s crucial to understand each step, meet all requirements, and submit a complete application for the best chance of approval. As an immigration consultant, my role is to guide you through the process, offering expert advice on the best visa options and helping you submit a successful application that meets all Department of Home Affairs requirements. How Do We Help? •Free Consultation: We offer a free consultation to assess your eligibility and determine the most suitable visa options. •Self-Help Visa Application Guides: Our guides include comprehensive document checklists, templates, sample letters, and the required Department of Home Affairs forms. •Technical Support: We offer support throughout your visa process via phone, WhatsApp, and email. •Quality Assurance Check: Before submission, we perform a thorough quality check to ensure everything is in order. This cost-effective approach not only lightens the financial load but also allows you to take full control of your visa application, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish. What Are the Next Steps? 1.Contact Me: Reach out today via tafara@virtualmigrationservices.com for a free, personalized consultation. 2.Purchase the Guide: Get the appropriate self-help visa application guide and begin compiling your submission pack. 3.Seek Further Assistance: Contact us if you need further help during the process. 4.Submit for Review: Send your submission pack electronically for a quality assurance check before final submission. 5.Prepare and Submit: Complete the required application form, book your appointment, and submit your application. 6.Wait for the Outcome: Your journey is nearly complete! For clients submitting applications in South Africa, we assist with filling in forms. For submissions in other countries, we also book VFS submission appointments. Take control of your immigration journey with our expert guidance and affordable self-help solutions. We’re here to make sure your visa application is smooth and stress-free from start to finish.

Debunking Myths About Intra-Company Transfer Visas 🚫🔍 Have you heard these common myths about Intra-Company Transfer Visas? Let's set the record straight! Myth 1: It’s Too Complicated to Apply Fact: While the process requires specific documentation, it's straightforward with the right guidance. Our team at Strategies Migration Services South Africa simplifies every step for you. Myth 2: You Can’t Bring Your Family Fact: You can bring your spouse and dependent children on an Intra-Company Transfer Visa. We’ll help you ensure all family members are included in the application. Myth 3: It's Only for Top Executives Fact: Intra-Company Transfer Visas are available for various roles, not just executives. Whether you're a manager, specialist, or key employee, this visa could be for you. Myth 4: You’re Tied to One Job Fact: While you must work for the same company, you can take on different roles within the organization during your stay. Myth 5: It's Impossible to Get Approved Fact: With thorough preparation and expert assistance, approval is within reach. Our success rate speaks for itself! Don't let these myths hold you back. If you're considering an Intra-Company Transfer Visa, reach out. We’re here to provide accurate information and expert support. 📧 Contact us: https://buff.ly/3tQfHkO 📅 Book a free consultation: https://buff.ly/493x8Pb #IntraCompanyTransferVisa #VisaMyths #ImmigrationConsultancy #StrategiesMigrationServices #SouthAfrica

Heads up: INZ Visa fee increase on the horizon! "...The minister has confirmed she has completed consultation with specific interest groups and plans to take a paper to Cabinet on visa fee increases soon..." "...Where feasible, the objective is that visa charges remain within 90 percent of Australia's charges while ensuring that costs are fully recovered..." [the Minister] said. "...A report by Newsroom in August estimated bringing fees to 90 percent of Australia's would see partner [resident] visa fees increase from under $3,000 to more than $8,500. Other fee increases would include post-study work visas increasing from $700 to $1,856..." #constructionprojects #constructionjobs #infrastructurejobs #infrastrucutreprojects #skilledworkers

Permanent Resident Visa Applications Are Now Online In an era marked by technological advancements, the immigration landscape is no exception. New Zealand is transitioning the application process for the Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) online, starting January 2024. Traditionally, PRV applications involved paperwork and courier services, but a positive change is coming. The process is transitioning to an online platform, promising a simpler and faster experience for all applicants. The current estimated processing time for PRV applications is around 25 working days, but the shift to online processing is set to expedite this further. This move aligns with the government's commitment to modernize immigration processes. This is great news for the 100,000+ holders of the 2021 Resident Visa in New Zealand as they become eligible to apply for their Permanent Resident Visas (PRVs) in 2024. One of the noteworthy aspects of the PRV application is its inclusivity. Applicants have the opportunity to include their partners and dependent children aged 24 and under in their visa application. This underscores New Zealand's commitment to fostering family unity for those seeking to make the country their home. For comprehensive insights into residence visas, please refer to our dedicated page at: https://lnkd.in/djnVS-p9 As New Zealand modernizes its immigration processes, prospective immigrants should prepare for the upcoming shift in the Permanent Resident Visa application. Understanding the online system and the long-term benefits of a PRV are crucial for a smooth transition to lifelong residency. For assistance, feel free to contact us—we're here to support you on this journey!