In the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, the number of I-140 petitions processed by USCIS once again showed strong growth. In the quarter, 55,596 I-140 petitions were received from around the world, a significant increase over the same period in the past.
Of these petitions, 28,563 were formally approved by USCIS, meaning that a large number of foreign nationals have successfully qualified to immigrate to the United States. This approval rate has reached an astonishing 97.8%, which shows the efficiency and professionalism of the USCIS in the approval process.
However, 617 applications were rejected by the Immigration Department at the preliminary stage. These refusals may be due to the applicant's ineligible qualifications, incomplete documents or other non-compliance with immigration law. For applicants who have been denied a visa, they need to reorganize their materials or find other legal ways to realize their dream of immigrating to the United States.
Of the pending applications, 26,416 are still awaiting further processing by the USCIS. These applications may require more time to be reviewed, as the issues involved may be more complex or require further investigation.
Among the various types of applications, 9,696 applications were filed in the EB1 category, mainly involving extraordinary talents, professors and researchers, etc., 27,591 applications were filed in the EB2 category, mainly including professionals with advanced qualifications or special abilities, and 18,308 applications were filed in the EB3 category, mainly skilled workers and other unskilled workers.
Looking at the overall trend, the number of I-140 petitions continues to remain high. If a similar number of filings can be maintained in the coming quarters, the total number of filings in FY2024 is expected to exceed FY2023's 189,033, once again reaching a record high. This growing trend reflects the continued strong global demand for immigration to the United States, as well as the increased requirements for USCIS approvals.
Against this backdrop, USCIS needs to continue to improve its efficiency and professionalism to ensure that every application is processed fairly and transparently. At the same time, it is also necessary for applicants to better understand and comply with the provisions of immigration laws to ensure the authenticity and completeness of the application materials, so as to achieve the goal of immigrating to the United States more smoothly.