The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, is a crucial tool for anyone seeking a green card through family-based or employment-based categories. It acts as a waiting list, indicating when immigrant visas are available for people based on their priority date and country of chargeability. For those already in the U.S. and pursuing an adjustment of status (Form I-485), the Visa Bulletin directly impacts when they can file their application and, eventually, be approved for a green card.
Understanding Priority Dates and Visa Availability
Your priority date is essentially your place in line. It’s the date USCIS first received your immigrant petition (Form I-130 for family-based or Form I-140 for employment-based petitions). Because there are annual limits on the number of immigrant visas available, backlogs can form, creating long waiting periods for certain categories and countries.
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The Visa Bulletin uses a cut-off date to manage this backlog. If your priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed in the bulletin for your category and country, a visa is considered available to you. This is when your case can move forward. If your priority date is after the cut-off date, you have to wait until the cut-off date advances past your priority date in a future bulletin.
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The Two Charts: Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing
The Visa Bulletin actually contains two different charts for most categories: Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing. Knowing which one to use is critical.
- The Final Action Dates chart indicates when a visa is actually available and when USCIS can approve your I-485 application. This chart is the final step before getting your green card.
- The Dates for Filing chart, often with earlier dates, allows some applicants to file their I-485 application sooner. Each month, USCIS announces on its website which chart to use for filing adjustment of status applications. If they permit the use of the “Dates for Filing” chart, you can submit your application and begin the process, even if your priority date isn’t yet “current” on the Final Action chart. This allows you to get a head start, and potentially obtain work authorization (EAD) and travel permission (Advance Parole) while you wait for your case to be finalized.
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