Green card guides

Short explanations of the rules behind the numbers on this site, using the wording of USCIS and the U.S. Department of State. They explain published rules and are not legal advice.

Each guide links to the live data it describes: the current Visa Bulletin, the history of every category and country, and the green card backlog reported by USCIS.

• What is a priority date?The priority date is your place in the line for a family-sponsored or employment-based green card. USCIS sets it from the date your petition was filed, or the date the Department of Labor accepted your PERM application. The guide lists the rule for each category and the current cutoffs.
• How to read the Visa BulletinEach month the State Department publishes cutoff dates by category and country. Find your row, move to your country of birth and compare the date with your priority date. The guide explains C and U, every EB and F category, and why some countries have their own column.
• Final Action Dates vs Dates for FilingEvery bulletin has two charts. Final Action Dates show when a green card can be approved; Dates for Filing show when you may apply. USCIS names the chart for adjustment of status each month, and the guide lists every designation since 2015.