What is the Visa Bulletin?

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State that provides updates on the availability of immigrant visa numbers. The Bulletin informs individuals of when they can proceed with the final steps of their immigration process through either employment- or family-based means. The chart is revised monthly based on statistics from the previous month.  

Where Can I Find the Visa Bulletin?

The Visa Bulletin is published in two locations, one on the USCIS website and the other on the Department of State (“DOS”) site. The USCIS Visa Bulletin is intended for use by individuals already in the U.S. who are applying for adjustment of status to become permanent residents. The DOS Bulletin is primarily for individuals outside the U.S. who are seeking to immigrate through consular processing. Each government entity publishes its own instructions on how to use the Bulletin each month. It’s important to follow those instructions to ensure timely filing for immigration.

 How Do I Read the Visa Bulletin?

Reading the Visa Bulletin correctly and promptly is crucial for a successful permanent residence application. On the USCIS Bulletin page:

1. Determine whether you are looking at the current month or the next month.

   The next month’s Visa Bulletin is typically published approximately 10 days before the end of the current month.

   
   

2. Determine whether you will be filing through family-sponsored or employment-based 

   
   

3. USCIS will indicate whether you should use the “Dates for Filing” or “Final Action Dates” chart.

   
   

4. View the correct chart.

   
   

5. Find your visa type in the first column (on the left) of the appropriate chart. 

   
   

6. Stay in that row and move directly to the right to find the corresponding date under the country of your birth (as listed in the boldface columns across the top).

   
   

7. If the date on the chart is current (“C”), or your priority date is earlier than the date on the chart, you may file your adjustment of status application, if otherwise eligible to do so.

   The date is written as “dd/month/yy”

For help interpreting the Visa Bulletin, or if you’re ready to file for your Adjustment of Status, please don’t hesitate to contact me!