# **What is the Visa Bulletin?**

The Visa Bulletin is a crucial document for anyone going through the U.S. immigration process. Published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, it provides updated cut-off dates for immigrant visa applicants based on their priority date, visa category, and country of chargeability. The bulletin helps manage the flow of applications in line with the number of available visas, ensuring the caps set by U.S. immigration law are not exceeded.
## August Visa Bulletin

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**Disclaimer:** The visa bulletin tables above only shows the dates for the column “All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed” in the bulletin. They do not include dates for people born in China-mainland, India, Mexico, and Philippines.   

### **Making sense of the Visa Bulletin:**

**Family-based Categories** 

**- F-1 is for:** Unmarried Children (Age 21 and Older) of U.S. Citizens

**- F-2A is for:** Spouses and Unmarried Children (Under Age 21) of U.S. Green Card Holders

**- F-2B is for:** Unmarried Children (Age 21 or Older) of U.S. Green Card Holders

**- F-3 is for:** Married Children of U.S. Citizens

**- F-4 is for:** Siblings of U.S. Citizens

**Employment-based categories**

**- EB-1 is for:** Extraordinary Professionals, Outstanding Researchers and Professors, and Multinational Executives and Managers

**- EB-2 is for:** Professionals with Exceptional Knowledge & Abilities and Advanced Degree Holders

**- EB-3 is for:** Professionals, Skilled and Unskilled Workers

**- EB-5 is for**: Investors

## Visa Bulletin in a Nutshell

### **Priority Date, Simplified:**

Your journey through the immigration process starts with a priority date. This date is the actual day the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives your initial immigrant petition or Labor Certification. It acts as your placeholder in the visa queue and is critical in determining when you can apply for an immigrant visa or Green Card. Think of it as your ticket number at a deli counter—it tells you your turn in line.

### **Dates for Filing, Simplified:**

The "Dates for Filing" chart lets you know when you can get your documents ready and submit your visa application or adjustment of status application. However, it doesn't necessarily mean a visa is immediately available. It's the government's way of saying, "Get ready, your turn is coming up. However, these dates can change every month and therefore you should follow the bulletin consistently.

### **Final Action Dates, Simplified:**

When your priority date matches or is earlier than the "Final Action Dates" listed in the Visa Bulletin, it's time to celebrate. This means that a visa number is now available for your application, and the U.S. government can take final action on your case. Essentially, it's the green light signaling that your visa can now be issued. Applicants who are currently inside the U.S. can either use Dates for Filing or Final Action Dates chart to track when they can be issued an immigrant visa. However, applicants outside of the U.S. can only use Dates for Filing chart to track when they can be issued an immigrant visa.

### **What Does "Current" Mean?**

In the Visa Bulletin, if your visa category is listed as "Current," that's great news. It indicates there is no backlog for your particular visa category, and the department can process applications regardless of the applicants' priority dates. Simply put, you can go ahead and submit your application without delay.

### **What Exactly Is the "Cut-off" Date?**

The "cut-off" date draws the line between those who can proceed with their visa applications and those who need to wait. It's determined by the demand for visas in each category and the per-country limits. When the demand exceeds the available supply, the "cut-off" date is established to prevent exceeding the annual numerical limits set by U.S. immigration law.

### **What Does Backlog Mean?**

A backlog occurs when the demand for visas outstrips the supply, leading to a waiting period. This can happen for various reasons, such as per-country visa caps, high demand for visas from certain countries, or simply a significant number of applicants. A backlog means longer waiting times before an applicant can apply for an immigrant visa or a Green Card.

### **Frequently Asked Questions**

- **How can I find my priority date?**

Your priority date can be found on the I-797 form, the Notice of Action, issued by USCIS when you filed your immigrant visa petition or PERM labor certification.

- **Can the Visa Bulletin dates move backward?**

Yes, this is known as "retrogression," which can happen when more people apply for a visa in a category than there are visas available, or when the annual limit is reached.

- **What should I do if my visa category is not "Current"?**

If your category is not "Current," you should monitor the Visa Bulletin monthly to check for updates on the "Dates for Filing" and "Final Action Dates" for your category.

- **How often does the Visa Bulletin get updated?**

The Visa Bulletin is updated monthly. It's typically published around the middle of each month and provides information for the following month.

- **If my priority date is current one month and then not current the next, what happens?**

If your priority date is no longer current, you'll have to wait until it becomes current again before you can move forward with your immigrant visa or Green Card visa application. This fluctuation is due to the visa demand and allocation of visa numbers each month.

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Navigating the Visa Bulletin can be complex, but it's a vital step in the U.S. immigration process. Understanding how the bulletin works and keeping up to date with its changes will help you manage your immigration journey more effectively. For personalized assistance and advice on your specific case, consider consulting with an experienced immigration **attorney.**

We demystify the nonimmigrant visa bulletin for prospective U.S. immigrants. 

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How to read the visa bulletin?

Understanding the Visa Bulletin: A Guide for Prospective Immigrants

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery results for the fiscal year 2025 have been announced. For thousands of people, either the hope for a new beginning or heartbreaking disappointment ensued. But beyond the different reactions to the lottery results, I believe we all can observe the immensity of the Green Card and what it stands for: the American Dream.

