What is the Visa Bulletin and how do I read it to track my green card progress?

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication issued by the U.S. Department of State that provides information on the availability of immigrant visa numbers. Because U.S. law limits the number of immigrant visas (green cards) available each fiscal year for certain categories, many applicants face a waiting period.

To read the bulletin, you must first identify your Priority Date, which is the date your initial petition (such as Form I-130 or I-140) was filed with USCIS or the date your labor certification was filed with the Department of Labor. You then look at the 'Final Action Date' chart for your specific visa category (e.g., EB-2, F2A) and your country of chargeability (usually your country of birth).

If your priority date is earlier than the date listed in the bulletin, a visa is available, and you may proceed with the final stage of your application (either filing Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status or completing NVC consular processing). If the chart says 'C' (Current), it means there is no backlog for that category, and visas are immediately available. If it says 'U' (Unauthorized), no visas are being issued for that category at this time. Always check the official Department of State website monthly, as these dates fluctuate based on demand and annual visa quotas.