The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication issued by the U.S. Department of State that provides important information regarding the availability of immigrant visa numbers for individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States based on family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories. The Visa Bulletin is used by applicants, immigration attorneys, and government agencies to track the progression of visa availability and predict future movement in visa cutoff dates.
Key aspects of the Visa Bulletin include:
1. Visa categories: The Visa Bulletin categorizes immigrant visa applications into two main groups: family-sponsored preferences and employment-based preferences. Each preference category is further divided into subcategories based on the relationship between the applicant and the petitioner (for family-sponsored preferences) or the applicant’s employment-based immigrant visa classification.
2. Priority dates: The Visa Bulletin lists cutoff dates, also known as priority dates, for each preference category and country of chargeability. These priority dates determine when an individual’s immigrant visa application can be processed based on the date the petition was filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Department of State.
3. Visa availability: The Visa Bulletin indicates whether immigrant visa numbers are currently available for individuals with priority dates earlier than the cutoff date listed in the bulletin. If an applicant’s priority date is earlier than the cutoff date and visa numbers are available, they may proceed with the next steps in the immigrant visa application process, such as filing for adjustment of status (if already in the United States) or consular processing (if outside the United States).
4. Visa retrogression: In some cases, particularly for countries with high demand for immigrant visas, the Visa Bulletin may show retrogression, which means that the cutoff dates for certain preference categories move backward instead of forward. Visa retrogression can occur due to annual visa quotas, per-country limits, or other factors that affect visa availability.
5. Monthly updates: The Visa Bulletin is typically published around the middle of each month and includes information for the upcoming month, such as priority date cutoffs and visa availability projections. Visa Bulletin updates may reflect changes in visa demand, visa availability, or government policies affecting immigrant visa processing.
Overall, the Visa Bulletin serves as a valuable resource for individuals navigating the U.S. immigration system, providing transparency and guidance on the timing and availability of immigrant visas in different preference categories and countries of chargeability. Applicants and immigration practitioners should consult the Visa Bulletin regularly to stay informed about visa availability and to plan their immigration strategies accordingly.
