Quick Summary
- The U.S. Visa Bulletin is a monthly update from the Department of State showing when green card applicants can move forward.
- It lists two charts: Final Action Dates (when a visa can be issued) and Dates for Filing (when you can submit your application).
- Your priority date (the date your petition was filed) determines your place in line.
- You only need to check the bulletin if you’re applying through a family preference or employment-based category.
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens always have visas available.
What is the Visa Bulletin?
The U.S. Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication released by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). It shows when immigrant visas (green cards) are available for applicants waiting in the family-based or employment-based green card categories.
Every month, thousands of immigrants check this bulletin to find out when they can move forward with their green card applications — whether through Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) inside the U.S. or Consular Processing outside the country. You can stay updated with the latest numbers and dates in our Monthly Visa Bulletin Guide.
Because the U.S. government limits the number of visas it issues each year by category and country, not everyone can apply right away. The Visa Bulletin tells you where you are in line.
Who Needs to Check the Visa Bulletin
Not every immigrant needs to look at the Visa Bulletin. You must check the Visa Bulletin if you are:
- Applying for a family-based green card under one of the preference categories (F1–F4)
- Applying for an employment-based green card (EB-1 to EB-5)
- Waiting outside the U.S. and processing your visa through a U.S. consulate
- Inside the U.S. and preparing to file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
You do not need to check the Visa Bulletin if you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, such as:
- Spouse of a U.S. citizen
- Unmarried child (under 21) of a U.S. citizen
- Parent of a U.S. citizen
Visas for these “immediate relative” categories are always available.
What Are the Key Terms You Should Know?
Understanding a few important terms will make reading the Visa Bulletin much easier.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Priority Date | The date USCIS received your immigrant petition (Form I-130 or Form I-140). This marks your place in line. |
| Preference Category | The type of visa you’re applying for (family-based or employment-based). |
| Country of Chargeability | Usually your country of birth. Each country has separate visa limits. |
| Cut-Off Date | The date shown in the bulletin. If your priority date is earlier, your visa is available. |
| C (Current) | Visas are available immediately. |
| U (Unavailable) | No visas available this month. |
| Retrogression | When the cut-off date moves backward due to high visa demand. |
What Are the Two Charts in the Visa Bulletin and How Do You Read Them?
Each month, the Visa Bulletin shows two charts for both family-based and employment-based visas.
Chart A – Final Action Dates
- This chart shows when a green card can actually be issued.
- If your priority date is earlier than the date listed in Chart A, your visa is available.
- For applicants in the U.S., USCIS uses this chart most months to decide if you can file Form I-485.
Chart B – Dates for Filing
- This chart shows when you can submit your application, even if the visa is not yet ready to be issued.
- It allows applicants to prepare early and file documents in advance.
Each month, USCIS decides whether applicants may use Chart A or Chart B for Adjustment of Status filings.
Tip: You can check which chart USCIS is using each month on the USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing Charts page.
How Do Family-Based Visa Categories Work?
If you’re applying green card through a family member, your case falls into one of these preference categories:
| Code | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| F1 | First Preference | Unmarried adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens |
| F2A | Second Preference (A) | Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of green card holders |
| F2B | Second Preference (B) | Unmarried adult children (21 or older) of green card holders |
| F3 | Third Preference | Married children of U.S. citizens |
| F4 | Fourth Preference | Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens |
Family-based waiting times depend heavily on your country of birth. Countries like India, Mexico, China, and the Philippines often have the longest backlogs.
How Do Employment-Based Visa Categories Work?
Employment-based green cards are divided into five preference levels:
| Code | Category | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Priority Workers | Individuals with extraordinary ability, professors, researchers, or executives |
| EB-2 | Advanced Degree Professionals | Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability |
| EB-3 | Skilled Workers & Professionals | Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers |
| EB-4 | Special Immigrants | Religious workers and other special immigrants |
| EB-5 | Investors | Immigrants investing in U.S. job-creating enterprises |
Each category has annual numerical caps, and waiting times vary by country.
Step-by-Step: How to Read the Visa Bulletin
Follow these simple steps to find your visa status:
Step 1 – Find Your Category and Country
- Identify whether you are family-based or employment-based.
- Determine your country of chargeability (usually your country of birth).
Step 2 – Locate Your Priority Date
- Find the priority date on your I-130 or I-140 approval notice.
Step 3 – Check the Latest Visa Bulletin
- Visit the official Visa Bulletin page.
- Go to the chart that matches your case (family or employment).
Step 4 – Compare Your Date with the Chart
- Look at the date listed for your category and country.
- If your priority date is earlier than the cut-off date → your visa is available.
- If it’s later, you must wait until the bulletin shows a later date.
Step 5 – Monitor Every Month
- The Visa Bulletin changes monthly — dates can move forward, stay the same, or retrogress.
Example: Reading the Visa Bulletin in Action
Let’s say you filed an F4 family petition (brother/sister of a U.S. citizen) for your sister from India on April 1, 2010.
- The cut-off date for F4 India in the current bulletin is February 1, 2010.
- Your priority date (April 1, 2010) is after that.
- This means you must wait until the cut-off date moves to April 2010 or later.
Once your date becomes current, your sister can proceed with her green card application.
What Happens When Your Priority Date Becomes Current?
When your date becomes current, it means your visa is ready.
- If you’re in the U.S. → You may file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
- If you’re outside the U.S. → Your case goes to the National Visa Center (NVC) for Consular Processing.
At that point, you’ll:
- Complete Form DS-260
- Submit civil documents
- Attend a visa interview at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
Even if your date later retrogresses, your place in line stays the same.
What Is Visa Retrogression and Why Does It Happen?
Visa retrogression means the government temporarily moves the cut-off date backward because more people applied than there were visas available.
This usually happens:
- Near the end of the fiscal year (July–September)
- For countries with high demand (like India, Mexico, or the Philippines)
When the new fiscal year begins in October, visa numbers are refreshed and dates often move forward again.
Tips to Stay Updated and Prepared
- Check the Visa Bulletin every month (around the 15th).
- Sign up for DOS email updates for instant notifications.
- Track historical trends to estimate your wait time.
- Keep your documents ready — you’ll need to act fast when your date is current.
- Consult an immigration attorney if you’re unsure about your eligibility or timing.
See our Monthly Visa Bulletin Guide for the latest updates and analysis.
FAQs on How to Read the Visa Bulletin
1. What does “current” mean in the Visa Bulletin?
“Current” means visas are available immediately — you can move forward with your green card application.
2. How often does the Visa Bulletin update?
It is published once a month, usually around the 15th.
3. What if my priority date is current but my case hasn’t moved?
Processing times can vary. Make sure USCIS or NVC has all required documents.
4. Can I lose my priority date?
In most cases, no. Your priority date stays the same even if retrogression occurs or your case is transferred.
Final Thoughts
The U.S. Visa Bulletin is an essential tool for anyone waiting for a family- or employment-based green card. By learning how to read the bulletin, track your priority date, and understand how the charts work, you can plan your next steps with confidence.
Keep checking the latest updates each month, and when your date becomes current, be ready to act quickly.
For the latest monthly updates, see our Monthly Visa Bulletin Guide.
