How do I know when my priority date is ”current”?

Understanding the importance of the priority date is fundamental for many seeking to immigrate to the United States under the Family Based category. This date represents the moment the petition was properly filed with USCIS and is used to determine the order in which cases are processed, especially when there are annual limits on available visas.

To check if your priority date is ”current”, the first step is to consult the Visa Bulletin, a monthly bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State. This bulletin contains a specific section for Family Based visa categories, with dates indicated for each subcategory. If your priority date (the date your petition was filed) is equal to or earlier than the date listed in the Visa Bulletin for your category, it means your date is ”current”; that is, you can proceed with the next steps of the process, such as filing for adjustment of status or consular processing.

It is important to stay updated, as the Visa Bulletin is revised monthly and dates may advance or retrogress depending on demand. Always check the official U.S. Department of State website to obtain this information and avoid relying on unofficial sources or promises of fast results.

Additionally, following immigration laws and regulations is essential for a safe conduction of your process. Stay attentive to the information and, if you feel the need for additional clarifications, seek guidance from official sources or experienced professionals in the field, always being wary of scams and marketing campaigns promising miraculous solutions. Staying correctly and responsibly informed is one of the best ways to ensure that your process follows all proper legal procedures.

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.