1. What are the criteria used to calculate visa numbers for the family-based preference categories in the Visa Bulletin?

The criteria used to calculate visa numbers for the family-based preference categories in the Visa Bulletin include the number of family-sponsored immigrant visas issued in the prior fiscal year, the number of visas available in the current fiscal year, and any carryover of unused visas from the prior fiscal year. The visa bulletin also takes into account a per-country limit, which limits the number of visas that can be issued to immigrants from any one country in a single year. Other factors that can affect visa numbers include any adjustments for unused or recaptured visas from prior years or any new legislation that affects immigration levels.

2. How far in advance can I use the Visa Bulletin to predict my family-based visa application’s eligibility?

You can use the Visa Bulletin to predict your family-based visa application’s eligibility up to six months in advance. The Visa Bulletin is published each month and provides a list of cutoff dates for different categories of family-based immigrant visas. In order to be eligible for a visa, your priority date – the date when the immigration petition was filed – must be before the cutoff date.

3. How often is the Visa Bulletin updated?

The Visa Bulletin is updated on the second Tuesday of every month.

4. What factors can limit my family-based visa application’s eligibility under the Visa Bulletin?

The criteria for family-based visa applications are determined by the Visa Bulletin, which is updated regularly by the U.S. Department of State. Factors that may limit your eligibility include: your relationship to the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsor, your age, and any criminal record or prior immigration violations. Additionally, there may be numerical limits for certain types of visas based on country of origin or other factors. It is important for applicants to check their eligibility with the most recent Visa Bulletin before submitting an application.

5. Are there any additional documents I may need to apply or be approved for a family-based visa?

In addition to the documents required for a family-based visa, you may also need to provide evidence of your relationship with the sponsoring family member, such as birth or marriage certificates. You may also need to provide financial documents, such as proof of income or assets, to demonstrate the sponsor’s ability to support you financially. You may also need to provide additional documentation depending on your individual circumstances.

6. What is the “Current” cutoff date and what does this mean for family-based visa applications?

The current cutoff date for family-based visa applications is August 1, 2015. This means that any visa application filed on or before that date will be processed in the order in which it was received. Any applications received after that date will be placed at the end of the queue and processed accordingly.

7. Are there any restrictions on how many family members can be included in a single family-based visa application?

Yes, there are restrictions on how many family members can be included in a single family-based visa application. Generally, the primary applicant and their spouse/partner and any unmarried minor children can be included in the same application. But if any of the family members are over 21 years of age, they must submit their own separate application.

8. How do I establish eligibility for inclusion in the family-based preference categories?

In order to establish eligibility for inclusion in the family-based preference categories, you must be a close family member of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR). Specifically, these categories include: spouse, unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen or LPR, parents of a U.S. citizen, married son or daughter of a U.S. citizen or LPR, and siblings of a U.S. citizen.

9. What is the difference between the “Final Action” and “Dates for Filing” dates listed in the Visa Bulletin?

The “Final Action” dates refer to the date by which the U.S. Department of State has completed processing all immigrant visa applications for the given fiscal year; a case is eligible to be scheduled for an interview with a Consular Officer. The “Dates for Filing” dates refer to the date by which an individual can submit an immigrant visa application to the U.S. Department of State; this does not guarantee that the application will be processed during that fiscal year.

10. How does a change in priority date affect my family-based visa application?

A change in priority date will affect your family-based visa application in the following ways:

• If your priority date is earlier than the current cut-off date, then you may have to wait longer for your visa to become available.

• If your priority date is later than the current cut-off date, then you may be able to get your visa sooner.

• A change in priority date could also affect the fees associated with your application and any additional paperwork required.

11. Does my priority date have to remain current in order to qualify for a family-based visa?

Yes, your priority date must remain current in order to qualify for a family-based visa. Depending on the visa category, your priority date must remain current in order to be eligible for a visa. If your priority date is not current, you will have to wait until the date becomes current before you can apply for the visa.

12. Are there limitations on when an applicant can submit a family-based visa petition?

Yes. An applicant must meet certain requirements to submit a family-based visa petition, including having an approved petition from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS typically only accepts petitions during certain times of year, or when certain circumstances apply. For example, the USCIS only accepts petitions for the F1 visa during certain periods of the year. Additionally, if an applicant is already in the United States and wants to adjust their immigration status, they must meet certain requirements and submit their petition within a certain timeframe.

13. Are there any special requirements for applicants from certain countries or with certain statuses?

Yes. Many countries and statuses may require additional forms, such as visas or residency permits, for applicants to be eligible for certain programs. Depending on the program, applicants may also need to provide additional documents or meet certain educational requirements.

14. Are there any additional forms or documents that must be submitted with the NVC Processing for family-based visas?

Yes, depending on the specific visa category, there may be additional forms and documents that must be submitted. For example, a family-based immigrant visa applicant must submit the DS-260 Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form I-864 Affidavit of Support, and Form I-693 Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status. Additionally, there may be other forms or documents that need to be submitted depending on the specific situation.

15. Are there any special considerations that may affect how long it takes to process a family-based visa application?

Yes, depending on the type of family-based visa application. For example, the waiting time for a visa based on marriage to a U.S. citizen may be shorter than the waiting time for a visa based on another type of familial relationship. Additionally, if any family members have criminal histories or immigration violations, this may result in additional processing time. Additionally, if applicants are from certain countries, they may be subject to additional security checks which could add more time to the process.

16. What role does case status play in determining when an applicant is eligible to receive his or her visa number?

Case status plays an important role in determining when an applicant is eligible to receive their visa number. Generally, the applicant’s case status must be approved before they can receive their visa number. This typically occurs after the petitioning family member has submitted the necessary forms and paid applicable fees. In certain cases, the visa number may be available even before the case status changes to “approved” if the Department of State (DOS) has already granted the application priority status or if the applicant is from a country with a low demand for visas.

17. Are there any medical tests required for applicants of certain ages when applying for a family-based visa?

Yes, medical tests are required for applicants who are 13 years of age or older. Applicants who are 13 and over must provide proof of vaccinations and undergo medical tests in their home countries prior to applying for a family-based visa. Applicants who are under 13 years of age must also provide proof of vaccinations, but they do not need to undergo medical tests.

18. Is it possible to expedite or extend the processing time of a family-based visa application?

No, it is not possible to expedite or extend the processing time of a family-based visa application. Applications are processed in the order they are received and must be completed within the established timeframes.

19. Are there any restrictions on who may travel with an applicant to the US when applying for a family-based visa?

Yes, there are restrictions on who may travel with an applicant to the US when applying for a family-based visa. Immediate family members of the applicant, such as a spouse or children, may travel with the applicant. Other family members may be able to travel if they are able to prove the relationship between the applicant and themselves. Additionally, any non-family members traveling with the applicant must provide proof of financial support from the applicant and the non-family member must be able to show evidence that their visit is temporary.

20. How do I check the status of my case after filing my NVC Processing for a family-based visa application?

You can check the status of your case by logging into the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. Once logged in, you can view the status of your application and any other pertinent information. You can also contact NVC Customer Service at 1-603-334-0700 or via email at [email protected] for more specific information.