Visa Bulletin: Understanding Priority Dates and Immigrant Visa Availability
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What is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication from the U.S. Department of State that tracks visa availability for family- and employment-based immigrant categories. It helps determine when applicants can proceed with their green card applications.
It includes:
- Priority Dates: Your place in line based on petition filing date.
- Final Action Dates: When visas are available for approval.
- Dates for Filing: When applicants can submit their green card applications.
How do I read the Visa Bulletin?
To interpret the bulletin:
- Identify your category: e.g., F1 (unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens), EB-2 (advanced degree professionals).
- Find your country of chargeability: Usually your country of birth.
- Match your priority date: Compare it to the bulletin’s listed cutoff dates.
If your priority date is earlier than the listed date, your case is current and you can proceed with the next step in your application.
Why is the Visa Bulletin important?
The Visa Bulletin ensures transparency and fairness in how immigrant visas are issued. It helps you:
- Know when to apply for adjustment of status or consular processing
- Track your petition’s progress
- Prepare documents in advance for timely submission
What documents are needed when your priority date becomes current?
When your visa category becomes current, you’ll need:
- Birth certificates (with certified translations if not in English)
- Marriage/divorce certificates
- Employment letters or contracts (for employment-based cases)
- Financial evidence, such as Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
All non-English documents must be submitted with certified translations to meet USCIS and Department of State requirements.
How can Translations Certified help?
At Translations Certified, we provide:
- Certified translations for birth, marriage, divorce, employment, and financial documents
- USCIS-compliant formatting to avoid delays
- Fast turnaround: Most translations are ready within 24–48 hours
- Over 100 languages supported
We help ensure your visa application process is smooth and your documents are accepted the first time.
Need certified translations for your visa application?
Reach out today and get started with fast, accurate service that meets all immigration requirements.
References:
The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. While we strive to ensure that the information is accurate and current, it is not a substitute for professional legal counsel. Please consult with a qualified attorney for advice regarding your specific situation or legal questions.