Understanding the Visa Bulletin is crucial for individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States through family-sponsored or employment-based preferences. The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication issued by the U.S. Department of State that provides information about the availability of immigrant visa numbers.
Here’s an overview of the key points to understand about the Visa Bulletin:
Visa Categories: The Visa Bulletin categorizes visa applicants based on family relationships or employment. It has two main sections: Family-sponsored and Employment-based.
Priority Dates: Immigrant visas are numerically limited, meaning there are quotas for each preference category and country of chargeability. Your “priority date” is the date when your petition was filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Department of Labor (for employment-based cases). This date determines your place in line for a visa number.
Cut-off Dates: The Visa Bulletin lists “cut-off dates” for each category and country. These dates determine which priority dates are eligible for visa issuance in a given month. If your priority date is earlier than the cut-off date, you can move forward in the process. If it’s later, you’ll need to wait until your priority date becomes current.
Current vs. Retrogressed: If your priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed in the Visa Bulletin, your category and country are considered “current,” and you can proceed with the next steps in your immigration process. If the cut-off date is later than your priority date, the category is “retrogressed,” and you must wait until your priority date becomes current again.
Movement of Cut-off Dates: The Visa Bulletin shows how cut-off dates have changed from the previous month. Some categories and countries may advance, while others may retrogress or remain the same. These movements are influenced by factors such as visa availability and demand.
Chart Usage: There are two charts in the Visa Bulletin. Chart A typically shows final action dates for visa issuance, indicating when the visa can be approved and issued. Chart B, often referred to as the “Dates for Filing” chart, shows when individuals can begin the visa application process, such as filing adjustment of status applications or submitting documents to the National Visa Center. The “dates for filing” chart guides green card applicants residing outside the US on when to submit their application to the National Visa Center (NVC), even if the green card is not yet available. This chart’s cut-off dates, which are 1-10 months later than the “final action dates” chart, enable earlier application filing. While mainly for those applying abroad, the “dates for filing” chart, USCIS also provides a monthly page named “when to file your adjustment of status application.” This page informs US-based green card applicants whether to follow the “dates for filing” or “final action dates” from the visa bulletin.
To know more, visit “When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application”
Country of Chargeability: Your country of chargeability is usually your country of birth, unless you are married to someone born in a different country. Visa availability can vary based on your country of chargeability.
Preference Categories: The preference categories determine the order in which immigrant visas are issued, and they are divided into several groups. First preference (F1) – unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of U.S. citizens; Second preference (F2A) – spouses and children (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of lawful permanent residents; Second preference (F2B) – unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of lawful permanent residents; Third preference (F3) – married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and Fourth preference (F4) – brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age and older).
The Visa Bulletin is updated monthly, and its content can influence the timing of your immigration process. It’s recommended to check the Visa Bulletin regularly, especially if you’re waiting for your priority date to become current. Consulting with an immigration attorney can provide valuable guidance on how the Visa Bulletin affects your specific case.
