1. What is the Visa Bulletin?

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication from the United States Department of State that provides information on the availability of immigrant visa numbers. It is used to determine the earliest dates when individuals may file applications for adjustment of status or an immigrant visa. The Visa Bulletin also provides information on priority dates, application filing dates, and visa availability for various visa categories.

2. How do I use the Visa Bulletin to determine my visa eligibility?

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State that lists the dates when visas will become available for applicants in certain visa categories and countries. To determine your visa eligibility, you must find the date in the Visa Bulletin that corresponds to your visa category and country of origin. If the date listed in the Visa Bulletin is current, meaning it is before the day you are filing your application, then you are eligible to apply for a visa.

3. ¿Con qué frecuencia se actualiza el Boletín de Visas?

The Visa Bulletin is typically updated on the first Tuesday of each month.

4. What is the difference between the Final Action Dates Chart and the Dates for Filing Chart in the Visa Bulletin?

The Final Action Dates Chart in the Visa Bulletin shows the cutoff dates for when an individual can have their green card application finalized, while the Dates for Filing Chart shows when individuals can submit their applications. The Dates for Filing Chart typically allows for earlier filing than the Final Action Dates Chart.

5. How do I know which visa category I am eligible for based on my priority date?

To determine which visa category you are eligible for based on your priority date, you will need to review the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin. The Visa Bulletin is updated on a monthly basis and provides a list of visa categories and respective cutoff dates. The cutoff dates indicate when a visa applicant can submit an immigrant visa application based on their priority date.

6. What is a priority date?

A priority date is an official filing date used to establish the priority of a patent, trademark, or other intellectual property claim. It is typically the date on which a patent application is first filed with a national or regional patent office. Priority dates are important because they can help to determine who will be awarded exclusive rights to an invention or trademark when there is a dispute.

7. What is the cut-off date for each visa category?

The cut-off date for each visa category varies depending on the country and type of visa. Generally speaking, visa applications must be submitted at least 45 days before the intended date of travel. It is important to check with the particular consulate or embassy to learn the specific cut-off date applicable to your visa application.

8. How can I use the Visa Bulletin to estimate my wait time for a visa?

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly update from the State Department which gives estimates on when visa types will become available. You can use the Visa Bulletin to determine the dates when certain visa types become available, and then estimate your wait time accordingly. For example, if a visa type has a priority date of October 15, 2020, then you can expect to wait until October 15 to receive it. Additionally, the Visa Bulletin provides information about visa availability for the upcoming months, so you can use this data to plan ahead and predict when visas may become available in the future.

9. How can I access the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin online?

The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin can be accessed online at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html.

10. How can I determine which visa category is current for me?

The best way to determine which visa category is current for you is to contact your local U.S. consulate or embassy and speak with a visa specialist. You can also go to the U.S. Department of State website and look up visa classifications and requirements specific to your nationality.

11. What are the different visa categories listed in the Visa Bulletin?

The visa categories listed in the Visa Bulletin are:

1. Employment-Based Preference Categories (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5)

2. Family-Based Preference Categories (FB-1, FB-2A, FB-2B, FB-3)

3. Special Immigrant Visa Categories (SI-1, SI-2, SI-3, SI-4)

4. Diversity Visa Program (DV)

5. Refugee and Asylee Categories (RA-1, RA-2, RA-3)

6. Nonimmigrant Visa Categories (H-1B, H-2B, H-3, H-4, L-1A, L-1B)

7. Other Immigration Categories (VAWA applications, U visas).

12. What are the different preference categories in the family-based immigration system?

The five preference categories in the family-based immigration system are:

1. Immediate Relatives – This category is for spouses, parents, and unmarried children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens.

2. Family Preference Categories – These categories are for family members of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents including unmarried sons and daughters, married sons and daughters, and siblings.

