Understanding Priority Dates for Your Immigrant Visa Process

Introduction

Immigrant Visa Process and Priority Date of Applicants. The key to tracking family members of Green Card holders or job seekers who are hoping to relocate to the U.S. and seek work, is to determine the priority date of the applicants. In this article, we shall explain why the applicants’ priority dates are important to track, explain how to track them, and thereby simplify the often very complicated and lengthy process of their immigration, enabling them to stay on track.

Define Priority Dates and Their Importance in Immigration

The main goal of the U.S. Department of State when it comes to processing of immigrant visa applications is to distribute a limited number of available immigrant visas in a fair and in an orderly manner, and as a result affect several other aspects related to processing of individual applications. For example, it affects how long it takes to get a green card, as well as how long it takes to change status from one to another.

Advancements are being made in a few of the Employment-Based categories. The advance of 2 months for all countries in the EB-4 category was announced and also an advancement of 4.5 months for China in the EB-3 category. We have previously written about how following certain dates on the Visa Bulletin report will allow an individual to keep track of their important dates in relation to the processing of their immigrant visa application. To remind our readers, the U.S. only has a limited number of Green Cards that it can issue on an annual basis. The total number of Green Cards available each year for individuals who are currently living and working in the U.S. and who have employers that are sponsoring their Immigrant Visa (i.e. Employment-Based Immigrant Visa) is 140,000. For Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens, there are 226,000 Green Cards available annually. In order to assist our readers in planning and in keeping track of when they can submit their Adjustment of Status application, and when they can expect approval of their Immigrant Visa application, we track the priority date for immigrant visa and report on the two charts that are published by the Department of State as part of the Visa Bulletin report, the Application Final Action Dates and the Dates for Filing Applications charts.

Tracking the priority date for an immigrant visa using the two charts published by the Department of State in the Visa Bulletin report can be a very useful tool for those with pending immigration applications. In addition to finding out when it will be possible to file an adjustment of status application in order to receive a green card, individuals can also find out when it is expected that approval of a green card will occur. The two charts published by the Department of State are the Application Final Action Dates and the Dates for Filing Applications charts. There is much information on how to use these charts to correctly track the priority date for an immigrant visa in an article on the Murthy Law Firm’s website.

Explain How Priority Dates Are Established

Understanding Important Timelines during Immigration Process can ease anxiety of applicants and family members of Green Card Applicants. In the process of adjusting status to become a Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) of US, families of US citizens, US residents and Legal Permanent Residents, waiting for issue of immigrant visas by US Department of State, as well as families of employees of US companies, who are waiting for approval of their applications for employment-based Green Cards by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), are trying to understand changing and not always clear timelines and the process of immigration to US.

The Important Dates for Immigrant Family Members of US Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents as well as for Employment-Based Green Card Applicants, including the Date of Acknowledgment by DOL for Labor Certification Applications for Employment-Based Green Card Applicants, when no Labor Certification is Required for their Employment-Based Green Card Applications, are significant dates for the Processing of their Employment-Based Green Card Applications by USCIS when their I-140, Petition for Alien Entrepreneur, is received by USCIS for Processing.

The monthly published Visa Bulletin by the Department of State sets out the key dates relevant for the immigration of family members of US citizens and legal permanent residents as well as of employment-based Green Card applicants. In the various categories and for all countries the ranking of candidates is monitored and only those candidates with a ranking before the cut-off point for their respective preference group and country are considered to be eligible for the issuance of a visa, even where significant backlogs in processing exist and, in some instances, even regression in ranking from one month to the next.

Here are some examples of how the important timelines for candidates have been affected:

1. In all chargeability areas, including Mexico and Philippines, candidates with current priority dates for immigrant visa (i.e. current I-130s and I-140s) can now file for I-485s (and therefore for green cards).
2. On the other hand, those from countries with high demand (e.g. India) will have to wait for a number of years because of the annual limits.

It is therefore very important that applicants for green cards understand the important timelines for their process, and the related information as outlined above. For employment-based preference categories, applicants need to refer to the Final Action Dates chart from the Department of State’s monthly Visa Bulletin. This chart is used to establish the most accurate filing timelines for applicants in these preference categories.

Guide on Checking Your Priority Date and Understanding Its Implications

After a long wait, finally your petition was approved. Now you can check the status of your application for status adjustment or for consular processing of your Immigrant Visa. Using your approved petition, the date it was approved (your priority date for immigrant visa), your immigrant visa number (if you have already been assigned one), and the current Visa Bulletin for your number, as well as the date your application for status adjustment or for consular processing of your Immigrant Visa was submitted, you will be able to track your status.

Knowing your Priority Date for Immigrant Visa processing is vital because it tells you where you are in line for issuance of your Immigrant Visa, and when you might get your Green Card. In the August 2026 Visa Bulletin, processing for various Family-Sponsored categories has advanced. This means that applicants in these categories can now file for adjustment of status, or, if abroad, seek processing at a consulate, earlier than they had anticipated. In contrast, because the High Demand categories for applicants from countries such as Mexico and the Philippines are already experiencing considerable delay in processing of their respective applications, there will be no advance in these categories. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that applicants frequently check the Visa Bulletin for any changes.

