How to Read and Understand the Visa Bulletin Issued by USCIS

The Visa Bulletin, issued monthly by the U.S. Department of State, provides crucial information for individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States. It is a key tool in the visa application process, particularly for those applying for family-sponsored or employment-based visas. Understanding the Visa Bulletin can help you gauge your position in the visa queue and estimate when you might become eligible for a visa. This article will guide you through how to read and interpret the Visa Bulletin effectively.

What is the Visa Bulletin?

The Visa Bulletin is a publication by the U.S. Department of State that lists visa availability and priority dates for various categories of immigrant visas. It is updated monthly and provides information on visa processing times and the current status of different visa categories. The bulletin is crucial for determining when an applicant’s priority date becomes current, which is essential for visa issuance.

Key Sections of the Visa Bulletin

• Visa Bulletin Overview: This section provides a general overview of the bulletin's contents and any significant updates or changes in the visa issuance process.
• Priority Dates: Priority dates are assigned to each visa application based on the date the application was filed. The Visa Bulletin shows which priority dates are currently being processed and are eligible for visa issuance.
• Chargeability Areas: This section lists the different countries or regions that are considered for visa allocation. It helps determine how the visa allocation applies based on an applicant’s country of chargeability.
• Family-Sponsored Preferences: This section lists the availability of visas for family-sponsored categories, including immediate relatives and various preference categories.
• Employment-Based Preferences: This section provides information on visa availability for employment-based categories, including various preference levels.

How to Read the Visa Bulletin

1. Identify Your Visa Category:

Determine whether you are applying for a family-sponsored or employment-based visa. The Visa Bulletin is divided into sections based on these categories.

2. Locate Your Preference Category:

Within the Visa Bulletin, locate your specific preference category. For family-sponsored visas, this might be F1, F2A, F2B, F3, or F4. For employment-based visas, this might be EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, or EB-5.

3. Find Your Country of Chargeability:

The Visa Bulletin provides information on visa availability by country or region. Identify your country of chargeability, which is usually your country of birth but may be different in some cases.

4. Check the Priority Dates:

Look at the priority date charts, which show the dates when visa numbers became available for different categories and countries. Find your preference category and country of chargeability to determine the current priority date.

5. Compare with Your Priority Date:

Compare your priority date (the date your application was filed) with the dates listed in the Visa Bulletin. If your priority date is earlier than or equal to the date listed in the bulletin, your visa is currently available, and you may proceed with the next steps in your application.

6. Understand the Dates in the Visa Bulletin:

• Current: If the bulletin lists "Current," it means that all applicants with a priority date earlier than the listed date are eligible to proceed.
• Dates for Filing: This column shows the dates when you can submit your visa application for processing, even if a visa is not yet available. This is important for planning ahead.
• Final Action Dates: This column shows the dates when a visa can actually be issued. You need to check this date to understand when your visa might be granted.

Example of Reading the Visa Bulletin

Suppose you are applying for an EB-2 visa from India, and your priority date is June 1, 2020. In the Visa Bulletin, you find the following information for EB-2 India:

• Dates for Filing: January 1, 2021
• Final Action Dates: October 1, 2019

In this case:

• Since your priority date (June 1, 2020) is later than the Final Action Date (October 1, 2019), your visa is not yet available for issuance.
• However, since your priority date is earlier than the Dates for Filing (January 1, 2021), you can prepare your documents and apply for the visa when the dates become current.

Tips for Using the Visa Bulletin

• Check Monthly Updates: The Visa Bulletin is updated monthly, so check it regularly to stay informed about changes in visa availability.
• Consult an Immigration Attorney: If you have questions or need assistance understanding how the Visa Bulletin applies to your specific case, consult an immigration attorney for professional guidance.
• Plan Ahead: Use the Visa Bulletin to anticipate when you may need to take action, such as submitting additional documents or preparing for an interview.

Conclusion

Understanding how to read and interpret the Visa Bulletin is essential for anyone involved in the immigration process. By following the steps outlined above, you can better gauge your position in the visa queue and plan your next steps effectively. Regularly checking the Visa Bulletin and staying informed will help you navigate the visa application process more smoothly and ensure that you are prepared for each phase of your immigration journey.

This guide aims to simplify the process of reading the Visa Bulletin and help you understand the key components involved.