Visa Bulletin Guide | Priority Dates & Wait Times

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Visa Bulletin Guide: Priority Dates, Wait Times, and When You Can File

The Visa Bulletin is the government’s “line update” for many green card cases.
It helps you answer a simple question: Is a visa number available for my category right now?

Quick answer:
If your case is in a preference category (like F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4, or most employment-based categories),
the Visa Bulletin often controls timing. If you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen (common in marriage cases),
the Visa Bulletin usually matters less.
Not sure your category? Start here:
Family Preference Categories.
Marriage cases:
Marriage Green Card guide.

Official sources:
Department of State Visa Bulletin •
USCIS chart selection (AOS)

What is the Visa Bulletin?

The Visa Bulletin is published by the U.S. Department of State.
It shows whether immigrant visa numbers are available for different categories and countries.
If your category is limited each year, you may have to wait until your date is “current.”

Think of it like a line:
Your priority date is your place in line. The Visa Bulletin shows the date they are working on now.

Official Visa Bulletin page:
travel.state.gov Visa Bulletin

What you need before you look it up

Before you check the Visa Bulletin, gather these three items:

  • Your category (example: F2A, F4, EB-2)
  • Your priority date (often shown on your USCIS receipt notice)
  • Your country for the chart (often your country of birth)
Need help finding the category?
Start here:
Family Preference Categories (F1–F4).
For filing basics, see:
I-130 guide.

Final Action Dates vs Dates for Filing

Most months, the Visa Bulletin shows two date charts for each group:

1) Final Action Dates

This is usually the chart for when a visa can be issued (consular) or a green card can be approved (AOS).

2) Dates for Filing

This chart may allow you to start certain steps earlier, depending on your situation and USCIS rules for that month.

USCIS explains which chart you can use for filing adjustment of status:
USCIS: Adjustment of Status Filing Charts

How to read the Visa Bulletin (step-by-step)

  1. Open the official Visa Bulletin:
    travel.state.gov.
  2. Pick the right section: Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based.
  3. Find your category column (example: F2B or F4).
  4. Find your country row (often based on country of birth).
  5. Compare your priority date to the date listed.
    • If your priority date is earlier than the chart date, you may be current (depending on the chart and USCIS rules).
    • If the chart shows C, it usually means “current.”
    • If the chart shows U, it usually means “unavailable.”
Simple example:
If the chart date is June 1, 2016 and your priority date is May 15, 2016,
your date is earlier—so you may be current for that chart.

AOS vs consular: which chart should you use?

The Visa Bulletin is used in different ways depending on where the applicant is and which process applies:

  • Consular processing (outside the U.S.): the consulate and the National Visa Center (NVC) use the Visa Bulletin to schedule and issue immigrant visas.
  • Adjustment of status (AOS) (inside the U.S., if eligible): USCIS decides which chart you can use to file that month.
For AOS filings:
USCIS posts a monthly “chart choice” page. Check it before you file:
USCIS: When to File (family/employment)

If you are unsure which path applies to your case, start here:
Consular processing vs AOS.

Common Visa Bulletin terms (plain English)

Priority date

Your “line date.” Often the date USCIS received a properly filed petition. USCIS explains priority dates here:
USCIS: Visa availability & priority dates

Current (“C”)

Visa numbers are available for that category (at least for now).

Retrogression

When a chart date moves backward instead of forward. This can happen when demand is high.

Chargeability (country)

Usually the country used for the chart is based on the applicant’s country of birth.

Common mistakes that cause delays

  • Using the wrong chart for adjustment of status (USCIS decides chart choice for that month).
  • Using the wrong category (example: mixing up F2A vs F2B).
  • Using the wrong country row.
  • Assuming “current” means approved instantly (you still must file correctly and prove eligibility).
  • Waiting too long to gather documents (NVC/USCIS requests can have deadlines).
Fix the category first:
Preference Categories •
Then choose the process:
Consular vs AOS

When to get legal help

Many people can read the Visa Bulletin. The hard part is applying it to a real case.
Consider getting help if:

  • Your category might change (child turning 21, marriage, petitioner becomes a U.S. citizen).
  • You are not sure whether AOS is allowed, or consular processing is required.
  • You see retrogression or sudden chart changes and you need a plan.
  • You want to file as soon as you are eligible and avoid mistakes.

Want us to confirm your category and timing?

We can confirm your preference category, priority date, correct chart, and the best next step (AOS or consular processing).

FAQ

Where do I find the official Visa Bulletin?

Here:
Department of State Visa Bulletin.

What is a priority date?

It is your place in line. USCIS explains priority dates here:
USCIS: Visa availability & priority dates.

Which chart should I use for adjustment of status?

USCIS posts a monthly page telling you which chart to use:
USCIS: When to File.

Does “current” mean my case is approved?

No. “Current” usually means a visa number is available. You still must file correctly and prove eligibility.

Related pages:
Preference Categories •
Consular vs AOS •
I-130 •
I-864

Need immigration assistance? Contact us now.

Free case evaluation
Related Family-Based Visa Pages
Family-Based Visas (Start Here)
Overview + links to all guides
Immediate Relatives (Who Qualifies)
Spouse/parent/child rules in plain English
Preference Categories (F1–F4, F2A/F2B)
Find your category and what it means
Visa Bulletin Guide
Priority dates, charts, and wait times
Form I-130 Guide
Petition basics and common issues
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
Income, sponsors, and support rules
Document Checklist
What to gather before you file
Consular Processing Steps
NVC to interview: what happens next
Adjustment of Status (Family-Based)
How to apply inside the U.S. (if eligible)
Interview Prep
How to prepare and what to bring
RFEs and NOIDs
How to respond and avoid delays
If your case is marriage-based, start here:
Marriage Green Card guide.

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    Last Updated on January 6, 2026 by JR
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