Why Are There Two Sets of Visa Bulletins Each Month?

 Posted on November 20, 2019 in Immigration

Every month around the 10th of the month, the Department of State publishes the monthly Visa Bulletin, which lists the availability of preference-based visas for family- and employment-based categories.

You might have noticed that there are two tables for each category—Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing. USCIS will indicate every month which chart can be used. But first, what does each chart mean?

The Final Action Dates Chart indicates that visas are unavailable for Priority Dates equal to or greater than the date listed in the bulletin. For example, if your Priority Date is April 15, 2017 and the date in the Final Action Date Chart for your category and the country is April 15, 2017, then your date is not current because April 15, 2017 is the first date for which a visa is not available.

Under the Final Action Dates Chart, if your Priority Date is current, then a visa is available for you and processing for your Green Card or Immigrant Visa can go forward.

The Dates for Filing Chart is to indicate those beneficiaries who can pre-file their NVC documents (if outside the United States) or their adjustment of status (if inside the United States). The purpose of the pre-filing is to allow beneficiaries to have their paperwork in order with the NVC when the priority date becomes current or for adjustment of status applicants to apply for adjustment and receive work cards while their petitions are pending and waiting for visa availability.

As noted above, the Dates for Filing Chart cannot always be used. USCIS will indicate whether pre-filing will be allowed in the Dates for Filing Chart a few days after the Visa Bulletin is issued each month. If not, only those current on the Final Action Dates can make any filings.

Contact an Itasca Immigration Attorney

Immigration is a current topic, and it has been in the news a lot lately. The monthly Visa Bulletin provides information on the number of preference-based visas available for those immigrants who want to come to the United States. The bulletin lists important filing dates for the immigration process. If you or your loved one has questions or concerns about obtaining a Green Card or an Immigrant Visa, you need to consult with a knowledgeable DuPage County immigration visa lawyer. The law office of Unzueta Law Group, P.C. has handled many types of immigration cases with successful outcomes. Call our office today at 630-509-2363 to schedule a confidential consultation.