What is the ‘priority date becomes current’?

The United States immigration system, especially for employment-based categories, uses the concept of ‘priority date’ to organize the processing queue for visa applications. This mechanism is fundamental when it comes to the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) visa, intended for professionals with advanced skills or who can demonstrate that their projects will significantly benefit the United States.

Having the ‘priority date current’ means that the priority date of your case is now within the eligibility range for the application to be finally processed and a visa can be issued. In practice, the U.S. government determines, through a Visa Bulletin, which priority dates are ‘current’ for different categories and countries of origin.

When your ‘priority date’ is equal to or earlier than the date indicated in the bulletin, it means your application has moved far enough in the queue, and you can proceed with the next steps in the process, such as submitting additional documents or attending interviews.

It is important to understand that these deadlines and dates are based on factors such as the number of visas available, demand for specific categories, and country of origin. Therefore, the update of the ‘priority date’ is a relevant progress indicator, but it is always essential to follow the current bulletin and strictly comply with legal requirements throughout the process.

Given the complexity of the immigration system, adhering to the applicable laws and regulations is indispensable. In addition, it is always recommended to seek information from official sources and specialized professionals to avoid confusion, fraud, or unfounded promises circulating online. Finally, staying well informed and avoiding scams is crucial to ensure the entire procedure is conducted safely and in accordance with U.S. law.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.