Thanks to that dream, when I set out for the United States as a student years ago, I could envision a future for myself that seemed promising and exciting. Now, years after, I feel truly blessed to be the founding attorney of Grape Law Firm and to have the privilege of guiding prospective immigrants of diverse backgrounds through the hardships of U.S. immigration law, especially the complex processes of Green Card applications.

After witnessing the impact that the green card has on the lives of many Grape Law clients and reflecting on my own experiences as a first-generation Turkish immigrant, I can confidently state that the Green Card and the American Dream are interlocked. They are both embedded in the pursuit of freedom, prosperity, and a better future.

## **The Green Card and the American Dream**

The Green Card’s significance in the context of the American Dream is rooted in the United States’ historical attraction as the go-to destination for life-changing opportunities. The Green Card is not solely a piece of plastic; it is the embodiment of visionary ideals and endless possibilities. What defines the U.S. as a unique cultural mosaic cannot be understood without professional and personal aspirations. And the Green Card is the insurance for those aspirations.

It is no surprise to anyone — particularly U.S. immigration attorneys such as myself — that the Department of State reports increases in the demand for not only the DV but also many other Green Card categories. This rise is a testament to the appeal of the Green Card throughout the world and the U.S. as the land of starting anew.

## **Benefits of the Green Card**

A Green Card is more than a permit—it's a ticket to a secure and prosperous life in the U.S. Holders can participate in a thriving job market known for rewarding talent and hard work with competitive wages. The privilege extends to purchasing property, accessing comprehensive financial services, and entrepreneurship, which not only bolsters individual growth but also contributes to the economic strength of the nation.

In my experience, clients often share with me how obtaining a Green Card has supported their growth, enabling significant career advancements and the confidence to pursue ambitious goals. Moreover, it's a step toward U.S. citizenship, a dream for almost every immigrant. The social advantages, such as eligibility for education and healthcare benefits, and the capacity to sponsor relatives for immigration, are indicative of the Green Card's role in fostering familial bonds and continuity. In this regard, to better understand the Green Card benefits in detail, it's essential to explore its options available.

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## **Employment-based Petition Green Cards**

Employment-based Green Cards offer pathways for prospective immigrants to apply their expertise in the U.S. The EB-1C, for instance, is designed for managers and executives who will be transferred from abroad to work in similar positions of multinational companies’ U.S. offices or affiliates. Additionally, foreign managers and executives can apply for the EB-1C to establish new U.S. offices of multinational companies.

PERM Green Cards (EB-2/EB-3), on the other hand, provide U.S. residency for individuals with a job offer from a U.S.-based employer, encompassing a wide range of professionals. The process involves meticulous labor certification to ensure the protection of U.S. labor interests while filling gaps in the workforce with international employees. For those with exceptional skills or advanced degrees, as well as professional, skilled, and unskilled workers, PERM Green Cards signify the U.S.'s strategic commitment to strengthening a diverse and competitive workforce by attracting talent from around the globe.

## **Self-petition Green Cards**

The EB-1A Green Card is designed for those who have reached the top of their fields and whose extraordinary abilities are recognized with awards, extensive publications, or significant contributions to their industry. This category is a direct acknowledgment of their status as leaders and innovators, whether they are pioneering researchers, renowned artists, or celebrated athletes. Candidates for the EB-1A must demonstrate a record of sustained success and are often at the forefront in their work areas.

For professionals whose work holds considerable importance to the U.S. but may not have the widespread acclaim of EB-1A candidates, the EB-2 “National Interest Waiver” (NIW) Green Card offers an alternative route. This category is particularly suited for individuals whose expertise advances areas critical to national interests, such as technology, public health, or education. To qualify for an NIW, applicants must show that their work has a significant impact on their field in the U.S. and that waiving the requirement of a job offer would be beneficial to the country.

## **Green Cards Through Investment**

The EB-5 is a unique Green Card category that combines immigration with economic investment. It's designed for investors who are prepared to make a substantial financial contribution to the U.S. economy, with a minimum amount of **$800,000** for **regional center investments** or **$1,050,000** for **direct investments.** The EB-5 not only requires this significant monetary input but also requires the creation of at least 10 jobs, offering investors and their families a direct route to U.S. residency while fostering employment and community development.

## **Family-based Green Cards**

Family-based Green Cards reflect the U.S.'s commitment to keeping families together. Spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens often have a more direct path to residency, reinforcing the importance of family in the fabric of American society. Other relatives may also be eligible, albeit with more extended waiting periods due to caps on certain family-based visa categories.

***
Each individual's Green Card journey adds a unique storyline to the U.S.’s ongoing narrative. Whether through professional distinction, investment, or family reunification, these paths contribute to the diversity and dynamism of the U.S. It is a privilege to witness and support these individuals in their pursuit of the American Dream, as they open the door to a future filled with opportunities in this land of promise.

An introduction to the historical significance and the options of the Green Card.

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An Introduction to Green Card Options 

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