November Visa Bulletin Announces Extension of Religious Workers Category and Effects of NDAA on Certain Employees of the U.S. Government Abroad

The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for November 2024 includes the following information:

• The Employment Fourth Preference Religious Workers (SR) category was extended until December 20, 2024. No SR visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after midnight Eastern Time (ET), December 19, 2024. All individuals seeking admission in the non-minister special immigrant category must be admitted into the United States by midnight ET on December 19, 2024. The bulletin notes that the SR category is subject to the same final action dates as the other Employment Fourth Preference categories per applicable foreign state of chargeability.
• The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, signed into law on December 22, 2023, may affect certain current and former employees of the U.S. government abroad who are applying for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) or adjustment of status, the bulletin notes. This does not affect certain Iraqis and Afghans applying for SQ and SI SIVs. “Applicants should contact the consular section at which they filed their Form DS‑1884 for further information on the impact of that law on their case,” according to the bulletin.