India EB-3 Priority Date Current in July 2024 Visa Bulletin: What to Do

A community member on the AM22Tech forum reports that their India EB-3 priority date is now current under the July 2024 Visa Bulletin, following a period of retrogression that had stalled their case. The applicant had previously filed both Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) and Form I-485J, but received official notice from USCIS that work on the case was being paused until a visa number became available. When a priority date retrogresses after an I-485 has been filed, USCIS does not adjudicate the application until the date becomes current again. Upon retrogression, applicants often receive a formal notice indicating the pause — this is a standard USCIS procedure and does not mean the case has been denied or abandoned. Now that the priority date is current again, the applicant is wondering whether any proactive steps are needed. Their attorney has advised waiting, which is generally the correct course of action. USCIS will typically resume adjudication automatically once visa numbers are available, without requiring the applicant to refile or submit additional materials. For similarly situated EB-3 India applicants, it is worth confirming that all biometrics remain valid, any requested evidence has been submitted, and contact information is up to date with USCIS. If the case has been pending for an extended period after the date becomes current, consulting an immigration attorney about filing an inquiry or mandamus action may be appropriate. Applicants should monitor the Visa Bulletin closely each month, as EB-3 India dates can move forward or retrogress based on annual visa number usage and USCIS demand projections.