If you or your family are waiting for a U.S. immigrant visa or green card, you’ve probably heard about the Visa Bulletin. Understanding this monthly publication is essential for tracking your case and planning your next steps.
What Is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly update issued by the U.S. Department of State that shows the availability of immigrant visas (green cards) for family-sponsored, employment-based, and Diversity Visa applicants. It’s usually released around the second week of each month.
This bulletin lists cutoff dates for each visa category and country of chargeability (usually the applicant’s country of birth). These dates are tied to your priority date, which is the day your Form I-130 (family-based) or Form I-140 (employment-based) petition was filed.
By checking the Visa Bulletin, applicants can determine when their priority date becomes “current” — meaning they can move forward with their visa interview or green card application.
How the Visa Bulletin Works
Each fiscal year starts in October, when the annual visa quota resets.
The family-sponsored immigrant visa quota is 226,000 visas per year.
The employment-based visa quota is at least 140,000 visas per year.
The Department of State then distributes these visas across different preference categories and countries, which creates varying wait times depending on demand.
If your priority date is earlier than the cutoff date listed in your category and country, your date is considered “current.” This means you can take the next step — such as attending your consular interview abroad or submitting your adjustment of status application if you’re in the U.S.
If your priority date is not yet current, you must continue to wait until your date appears in a future Visa Bulletin.
Why the Visa Bulletin Is Important
The Visa Bulletin is crucial for anyone applying through:
Family-Sponsored Preference Categories (e.g., spouses, children, siblings of U.S. citizens or green card holders)
Employment-Based Preference Categories (professionals, skilled workers, investors, etc.)
The Diversity Visa Lottery Program
Because visa availability changes monthly and differs by country, it’s essential to consult an immigration attorney who can interpret the bulletin for your specific situation. A professional can help you understand when to act and how to avoid missing opportunities when your date becomes current.
Where to Find the Visa Bulletin
You can view the official monthly Visa Bulletin on the U.S. Department of State website:
👉 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html
Final Thoughts
The Visa Bulletin can be confusing, especially with so many categories, dates, and country-specific rules. Having a knowledgeable immigration attorney by your side ensures you’re always one step ahead in the process.
At Adhami Law Group, we help clients understand their visa status, priority dates, and green card timelines — turning confusion into clarity.