Definition
A monthly report from the State Department that tells you whether your priority date is current — meaning you can finally move forward with your green card.
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication from the U.S. Department of State that tells you whether a visa number is available for your green card category. Think of it as the scoreboard for the green card line — it shows which priority dates are "current" (meaning those people can now move forward) and which are still waiting.
It has two charts: "Final Action Dates" (when your green card can actually be issued) and "Dates for Filing" (when you can submit your adjustment of status or consular processing application). Both are organized by preference category and country of birth.
If you're in a preference category (not an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen), the Visa Bulletin determines your timeline. When your priority date is earlier than the date shown in the bulletin for your category, you're "current" and can finally take the next step. Until then, you wait.
The dates can move forward, stay the same, or even move backward (retrogression) depending on demand. This uncertainty makes planning difficult, which is why checking the bulletin monthly is important for anyone in a preference category.
related terms
Your place in line for a green card — it's the date your petition was filed, and it determines when you can move forward.
Your spot in line for a green card under the annual caps — when a visa number becomes available, you can finally file for permanent residence.
Spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens — they skip the visa waiting line and can immigrate right away.
The process of getting a green card through a family member who's a U.S. citizen or permanent resident — the most common path to immigration.
Getting your green card through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad — the alternative to adjusting status when you're outside the U.S. or can't file from inside.
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We limit our caseload each month to keep our 30-day filing promise. Availability varies.