Another piece of information for the Family-Based (FB) applicant is the Dates for Filing chart published for their use. By utilizing this chart and the information contained above in reference to their Priority Date for Immigrant Visa and Current Visa Bulletin, FB applicants can prepare required documentation for status change or for consular processing.

Clarify Filing Dates vs. Final Action Dates in the Visa Bulletin

In order to track changes in the Visa Bulletin, each upcoming deadline should be noted. For each category and country, there are two important dates: the filing date and the final action date. These two dates determine whether or not you can apply for a change of status, or whether your already submitted visa application can be issued to you abroad. In order to ensure that you are able to file your application in a timely manner and meet all relevant deadlines, it is necessary to track both of these dates.

In looking at the Visa Bulletin for August 2026, we see that the EB-1 category is current for all countries. But for the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, there are long delays for the countries with the greatest amount of demand (i.e. India, China and others). For the EB-2 India category, it will not be available for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026. That means that it would be in your best interest to start planning for your immigration goals as early as possible in order to reach them in the shortest amount of time possible.

The Visa Bulletin numbers give us an idea of the chances of getting issued a visa in a timely fashion and how to best manage an application. We go through some examples that illustrate the kind of problems that can arise when USCIS uses Dates for Filing numbers to decide cases to be approved versus the numbers that were used to file the applications for adjustment of status in the first place. We also look at some examples of how these problems can be solved by a skilled immigration lawyer.

Discuss Retrogression and Its Impact on Visa Applications

Pending Green Cards / Immigrant Visas can languish for years. For example, Green Cards / Immigrant Visas that are processed as part of a family-based immigration application can take years to process. If a sufficient number of immigrant visas are not allocated for applicants in a particular category, or for applicants from countries around the world, then there is Retrogression. This means that an applicant’s priority date for an immigrant visa could become current one month, and then the next month, that same priority date would retrogress, and thus the applicant would be forced to wait even longer for the processing of their visa application.

For those interested in tracking visa availability, the Visa Bulletin for June 2026 has come out. While many expected significant retrogression for people of Indian origin in the EB-1 category, surprise came in the form of significant retrogression in the EB-2 category as well. The EB-2 retrogression date has gone back over 10 months and is now September 1, 2013. As a result, thousands of candidates will have their hopes of obtaining green cards and work authorization for themselves and family members dashed. For example, the waiting time for issuance of green cards for Indian-born nationals who are applicants in the EB-2 category and the EB-3 category is approximately 12 years.

Applicants can best prepare for immigrant visa processing, plan for delays in processing, and assert their rights as applicants by being familiar with anticipated retrogression and accessing the most current edition of the Visa Bulletin. Applicants can then make decisions with regard to planning for and seeking approval for a Green Card.

Conclusion

Understand the Immigrant Visa Process - Then Learn About Priority Dates. Your priority date determines when you can file for a change of status, and when your case will be ready for consular processing and return to the US with a green card. We explain how to find your priority date and then check your Priority Date on the most current Visa Bulletin to see what is happening with your case.

Knowing the order in which immigrant visas are issued and the steps that can be taken while waiting for green card registration can help you better understand the visa process. By learning how to track your filing and final action dates and gaining information about visa retrogression, you will be better prepared for what lies ahead for you as an immigrant.

At the Vasquez Law Firm assists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including immigration cases. Free initial consultations are provided for urgent matters and their clients for the necessary legal guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are priority dates in the context of immigration?

Priority dates are the dates established by the U.S. Department of State that determine when an immigrant visa application can be processed. They play a crucial role in how long it takes to obtain a green card and change immigration status.

Why are priority dates important?

Priority dates are important because they help manage the limited number of immigrant visas available each year. They affect the timing of green card applications and approvals, allowing applicants to track their progress in the immigration process.

How many green cards are available each year for employment-based and family-based applicants?

There are 140,000 green cards available annually for individuals with employment-based immigrant visas and 226,000 green cards available for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.

How can applicants track their priority dates?

Applicants can track their priority dates using the two charts published by the Department of State in the Visa Bulletin report: the Application Final Action Dates chart and the Dates for Filing Applications chart.

What is the significance of the Visa Bulletin?

The Visa Bulletin provides key dates relevant to the immigration process for family members of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, as well as for employment-based green card applicants. It helps applicants understand their eligibility for visa issuance based on their priority dates.

How are priority dates established?

Priority dates are established based on the date an immigrant visa petition is filed or acknowledged by the Department of Labor for labor certification applications. They determine the order in which applications are processed.

What challenges do applicants from high-demand countries face regarding priority dates?

Applicants from countries with high demand, such as India, may face long waiting periods due to annual limits on visa issuance, while applicants from other countries may have more immediate access to green cards.

What resources are available for understanding priority dates and the immigration process?

Resources such as articles on immigration law firm websites, including the Murthy Law Firm, provide detailed information on how to track priority dates and understand the immigration process.

