If you’re applying for a U.S. Green Card, you’ve probably heard of the term “priority date.” But what does it really mean? And how does it affect how long you’ll wait to receive your green card?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know in 2025 — in simple terms.
📅 What Is a Priority Date?
Your priority date is the official place in line for your green card. It’s based on:
- The date USCIS received your petition (I-130, I-140, or I-526), or
- The date you entered the Diversity Visa Lottery
Think of it as your queue number in the immigration system.
📋 Where Can You Find It?
You can find your priority date on:
- Form I-797 (Notice of Action)
- Your approval notice
- Your USCIS account online
📊 Why Is It Important?
Each year, the U.S. sets a limit on how many green cards are given per category and country. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, tells you which priority dates are now being processed.
✅ If your priority date is “current,” you can proceed with your green card interview or adjustment of status.
⏳ If it’s “not current,” you must wait.
📌 Example:
Let’s say your I-130 petition was filed on April 15, 2022, and your category is F2A (spouse of a green card holder).
You’d check the Visa Bulletin to see if that date is now being processed. If the bulletin shows “before May 1, 2022,” you’re eligible to move forward.
📉 What Is “Visa Retrogression”?
Sometimes, the demand exceeds the annual green card limits, especially for countries like India, China, or Mexico. In that case, even if your date was current, it might go backward.
This is called retrogression, and it means you’ll need to wait longer.
🔗 How to Check the Visa Bulletin
Visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html
✅ Final Thoughts
Your priority date is one of the most important parts of the green card process — it determines when you can actually receive your visa. Be sure to check the Visa Bulletin each month and stay informed about your timeline.