How to read the Visa Bulletin

The Department of State publishes a monthly Visa Bulletin with two charts:

• Final Action Dates — when a visa number may be authorized (immigrant visa / green card approval timing depends on this for many cases).
• Dates for Filing — when some applicants may file early; USCIS decides each month which chart to accept for adjustment of status.

Your priority date generally must be earlier than the cut-off for your category and chargeability country (or the chart must show “C” for Current).

Always read the official bulletin on travel.state.gov and the USCIS filing-charts page. This guide is educational, not legal advice.