Visa Bulletin & Priority Dates Explained

Updated 2026-05-29 · General information, not legal advice.

Unlike immediate relatives of US citizens (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21), most family-based categories have annual limits. The monthly Visa Bulletin from the US Department of State shows when a visa number becomes available based on your priority date.

What Is a Priority Date?

Your priority date is the day USCIS received the I-130 petition. You "wait in line" until the Visa Bulletin shows your category and country at or beyond your date.

Family Preference Categories

F1: unmarried adult sons/daughters of US citizens
F2A: spouses and minor children of permanent residents
F2B: unmarried adult sons/daughters of permanent residents
F3: married sons/daughters of US citizens
F4: brothers/sisters of adult US citizens

Why the Wait Can Be Long

Categories like F3 and F4 often wait many years because demand far exceeds the annual cap. Immediate relatives have no cap and do not use the Visa Bulletin.

Two charts: The bulletin has "Dates for Filing" (when you can submit documents) and "Final Action Dates" (when the green card can be approved). Check which chart applies each month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do spouses of US citizens use the Visa Bulletin?

No. Immediate relatives (spouse, parent, child under 21 of a US citizen) have no annual cap and are not subject to the Visa Bulletin wait.

What is my priority date?

It is the date USCIS received your I-130 petition, shown on your receipt notice.

Which chart should I follow?

Each month the Department of State indicates whether to use 'Dates for Filing' or 'Final Action Dates' for adjustment of status; consular cases follow Final Action Dates for the interview.