Published: February 25, 2025
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) establishes numerical caps on specific immigrant visa categories. In limited categories, the number of applicants waiting for their visas in a similar category determines the availability of the visa you’re seeking. It also depends on the filing date of your petition.
That means you may need to wait in line behind other applicants ahead of you in the visa queue. Your priority date signifies the date you initially filed your petition, indicating your place in line in securing US permanent residency through an immigrant visa. The Visa Bulletin is your primary source of information on visa availability and waiting periods.
Every month, the US Department of State (DOS) releases a bulletin outlining the priority dates that have become current. It refers to the immigrant visas currently available for applicants with priority dates on or before those listed. Earlier priority dates mean you’re ahead of other people waiting in the visa queue.
It’s crucial to note that you can only proceed with your visa application when your priority date becomes current. On that note, learn how to move forward with your application and what actions you should take once your priority date is current.
Remain Updated With the Visa Bulletin
The US DOS can process visa applications more efficiently than anticipated or overestimate the initial requests it needs to process. Because of significant backlogs, some priority dates can be stuck for several months.
In favorable circumstances, they can advance several months from one month’s bulletin to the next. By remaining updated with the Visa Bulletin, you can plan your next steps accordingly without unnecessary delays.
Contact the NVC for Specific Instructions
The National Visa Center (NVC) will inform you about your priority date. They will likely hold your petition until it is current or approaching current status. As your priority date draws near, they will contact you to begin processing.
But suppose you don’t receive any notification within a few weeks. Contact the NVC for specific instructions, particularly if you’re staying overseas. They will guide you through the next steps, from submitting all required forms and documents to processing your payment.
Conversely, if you’re eligible to adjust your status, you can submit your application to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) without waiting for an invitation. However, USCIS determines the adjustment of status filing chart from the Visa Bulletin you should use to find out when to file your application.
Choose How to Process Your Application
The specific method of processing your visa application depends on your current location and unique circumstances. Once your priority date becomes current, you can move forward with your application or apply for lawful permanent resident status through one of these options:
Consular processing
If you reside outside the US, you may undergo consular processing. This means the US embassy or consulate abroad will handle your application. In this case, you must wait in your country of residence until your green card is approved.
Adjustment of status
Suppose you’re currently in the US. You can complete the visa processing without needing to return to your home country by adjusting your status. Note that the NVC does not process adjustment of status (AOS) applications. Instead, it’s the USCIS that handles such requests.
Prepare the Required Documentation
For consular processing, the NVC gathers and checks all the forms and documents necessary to process your application and forwards them to the consulate. If you’re filing an AOS application, the USCIS office closest to you verifies all the submitted information and ensures you satisfy the eligibility requirements for permanent residency.
Ensuring to submit the proper and required documentation is essential for minimizing delays in processing your green card application. An experienced immigration lawyer can assist you in completing the necessary documents promptly and accurately.
Track Your Application Status Closely
It’s vital to track the status of your application closely. You can use the USCIS website or NVC portal to check for updates. Doing so lets you quickly address potential concerns and reduce unnecessary delays in processing your green card application.
Plan Your Immigration Journey With ALG Lawyers
The intricacies of immigration law can be overwhelming to navigate on your own. Thus, consider working closely with an experienced immigration lawyer to ensure the best outcome for your immigration case.
Our team at ALG Lawyers, Los Angeles Immigration Lawyers, can provide personalized assistance whether you need guidance with legal paperwork, help tracking your progress in the visa queue, or more. Contact us today to learn how our services can further assist you.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)