Understanding the U.S. Visa Bulletin is often the most confusing part of the green card journey. Whether you are applying through a family member or an employer, the bulletin is the "traffic light" that tells you when it’s your turn to move forward.
Locate Your 'Priority Date'
Your Priority Date (PD) is your place in the permanent residency line. You cannot find this on the Visa Bulletin; you must find it on your own paperwork.
- Family-Based (I-130): The date USCIS received your petition.
- Employment-Based (I-140): The date the Labor Certification (PERM) was filed (or I-140 receipt date if no PERM was required).
Where to find it
Identify Your Preference Category
The Visa Bulletin is divided into two main sections:
- Family (F1–F4): Ranges from unmarried children of citizens to siblings of citizens.
- Employment (EB-1–EB-5): Ranges from "Priority Workers" to "Investors."
Note: If you are an "Immediate Relative" (spouse, parent, or minor child of a U.S. citizen), you don't need the Visa Bulletin—a visa is always available for you!
Choose the Right Chart (FAD vs. DFF)
Each month, the Department of State publishes two different charts for each category. Knowing which one to use is critical:
Expert Tip for 2026
Find Your 'Chargeability' Area
Your "Country of Chargeability" is almost always your country of birth, not your country of citizenship.
Most people fall under "All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed." However, if you were born in mainland China, India, Mexico, or the Philippines, you must look at your specific column, as these countries often have much longer wait times due to high demand.
Decoding the Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DATE | A Specific Date (e.g., 01JAN22). Your Priority Date must be earlier than this date to move forward. |
| C (Current) | There is no backlog! Anyone in this category can file for their green card regardless of their Priority Date. |
| U (Unavailable) | Unauthorized/Unavailable. No visas can be issued for that specific month (annual limit reached). |
Case Study: January 2026 Movement
In the January 2026 bulletin, we saw significant movement. For example, the EB-1 India category advanced by several months on the Final Action Dates chart.
- This means thousands of applicants waiting for their "place in line" suddenly became eligible.
- Scenario: If your PD was March 2023 and the chart moved to August 2023, you are now "Current"!
Final Checklist for Applicants
- 1Check the new Visa Bulletin (usually released between the 8th and 15th of each month).
- 2Verify which chart USCIS is honoring for that month.
- 3Compare your I-797 Priority Date to the date in your specific category and country column.