Immigration Insights
Understanding the Visa Bulletin
The monthly Visa Bulletin determines when immigrant visa numbers become available. Learn how to read it, track your priority date, and plan your path to permanent residence.
Immigration Insights
Understanding the Visa Bulletin
The monthly Visa Bulletin determines when immigrant visa numbers become available. Learn how to read it, track your priority date, and plan your path to permanent residence.
What Is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication issued by the U.S. Department of State that reports the availability of immigrant visa numbers. Because Congress has set annual numerical limits on the number of immigrant visas that can be issued in each preference category and to nationals of each country, not everyone with an approved petition can receive a visa immediately. The Visa Bulletin tracks which priority dates are currently eligible for visa issuance or adjustment of status filing, effectively telling applicants where they stand in line. It is published around the middle of each month for the following month, and it is the single most important document for anyone waiting for an employment-based or family-based green card.
How to Read the Visa Bulletin
Identify Your Preference Category
Determine which employment-based (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5) or family-based (F-1, F-2A, F-2B, F-3, F-4) category applies to your case. Your approved petition or your attorney can confirm this. For most H-1B professionals in Seattle pursuing a green card through PERM, the relevant category is EB-2 or EB-3.
Find Your Country of Chargeability
The Visa Bulletin is organized by country of chargeability, which is generally your country of birth. Countries with high demand, such as India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines, have separate columns with their own cutoff dates. All other countries fall under the All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed column.
Compare Your Priority Date
Your priority date is typically the date your PERM labor certification application was filed (for EB-2 and EB-3) or the date your I-140 petition was filed (for EB-1). If your priority date is earlier than the cutoff date shown in the Visa Bulletin for your category and country, a visa number is available to you.
Check Both Charts: Final Action and Dates for Filing
The Visa Bulletin contains two charts. The Final Action Dates chart shows when a visa can actually be issued. The Dates for Filing chart shows when you may be able to file your adjustment of status application (Form I-485), even if a final visa number is not yet available. USCIS announces each month which chart applicants should use for filing purposes.
Employment-Based Preference Categories
| Category | Description | Common Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Priority workers: extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, multinational managers | Senior researchers, executives transferring from abroad, individuals with national/international acclaim |
| EB-2 | Advanced degree professionals or exceptional ability | H-1B workers with a master's degree or higher, STEM professionals with PERM certification |
| EB-3 | Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers | H-1B workers with a bachelor's degree, skilled workers with 2+ years of experience |
| EB-4 | Special immigrants | Religious workers, certain international organization employees |
| EB-5 | Immigrant investors | Individuals investing $800,000 to $1,050,000 in a U.S. commercial enterprise |
Category
EB-1
Description
Priority workers: extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, multinational managers
Common Applicants
Senior researchers, executives transferring from abroad, individuals with national/international acclaim
Category
EB-2
Description
Advanced degree professionals or exceptional ability
Common Applicants
H-1B workers with a master's degree or higher, STEM professionals with PERM certification
Category
EB-3
Description
Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers
Common Applicants
H-1B workers with a bachelor's degree, skilled workers with 2+ years of experience
Category
EB-4
Description
Special immigrants
Common Applicants
Religious workers, certain international organization employees
Category
EB-5
Description
Immigrant investors
Common Applicants
Individuals investing $800,000 to $1,050,000 in a U.S. commercial enterprise
Country-Specific Backlogs Can Be Significant
Applicants born in India and China face substantially longer wait times in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories compared to applicants from other countries. These backlogs can extend for years or even decades. If you are affected by a country-specific backlog, it is important to explore all available strategies, including EB-1 eligibility, priority date porting, and cross-chargeability options through a spouse born in a different country.
For Professionals
Track Your Green Card Timeline
Our immigration attorneys can analyze your priority date, evaluate your options across preference categories, and develop a strategy to minimize your wait time for permanent residence.
Have Questions About Your Immigration Options?
Our team can help you understand how these immigration topics apply to your specific situation.
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