What is the priority date in EB-4?

When dealing with the EB-4 visa, it is natural to have questions about important terms like the ‘priority date’. This concept may seem complicated at first glance, but it is fundamental to understanding when the immigration process can move forward to the next steps.

In general terms, for most EB-4 petitions, the priority date corresponds to the date on which the corresponding form – usually Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant – was duly received by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This date is automatically recorded as soon as the petition is submitted and accepted, and it serves as a benchmark to set the processing order of visas within the category.

It is important to highlight that, for some EB-4 subgroups, visa numbers may be available immediately, which means that even though there is a priority date, this does not necessarily imply long waits before visa issuance. However, for other subgroups, delays may occur, and visa number availability will be determined according to the Visa Bulletin issued by the Department of State.

Therefore, it is essential to consult the most recent and official information, as these may vary over time. Finally, I always emphasize the importance of strictly following United States immigration laws and guidelines. I advise interested parties to seek information from reliable sources and, if possible, consult specialized professionals to avoid pitfalls, scams, or marketing campaigns that promise miraculous results.

Each case is unique, and a thorough analysis of your process is essential to understand how the priority date fits into your specific scenario. This explanation is for informational purposes only and does not replace individualized legal advice. It is crucial to seek guidance always from official sources and through specialized consultations when necessary.

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.