Visa bulletin
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly U.S. Department of State publication detailing immigrant visa availability based on cutoff dates for various preference categories and countries of origin. It guides applicants on when their visa priority date can be processed.
Tumisang Bogwasi
Tumisang Bogwasi
What is Visa bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication issued by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. It provides information about the availability of immigrant visa numbers for foreign nationals seeking to immigrate to the United States. This publication is crucial for individuals waiting for an immigrant visa number to become available in their specific visa category and country of chargeability.
The bulletin details cutoff dates for various immigrant visa preference categories, reflecting the demand and annual limits set by U.S. immigration law. These cutoff dates determine when an applicant can proceed with their visa application. Without a visa number being available (i.e., the applicant’s priority date is before the cutoff date), an immigrant visa cannot be issued.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin is essential for individuals navigating the complex U.S. immigration system, particularly those applying through family sponsorship, employment-based petitions, or diversity visa lotteries. It serves as the primary guide for determining the status of visa backlogs and predicting future availability.
Definition
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State that indicates the availability of immigrant visa numbers by listing cutoff dates for various preference categories and countries of origin, dictating when an applicant’s priority date can be
