The U.S. Visa Bulletin - Learn How to Read It !

The Visa Bulletin is published by the U.S. Dept. of State each month and provides us with information about the availability of immigrant visa numbers.

Every employment-based immigrant and the companies who sponsor them must know how to read it!

For the most current visa bulletin, always refer to the following link: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html

Important Terms to Understand:

Priority Date (PD):

The date when your Immigrant Petition is filed OR for I-140 petitions based on a certified PERM, it is the date your underlying PERM was filed. This date is clearly present on the top middle section of your I-140 approval notice.

Cut-off Date:

These dates indicate the earliest priority date for which a visa number is available. They are determined based on the demand and supply for visas in each category and country.? If your priority date is earlier than the Cut-off date, you may apply for permanent residence.

Please Note: Some categories are current (“C”) meaning there is no backlog, while others have specific cutoff dates depending on the country and preference category.

Preference Category:

This is the category USCIS assigns your approved immigrant petition depending on the job requirements for your offered permanent position.

Key Sections of the Visa Bulletin for Employment-Based Applications

Scroll Down to "Employment-Based Preferences":

o??? Divided into several categories (e.g., EB-1 for priority workers, EB-2 for advanced degree holders, EB-3 for skilled workers), each with its own numerical limits and backlogs.

o??? Your Preference Category determines which row to look at

Reading the Charts

The Visa Bulletin includes two main charts for each visa category:

· Final Action Dates Chart:

Indicates when visas can be issued and when applicants can adjust their status to permanent residency.

· Dates for Filing Chart:

Indicates when applicants can file their applications with the NVC to ensure all documentation is ready for processing when their priority date becomes current.

*Every month USCIS tells us which chart to use for adjustment of status applications

· How to Read the Charts

1. Check Your Priority Date (PD):

Find your priority date on your receipt notice or approval notice.? The Priority Date is listed at the top center of the I-140 Approval Notice

2. Find the Correct Chart:

o??? The Final Action Dates chart tells you when your visa number is available.

o??? The Dates for Filing chart lets you know when you can submit your application documents.

o??? USCIS tell us each month which chart to follow for purposes of filing an adjustment of status application

3. Find your Cut Off Date:

o??? Compare your priority date with the dates listed in the Visa Bulletin for your category and country of birth (citizenship is not relevant). If your Priority Date is EARLIER than the Cut Off Date, you are current and may file for that month!

4. Check Each Month:

o??? The Visa Bulletin is updated monthly, so regularly check for changes that may affect your application process.

Important Considerations

• Country of Chargeability: This usually refers to the country where the applicant was born. Each country has a cap on the number of visas issued per year to ensure diversity. If your country is not listed, you fall under the “All Chargeability Areas” column
• Cross Chargeability: If you are applying together with your spouse, you may use your spouse’s country of birth if their country’s cutoff date is sooner for purposes of when you can apply for permanent residence
• Retrogression: Occurs when the demand for visas in a particular category or country exceeds the supply, causing the dates to move backward. This can delay the processing of applications.
• Every Month is Different: If you are current for "December 2024", then USCIS must receive your application in the month of December 2024! January 2025 will be a different month with different numbers so be sure to file when your PD is current!

The Visa Bulletin is critical to the immigration process as it helps immigrants understand their place in the visa process and prepare for the next steps toward obtaining permanent residency in the United States. By regularly checking the Visa Bulletin and understanding how to read it, you can stay informed and proactive in your immigration journey!

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