3. Fiancé Visas – This category is for fiancés of U.S. citizens who plan to marry within 90 days of entering the U.S.

4. Special Immigrants – This category is for certain religious workers, former U.S. government employees, and other special immigrants.

5. Diversity Visas – This category is for individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S., selected through a lottery system.

13. How do I check to see if my priority date is earlier than the cut-off date in the Visa Bulletin?

You can check the cut-off date in the Visa Bulletin by searching for the relevant visa category and looking at the applicable chart. The priority date for your application will be listed on your application forms or on the receipt notice sent to you by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You should compare the priority date on your application to the cut-off date in the Visa Bulletin to determine if your priority date is earlier than the cut-off date.

14. What is a retrogression and how does it affect my visa application?

Retrogression is a term used to describe when the demand for visas in one particular category exceeds the available yearly supply. This can lead to an increase in visa wait times, or in extreme cases, a complete halt to visa processing in that category. If a retrogression is in place for the category of your visa application, it will significantly affect your ability to immigrate or receive a visa.

15. What is a diversity visa and how can I check if I am eligible for one?

A diversity visa, also known as the green card lottery, is a chance for people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States to enter the country legally. Each year, a certain number of visas are randomly allocated to applicants from various countries. To check if you are eligible for a diversity visa, you will need to visit the official U.S. Department of State website and fill out an application form.

16. What is an immigrant visa number and how does it affect my eligibility for a green card?

An immigrant visa number (also known as an Alien Registration Number) is a numerical identifier that is assigned to an alien upon approval of their immigrant petition. This number is typically placed on the alien’s visa and serves to identify the alien in all interactions with the USCIS, State Department, and other government agencies. The immigrant visa number is necessary for a successful green card application, as it is required to complete all of the paperwork needed to apply for permanent residence.

17. What are the differences between an immigrant visa number and a priority date?

An immigrant visa number is a unique number assigned to each applicant for an immigrant visa. The priority date is the date on which an immigrant visa petition is initially filed. The priority date is used to determine when an applicant can apply for an immigrant visa or permanent residence. The priority date is used to establish the order in which applicants will be processed. An immigrant visa number is only issued after the priority date has been established.

18. What are the different types of visas available for foreign nationals who wish to come to the United States?

The types of visas available for foreign nationals who wish to come to the United States are:

1. Tourist (B-2) Visa: This visa is for individuals who wish to travel to the United States as tourists, usually for leisure or pleasure.

2. Student (F-1) Visa: This visa is for those who wish to pursue an academic course of study in an accredited U.S. institution.

3. Exchange Visitor (J-1) Visa: This visa is for those who wish to participate in a cultural exchange program or internship in the U.S.

4. Employment (H-1B) Visa: This visa is for individuals who have obtained a job offer from a U.S. employer and wish to come to the U.S. to work in a specialty occupation.

5. Temporary Worker (H-2A and H-2B) Visa: These visas are for individuals wishing to come to the United States temporarily to perform agricultural or nonagricultural labor or services.

6. Treaty Trader/Investor Visa (E-1/E-2): These visas are for individuals wishing to enter the United States under the terms of an existing treaty of commerce and navigation between their country and the United States.

7. Family-Based Immigration Visas(F2A, F2B, F3, F4): These visas are for individuals who want to come to the United States as the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents, including spouses, children, parents, and siblings.

19. How can I find out what my case status is in relation to my visa application?

You can check the status of your visa application by visiting the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you submitted your application. You can also use the Case Status Online tool provided by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. This tool allows you to check the status of your visa application by entering your application receipt number, which can be found on your visa application form or receipt.

20. Are there any other resources available to help me understand how to use the Visa Bulletin?

Yes, the U.S. Department of State offers a variety of resources to help individuals understand the Visa Bulletin, such as the Visa Bulletin Overview and the Visa Bulletin Explainer. The State Department also offers free webinars on understanding and navigating the Visa Bulletin. Additionally, many organizations offer online resources, such as the American Immigration Council.