1. How often is the Visa Bulletin updated?

The Visa Bulletin is typically updated on the 1st and 15th of each month.

2. What information is included in the Visa Bulletin?

The Visa Bulletin is an official publication of the United States Department of State which provides information on the availability of immigrant visa numbers for individuals seeking lawful permanent residence in the United States. The Bulletin includes information on the annual Employment-Based preferences, Family-Sponsored preferences, Diversity Program, Unavailable and Unavailable Categories, Final Action Dates, and Date for Filing Applications (for applicants with approved I-140).

3. What are the different priority dates listed in the Visa Bulletin?

The different priority dates listed in the Visa Bulletin are the dates when an immigrant, or prospective immigrant, is eligible to submit an application for permanent residence or “green card” status. These dates are also known as “cut-off” dates. The priority dates are based on the quota system established by Congress. These dates are updated by the Department of State every month.

4. How can I determine my priority date for a visa application?

Your priority date is the date on which your visa petition was properly filed with USCIS. You can find your priority date on the form I-797 Notice of Action, which is sent to you by USCIS after they receive and accept your petition.

5. What is the family-sponsored preference category and how does it affect my visa application?

The family-sponsored preference category is a type of visa classification that allows certain family members of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to immigrate to the United States. This visa classification gives preference to close family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. The visa application process may be expedited for those in this preference category, but it still requires documentation and meeting the requirements for an immigrant visa.

6. What does it mean when the Visa Bulletin indicates “Unavailable” for a particular visa category?

When the Visa Bulletin indicates “Unavailable” for a particular visa category, it means that there is no more visa numbers available for that specific category in the current fiscal year. This can occur when the demand for visas in that category exceeds the number of visas available for the year.

7. What is a current priority date and when does it apply to my visa application?

A current priority date is the date that the U.S. Department of State officially determines that an immigrant visa petition is ready to be processed. This date applies to visa applications for those with pending or approved family-based and employment-based petitions. The priority date is used to determine when an applicant’s visa interview can be scheduled and serves as a way to keep track of the applicant’s place in line when visas are limited.

8. What is a cutoff date and what does it mean for my visa application?

A cutoff date is the date used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine who will be eligible for visa processing. It is the date when USCIS will stop accepting applications for a particular visa category or geographic region. This date may change based on the number of applications received and other factors. A cutoff date for a visa application means that applications received after that date will be rejected and applicants must wait until the next visa bulletin is released before submitting a new application.

9. How can I track changes to the Visa Bulletin?

Changes to the Visa Bulletin can be tracked by subscribing to the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin email list to receive monthly notifications of the Visa Bulletin. The Department of State also posts the Visa Bulletin on its website each month.

10. What is the difference between the Final Action Date and the Dates for Filing?

The Final Action Date is an indication of when the U.S. Department of State will make a decision on a visa application, while the Dates for Filing is the earliest date when applicants may submit their application for a visa with USCIS. The Final Action Date is based on supply and demand for visas in a particular category, while the Dates for Filing are determined by a visa bulletin that is issued each month.

11. When is it possible to submit an adjustment of status application with the National Visa Center (NVC)?

It is possible to submit an adjustment of status application with the National Visa Center (NVC) when a foreign national’s immigrant visa petition has been approved and they are ready to proceed with the final steps of the green card application process. The NVC will work with the foreign national to collect the required documents and fees, and schedule their interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

12. How long does it usually take for the NVC to process an adjustment of status application?

The NVC typically takes 6-9 months to process an adjustment of status application.

13. What are the steps that take place during NVC processing of an adjustment of status application?

1. Form I-485 is filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
2. USCIS reviews the application and all supporting documentation and determines whether the individual is eligible for lawful permanent residence.
3. USCIS sends the application to the National Visa Center (NVC).
4. NVC reviews the application and assigns a case number and invoice number.
5. The NVC sends the applicant an invoice for the appropriate fees.
6. The applicant pays the fees and sends proof of payment to the NVC.
7. The NVC sends the applicant a packet of forms and instructions on how to complete them.
8. The applicant completes the forms and submits them to the NVC along with any additional required documentation.
9. The NVC reviews the submitted materials and schedules an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad if all materials are in order.
10. The applicant attends the visa interview, where he/she will be questioned by a consular officer about their application and background, and any other related information.
11. If approved, the NVC issues an immigrant visa and sends it to the applicant for travel to the United States to complete the adjustment of status process upon entry.
12. Upon entry into the United States, the individual receives a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if they have been approved for adjustment of status.

14. Does the NVC send out notifications of progress on adjustment of status applications?

Yes, the National Visa Center (NVC) does send out notifications of progress on adjustment of status applications. The notifications can be sent via email or mail, depending on the preference of the applicant.

15. How can I check on the status of my adjustment of status application with the NVC?

You can check the status of your AOS application with the NVC by signing in to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website and clicking on “check visa case status”. If you have already created an account, you can log in with your user ID and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one by providing your case number and the name of the beneficiary. You can also call the NVC Customer Support line at 1-603-334-0700.

16. Are there any fees associated with NVC processing of my adjustment of status application?

Yes, there are certain fees associated with NVC processing of an adjustment of status application. These fees include the immigrant visa application fee, the immigrant visa security fee, the filing fee for the I-485 application and any additional fees associated with submitting supporting documents.

17. What documents do I need to provide to complete NVC processing on my adjustment of status application?

You will need to provide the following documents:

-Your passport
-Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
-Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
-Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
-Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
-Two passport-style photographs
-Copy of birth certificate
-Proof of legal entry into the US (if applicable)
-Passport biometrics page
-Copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)
-Proof of termination of any previous marriages (if applicable)
-Proof of any name changes (if applicable)
-Any supporting evidence that may be relevant to your application

18. Can I submit additional evidence during NVC processing to support my visa application?

Yes. You may submit additional evidence during NVC processing to support your visa application. However, it is important to check with the individual consulate or embassy to ensure that they accept additional evidence before submitting it.

19. How will I be notified when my adjustment of status application has been approved through NVC processing?

You will receive a written notification by mail from the National Visa Center (NVC) when your adjustment of status application has been approved.

20. Can I use premium processing for my adjustment of status application with the NVC?

No, premium processing is not available for adjustment of status applications.