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Short answer: the Visa Bulletin tells you whether a green card number is available for your category and country yet. Enter your priority date and the cut-off date printed in this month’s bulletin, and this explains in plain language whether you are current, how to read the two charts, and what to get ready now. It does not host a copy of the bulletin — you read today’s numbers from the State Department and we link you straight to it.
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Read the numbers at the source. The State Department publishes a new bulletin every month, so we never copy it here. Open the current Visa Bulletin, and check which chart USCIS is accepting this month before you file anything.
Your priority date is the day USCIS received your petition, and it is your place in the queue. When the cut-off date printed in the Visa Bulletin passes your priority date, a visa number is available to you and your case can move forward.
Final Action Dates is when a green card can actually be approved. Dates for Filing is the earlier chart that says when you may submit your application. USCIS announces each month which of the two it will accept, so check that before filing rather than assuming.
That is retrogression. It happens when more people apply in a category than there are visa numbers for the year, so the cut-off is pulled back to slow the queue. It is normal, it is not a mistake in your case, and dates usually move forward again at the start of the next fiscal year in October.
Monthly, usually in the middle of the month for the month ahead. Because it changes every month, no law firm website should be publishing a copy of it, including this one.
Get your documents in order before you file, because the window can close again. Which forms and evidence you need depends on whether you are adjusting status inside the United States or going through a consulate, and that is worth one conversation with an immigration attorney.
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Visa Bulletin Priority Date Checker · Rocket Launch Media. Not legal advice, and not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State or USCIS. Always read the current bulletin at the source.