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Why Waiting Lines Exist
U.S. law limits how many employment-based green cards can be issued each year. When demand exceeds supply, applicants must wait until a visa becomes available based on their category and country of birth.
What a Priority Date Is
Your priority date is your place in line for a green card.
If your case requires PERM, the priority date is the date the PERM application is filed.
If PERM is not required, it is the date USCIS receives the I-140 petition.
Your priority date appears on your I-797 approval notice.
Employment-Based Preference Categories
EB-1 – Priority Workers
Extraordinary Ability
Outstanding Professors or Researchers
Multinational Managers or Executives
EB-2 – Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability
Advanced degree professionals
Individuals of exceptional ability
National Interest Waiver applicants
EB-3 – Skilled and Professional Workers
Skilled workers
Professionals
Other workers
When You Can File the Final Green Card Application
You may only file the final green card application when your priority date is current.
The Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin monthly to show visa availability.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin
Dates for Filing allow submission of applications.
Final Action Dates control approvals.
Key terms include current, cut-off dates, retrogression, and abeyance.
Country of Birth and Cross-Chargeability
Visa availability is based on country of birth.
Married applicants may use a spouse’s country of birth if it shortens the wait.
Common Timing Risks
Visa dates can move backward.
Cases may be paused if dates retrogress.
Timelines are unpredictable.
Practical Takeaways
Confirm your priority date.
Check the Visa Bulletin monthly.
Know your category.
Plan for delays.
Ask about cross-chargeability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to fast-track your immigration journey?
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