Mastering the Visa Bulletin: How to Find Your Priority Date and Track Your Immigration Progress
Why the Visa Bulletin Matters
Navigating the U.S. immigration system can feel overwhelming—but understanding the Visa Bulletin gives you a clear path forward.
Issued monthly by the U.S. Department of State, the Visa Bulletin tells you when you can take the next step in your immigration journey, whether you're applying for a green card through family sponsorship or employment.
At Hurtubise Weber Law, we’re here to break it down and make it easy for you.
What Is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly update that shows the availability of immigrant visas in various categories. Think of it as a waiting list tracker—it tells you when it’s your turn based on:
The type of visa you applied for (family or employment-based)
Your priority date (when your petition was filed)
Your country of chargeability (usually your country of birth)
What Is a Priority Date?
Your priority date is the date your immigration petition was officially filed:
For family-based cases, it’s when Form I-130 was submitted.
For employment-based cases, it’s when Form I-140 was filed.
📌 You can find your priority date on your USCIS receipt notice.
This date determines where you are in line—and the Visa Bulletin tells you when that date becomes “current,” meaning you can move forward in your case.
How to Read the Visa Bulletin (Step-by-Step)
1. Know Your Visa Category
The Bulletin has two main sections:
Family-Based (F1–F4) – For relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Employment-Based (EB-1 to EB-5) – For work-related green cards
2. Understand the Two Charts
Each category has two charts:
Chart A – Final Action Dates: When green cards can be issued
Chart B – Dates for Filing: When you can submit paperwork in advance
📌 Each month, USCIS announces which chart to follow on their website.
3. Match Your Priority Date to the Chart
Look under your visa category and country.
If your priority date is before the listed date, your case is eligible to move forward.
If it’s after, you’ll need to wait until it becomes current.
Example:
If your priority date is May 15, 2025, and the Visa Bulletin shows June 1, 2025, for your category—you’re good to go!
⚠️ Common Visa Bulletin Terms & Pitfalls
“C” = Current: No wait—visas are available now
“U” = Unavailable: No visas available in that category this month
Retrogression: Sometimes, priority dates move backward due to high demand
🔧 Pro Tips for Using the Visa Bulletin
Check monthly – The Bulletin changes every month. Stay updated.
Track your date – Keep a personal log of how your date compares to the bulletin.
Consult a professional – Immigration attorneys can help interpret complex changes and plan your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my priority date change?
A: No, once assigned, it stays the same—but availability around it may shift.
Q: What if I don’t see my date?
A: Keep checking future bulletins. It just means your date isn’t current yet.
Q: Why does my country affect the wait time?
A: U.S. immigration has per-country limits, so countries with high demand (like Mexico, India, and the Philippines) may face longer delays.
Stay in Control of Your Immigration Journey
Understanding the Visa Bulletin puts you in control. Whether you're reuniting with family or building your career in the U.S., knowing how to read your priority date helps you stay ahead—and avoid costly delays.
Let Hurtubise Weber Law Help You Move Forward
At Hurtubise Weber Law, we’ve helped hundreds of clients across San Francisco and San Jose navigate the immigration process with concierge-level care. We bring a small-business mindset and deep legal knowledge to both family and employment-based immigration.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let our experienced attorneys help you track your visa progress, interpret your priority date, and move your case forward with confidence.