If you or a loved one is applying for a green card, you’ve probably heard of the term "Visa Bulletin." But what exactly is it, and why is it so important in the green card process?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly update from the U.S. Department of State that helps green card applicants track their place in line. It shows when you can move forward with your application based on when you filed your petition and which type of green card you are applying for. Essentially, the Visa Bulletin acts as a waiting list tracker, giving you an idea of how long it will take before your green card becomes available.
At first glance, the Visa Bulletin might seem complicated, but it’s an essential tool for understanding where you stand in the process. Let’s break it down and make it easier to understand.
How Does the Visa Bulletin Work?
The U.S. Department of State updates the Visa Bulletin every month, showing which green card applicants can proceed with their applications based on when they filed their petitions. The Visa Bulletin contains two main charts:
Final Action Dates Chart
This chart determines when green cards can actually be approved and issued.
If your priority date (the date your petition was filed) is earlier than the date listed in this chart, a green card is available, and USCIS or the National Visa Center (NVC) can process your case to final approval.
Dates for Filing Chart
This chart determines when applicants can submit documents to begin the processing stage.
If you’re outside the U.S., it tells you when you can submit forms to the NVC.
If you’re in the U.S., it tells you when you can file an Adjustment of Status application with USCIS, which also allows you to apply for a work permit and travel authorization.
Key Point: The Government Decides Which Chart to Use
Each month, USCIS decides whether applicants adjusting status in the U.S. must use the Final Action Dates chart or the Dates for Filing chart. This decision is posted on the USCIS website and determines when applicants can take action.
However, only the Final Action Dates chart determines when a green card is actually available for approval.
Why Are There Wait Times for Green Cards?
The reason there are wait times for some green card applicants is that there are annual limits on the number of green cards that can be issued. The U.S. government limits the number of green cards issued each year for both family-based and employment-based applicants.
Family-based green cards: 226,000 green cards are available annually, including those for marriage-based green cards.
Employment-based green cards: 140,000 green cards are available each year.
Additionally, there’s something called the country cap, which limits the number of green cards that can go to applicants from any one country. The cap is set at 7% per category, meaning that applicants from countries with high demand, such as India, Mexico, China, and the Philippines, often face longer wait times.
Understanding the Family-Based Green Card Categories
The Visa Bulletin divides family-based green cards into several categories, each with a specific number of green cards available each year. Here are the main categories:
F1: Unmarried adult children (21 or older) of U.S. citizens (23,400 green cards available annually).
F2A: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders (87,934 green cards available).
F2B: Unmarried adult children (21 or older) of green card holders (26,266 green cards available).
F3: Married children of U.S. citizens (23,400 green cards available).
F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens (65,000 green cards available).
Each of these categories has different wait times, depending on demand. For example, the F2A category typically has shorter wait times because it has a larger quota and is partially exempt from the country cap.
What Is Retrogression?
Sometimes, the Visa Bulletin doesn’t just move forward—it moves backward. This is called retrogression, and it happens when the demand for green cards in a particular category exceeds expectations. Retrogression can delay the process, but it’s a normal part of the system. If retrogression happens, applicants who were close to moving forward may have to wait longer.
How to Use the Visa Bulletin
To make the most of the Visa Bulletin, you need to know your priority date, which is the date USCIS receives your green card petition. This date determines your place in line. If your priority date is earlier than the date listed in the Final Action Dates chart, you can proceed with your green card application.
For applicants outside the U.S., the Dates for Filing chart helps you prepare by submitting documents early to the National Visa Center. For applicants inside the U.S., these dates allow you to apply for work and travel permits while you wait for your green card.
Conclusion
The Visa Bulletin is a crucial tool for anyone applying for a green card. By understanding how to read it and tracking your priority date, you can stay informed about your green card process and plan ahead. While it may seem overwhelming at first, the Visa Bulletin is essential for understanding when your green card will be available.
If you’re unsure about how to navigate the Visa Bulletin or need help with your green card application, an immigration attorney can help guide you through the process. At Canero Fadul Reis Law, we specialize in assisting individuals and families with their green card journey. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand the Visa Bulletin, track your priority date, and ensure that you’re on the right path to obtaining your green card.
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