The Visa Bulletin uses specific codes to indicate the status of a visa category.
The Status Decoder
| Code | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| C | Current. No backlog. Visas are available for all qualified applicants. | File immediately. |
| DATE | Cutoff Date. Only those with a Priority Date earlier than this can file. | Check your PD. |
| U | Unavailable. No visas left for this fiscal year. Zero issuance. | Wait for October 1st. |
Current (C)
This is the dream. It means there is no wait line for this specific category and country combination. If you have the documents ready, you can file your I-485 immediately.
Unavailable (U)
This usually happens in August or September (the end of the fiscal year). It implies that the government has literally run out of the annual quota of Green Cards. They cannot issue a single one more until the new supply refreshes on October 1st.
Don't Panic
"Unavailable" is usually temporary. It almost always resets to a specific date or "Current" within a month or two when the new fiscal year begins.