What is Priority Date in EB-4?

The concept of “Priority Date” is fundamental to understanding how immigration cases are organized and processed. This date marks the start of your immigration process and serves to determine when you can move forward to the next steps, especially when there are annual visa limits.

In the context of the EB-4 visa, intended for special immigrants such as religious workers, the “Priority Date” corresponds to the date your petition was officially filed with USCIS. This milestone is important because immigration processes follow a queue based on these dates, defining your position when there is high demand or limited visa availability.

Although some EB-4 subcategories may not be subject to the same limits as other visas, the priority concept is essential to track the progress of the process. Each consultation of the visa bulletin compares this date with the “cut-off date” to verify if your case is “current,” that is, eligible to proceed.

It is essential to strictly comply with immigration laws and regulations, seek reliable sources, and consult specialized professionals when necessary, avoiding unfounded promises and scams. Staying informed and following legal procedures protects your rights and your safety during immigration.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.