If you are exploring the EB-3 employment-based immigration program, you have probably heard the term Visa Bulletin many times. It is one of the key factors affecting the progress of an immigration case, but it is also a concept that many people find difficult to understand.
So, what is the Visa Bulletin? Why do so many applicants need to monitor it every month? And how can you determine whether your case has reached its turn? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication issued by the U.S. Department of State.
It provides updates on immigrant visa availability for different immigration categories, including EB-3.
For immigration categories subject to annual visa limits, the Visa Bulletin helps determine which cases are eligible to move forward and which cases must continue waiting.
Simply put, the Visa Bulletin works like a “waiting-line schedule,” showing the progress of immigrant visa availability by category and country.
Why Is the Visa Bulletin Important for EB-3 Cases?
After completing the initial stages of an EB-3 case, such as PERM and I-140, the foreign worker cannot necessarily receive an immigrant visa immediately.
This is because the number of EB-3 immigrant visas available each year is limited. When the number of applicants exceeds the number of available visas, a waiting period develops.
The Visa Bulletin is published every month to provide updates on the progress of cases waiting for visa availability.
Therefore, it is an important reference for determining when an EB-3 case may proceed to the next stages.
What Information Does the Visa Bulletin Include?
For EB-3 applicants, the Visa Bulletin generally includes information such as:
- Visa category (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, etc.)
- Applicable country or region
- Final Action Date
- Dates for Filing
Each of these serves a different purpose and may be used at different stages of the immigration process.
What Is the Final Action Date?
The Final Action Date is the cutoff date used to determine when an immigrant visa may be issued, provided that the applicant has satisfied all applicable requirements.
If the case’s Priority Date is earlier than or meets the applicable cutoff date published in the Visa Bulletin, the case may be eligible to proceed toward final visa processing, depending on the rules in effect at that time.
What Are Dates for Filing?
Dates for Filing indicate when an applicant may begin submitting or completing certain documents according to instructions from the relevant immigration authorities.
Depending on the circumstances and guidance issued by the appropriate government agency, the use of Dates for Filing may differ from the Final Action Date.
How Is the Priority Date Related to the Visa Bulletin?
The Priority Date is the priority date assigned to an immigration case.
When monitoring the Visa Bulletin, applicants compare their case’s Priority Date with the applicable cutoff date published in the bulletin.
Once the Priority Date becomes eligible under the applicable rules, the case may proceed to the next stages of processing.
Should You Monitor the Visa Bulletin Every Month?
Yes.
The Visa Bulletin is updated monthly and may change depending on the number of pending cases and the annual visa limits for each immigration category.
Monitoring the Visa Bulletin allows applicants to understand the progress of their cases and proactively prepare the necessary documentation when their turn approaches.
Does the Visa Bulletin Mean You Are About to Receive a Visa?
No.
The Visa Bulletin only reflects the progress of immigrant visa availability under the applicable annual numerical limits.
Even when a case becomes eligible to move forward, the applicant must still complete additional requirements, such as:
- Completing the required documentation
- Undergoing a medical examination
- Attending the immigrant visa interview
- Meeting all applicable requirements before a visa can be considered for issuance
Therefore, the Visa Bulletin is an important milestone, but it is not the final step of the EB-3 journey.
Conclusion
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication that plays an important role in the processing of EB-3 immigration cases. Understanding how the Visa Bulletin works can help applicants monitor their cases more proactively and prepare appropriately for the next stages.
If you are currently following an EB-3 case and would like to better understand the Visa Bulletin or determine the status of your case, contact TGA for detailed consultation and guidance.