List of Sources

1. Define Priority Dates and Their Importance in Immigration
   • Visa Bulletin and Priority Dates Made Easy - Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law (https://murthy.com/2026/06/01/visa-bulletin-and-priority-dates-made-easy)
   • When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application for Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based Preference Visas: August 2026 | USCIS (https://uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/when-to-file-your-adjustment-of-status-application-for-family-sponsored-or-employment-based-127)
   • August 2026 Visa Bulletin - Latest Update (https://boundless.com/blog/visa-bulletin)
   • August 2026 Visa Bulletin: Priority Date Updates & Changes (https://fileright.com/blog/visa-bulletin)
2. Explain How Priority Dates Are Established
   • Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin | USCIS (https://uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/adjustment-of-status-filing-charts-from-the-visa-bulletin)
   • Visa Availability and Priority Dates | USCIS (https://uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-and-priority-dates)
   • When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application for Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based Preference Visas: August 2026 | USCIS (https://uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/when-to-file-your-adjustment-of-status-application-for-family-sponsored-or-employment-based-127)
   • US Department of State Releases August 2026 Visa Bulletin (https://morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/07/us-department-of-state-releases-august-2026-visa-bulletin)
   • August 2026 Visa Bulletin: Priority Date Updates & Changes (https://fileright.com/blog/visa-bulletin)
3. Guide on Checking Your Priority Date and Understanding Its Implications
   • August 2026 Visa Bulletin - Latest Update (https://boundless.com/blog/visa-bulletin)
   • Chugh, LLP - Attorneys & CPAs (https://chugh.com/news/august-2026-visa-bulletin-released-key-changes-for-employment-based-visa-updates-employers-and-applicants-need-to-know)
   • August 2026 Visa Bulletin: Check Your Green Card Priority Date (https://immigrationdirect.com/blog/monthly-visa-bulletin-guide)
   • August 2026 Visa Bulletin: Priority Date Updates & Changes (https://fileright.com/blog/visa-bulletin)
   • August 2026 Visa Bulletin – Watson Immigration Law - Watson Immigration Law (https://watsonimmigrationlaw.com/2026/07/20/august-2026-visa-bulletin-watson-immigration-law)
4. Clarify Filing Dates vs. Final Action Dates in the Visa Bulletin
   • August 2026 Visa Bulletin: What Employers, Professionals and EB-5 Investors Need to Know - WR Immigration (https://wolfsdorf.com/august-2026-visa-bulletin-what-employers-professionals-and-eb-5-investors-need-to-know)
   • USCIS Shifts to Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Filings (https://ogletree.com/insights-resources/blog-posts/uscis-shifts-to-final-action-dates-for-employment-based-filings)
   • The Visa Bulletin- Final Action Dates versus Dates for Filing - Larrabee Albi Coker | Immigration Law for Innovators (https://larrabee.com/immigration-law-faqs/changes-to-the-visa-bulletin-and-the-ability-to-file-adjustment-of-status-applications-2)
   • USCIS Requires Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Filings in June 2026 (https://ogletree.com/insights-resources/blog-posts/uscis-requires-final-action-dates-for-employment-based-filings-in-june-2026)
   • Understanding the DHS Visa Bulletin: Final Action Dates vs. Dates for Filing - Green Card Fund (https://greencardfund.com/understanding-the-dhs-visa-bulletin-final-action-dates-vs-dates-for-filing)
5. Discuss Retrogression and Its Impact on Visa Applications
   • Green card retrogressions: How to move forward when the Visa Bulletin is moving backward - Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm (https://garfinkelimmigration.com/2024/10/01/green-card-retrogressions-how-to-move-forward-when-the-visa-bulletin-is-moving-backward)
   • June 2026 Visa Bulletin – Significant Retrogression for EB-2 India, Moderate Retrogression for EB-1 India, and Modest Advancement for EB-3 India and EB-3 China (https://fragomen.com/insights/united-states-june-2026-visa-bulletin-significant-retrogression-for-eb-2-india-moderate-retrogression-for-eb-1-india-and-modest-advancement-for-eb-3-india-and-eb-3-china.html)
   • Retrogression in Employment-Based Immigrant Visa Categories May Lead to Delays in Green Card Processing (https://harrisbeachmurtha.com/insights/retrogression-employment-based-immigrant-visa-categories-may-lead-delays-green-card-processing)
   • June 2026 Visa Bulletin: Sharp Retrogression for India EB-1 and EB-2 Signals Mounting Pressure on Employment-Based Visa Numbers - WR Immigration (https://wolfsdorf.com/june-2026-visa-bulletin-sharp-retrogression-for-india-eb-1-and-eb-2-signals-mounting-pressure-on-employment-based-visa-numbers)
   • June 2026 Visa Bulletin – Déjà Vu All Over Again: Retrogression Starts with India; May Affect China and Philippines (https://hunton.com/business-immigration-insights/june-2026-visa-bulletin-deja-vu-all-over-again-retrogression-starts-with-india-may-affect-china-and-philippines)