Navigating the U.S. immigration process can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding the nuances of visa availability. One of the essential tools in this journey is the Visa Bulletin, a monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State that provides up-to-date information on visa availability for family-based and employment-based immigration applicants.
Whether you’re a family member of a U.S. citizen, an employee looking to work in the U.S. on a long-term basis, or a skilled professional looking to immigrate, the Visa Bulletin is an indispensable tool. But what exactly does the Visa Bulletin say, and how can you use it to your advantage in your immigration journey?
What Is the Visa Bulletin?
For those looking to obtain a green card, the Visa Bulletin is a critical resource in the process.
The Visa Bulletin becomes relevant after a Form I-130 petition has been approved in the family-based green card process or a Form I-140 petition has been approved in the employment-based green card process.
The Visa Bulletin is the way that the U.S. Department of State tells us who is ready to move to the stage of the process that comes after such approvals, the one which results in receiving the actual physical card: a Form I-485 application with USCIS if you’re inside the U.S., or an appointment at a U.S. consulate abroad if you’re outside the U.S.
Key Terms
- Priority Date: This is typically the date your I-130 or I-140 petition was filed with the U.S. government. Your priority date is important because it determines your place in line for a visa number.
- Current: If your visa category is marked as “current,” it means that there is no waiting period, so you can immediately proceed with your green card application.
- Cut-off Date: If your visa category is “backlogged,” the Visa Bulletin will list a cut-off date. You’ll need to wait until your Priority Date becomes earlier than the listed cut-off date before your application can move forward.
- Final Action Date: This is the key date indicating when a visa is available for a particular category and country of chargeability. If your Priority Date is earlier than the Final Action Date, you are eligible to proceed with the next step in your immigration process, such as filing Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status or applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.
- Family-Sponsored vs. Employment-Based: The Visa Bulletin separates applicants into family-based categories (e.g., spouses, children, or siblings of U.S. citizens) and employment-based categories (e.g., skilled workers, multinational managers). Each category may have different waiting times and priorities.
How to Read the Visa Bulletin
When you file a Form I-130 or Form I-140 petition, the date your petition is submitted becomes your Priority Date (with some exceptions).
The Visa Bulletin provides a list of Final Action Dates, which are the key to understanding when applicants can proceed with the next step in their green card application. These Final Action Dates depend on two main factors:
- Petition Subcategory
- For a family-based Form I-130 petition, the Final Action Date depends on the relationship between the applicant and the U.S. citizen or permanent resident petitioner.
- For an employment-based Form I-140 petition, the Final Action Date is based on the applicant’s specific subcategory, such as EB-1 Priority Workers, EB-2 Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability, etc.
- Country of Citizenship
- The applicant’s country of citizenship also plays a role. Some countries have higher demand for green cards, which can lead to longer waiting periods due to the annual limits on the number of green cards allocated per country.
The Visa Bulletin tells you when it’s time to submit your Form I-485 application. If your Priority Date is earlier than your current Final Action Date, you are eligible to proceed.
- For example, in March 2025, the Final Action Date for an Indian citizen with an approved I-140 in the EB-2 category is December 1, 2012. This means that the individual can only file their Form I-485 application if their Priority Date is November 30, 2012, or earlier.
Stay Ahead of Your Immigration Process
Immigrating to the U.S. can feel like a complicated maze, but with the right knowledge and the right team by your side, you can navigate it with confidence. Staying on top of the Visa Bulletin is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a crucial one.
If you have questions about how the Visa Bulletin impacts your specific case or need help understanding your next steps, don’t hesitate to contact us at Lefebvre Michel, PLLC. Our team is ready to provide expert guidance and support, ensuring that you and your loved ones can successfully make your way through the U.S. immigration system.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and policies are subject to change, and individual cases may vary. Consult with Lefebvre Michel, PLLC, to discuss your specific situation and receive personalized guidance.