1. What is the visa bulletin process?

The visa bulletin is a monthly publication of the U.S. Department of State that contains the most up-to-date information on visa availability for individuals seeking to become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and for those wishing to work, study, or travel to the United States. It is updated on the first day of each month and lists the priority dates of employment-based and family-based visa applicants who are eligible to apply for a green card or other kinds of visas. It indicates which visa categories have reached their annual limits and which remain available. The visa bulletin is used by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine when an individual can apply for a visa or green card.

2. How is the visa bulletin updated?

The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin is updated monthly to reflect priority dates. It is available on the Department of State’s website, and is updated by the Visa Office to show the availability of immigrant visa numbers for each of the family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant categories.

3. How often are visa bulletin predictions made?

Visa bulletin predictions are typically made once a month.

4. How is the visa availability determined in the visa bulletin?

The visa availability in the visa bulletin is determined by the U.S. Department of State based on a variety of factors, including the number of visas available each year and the rate at which those visas are being used. The visa availability can also be affected by other factors, including the laws of various countries and any changes to immigration law.

5. What are the current visa availability categories for each month’s visa bulletin?

The visa availability categories for each month’s visa bulletin depend on the type of visa being applied for. For example, for family-sponsored immigration visas, the categories are as follows:

• Family-Sponsored Preference Categories

• Employment-Based Preference Categories

• Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens

• Diversity Visa Program

• Special Immigrants

• Non-minister Religious Workers

• Other Special Immigrants

• Refugee and Asylee Adjustment

6. What factors influence visa availability in the visa bulletin?

The factors that influence visa availability in the visa bulletin are:

1. Country-Specific Quotas: Each country has a limit on the number of visas it can issue each year. This limit is determined by the Department of State through a calculation known as the “per-country ceiling”.

2. Priority Dates: A “priority date” is the date that a foreign national applied to immigrate to the United States. Visa availability will depend on the priority date.

3. Occupations: Different occupations have different levels of demand for visas, which impacts visa availability.

4. Family Preference Visas: Visas are also provided to family members of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. The availability of these visas depends on how many visas are left in that particular family preference category.

5. Diversity Visa Lottery: The Diversity Visa Program grants a certain number of visas to citizens from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.

7. How can I track changes in visa availability for each month’s visa bulletin?

You can track changes in visa availability for each month’s visa bulletin by visiting the U.S. Department of State’s visa bulletin website. Each month, the department releases an updated visa bulletin that contains information on visa availability, including the priority dates for each category. You can also sign up for email notifications from the department to stay up-to-date on any changes to the visa bulletin.

8. How can I predict when a certain visa will be available in the visa bulletin?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to accurately predict when a certain visa will become available in the visa bulletin. The dates are based on many different factors, including the demand for visas in a particular category and the current availability of visas in that category. It is best to continue to check the visa bulletin regularly for updates.

9. What is the NVC Processing timeline for visa bulletin predictions?

The NVC Processing timeline for visa bulletin predictions is not set in stone. Depending on the specific situation, it can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to complete the process. It is important to note that the visa bulletin is only an estimate and therefore the actual timeline may vary from what is predicted. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that the timeline can be impacted by unpredictable external factors such as processing delays and fluctuations in demand.

10. How far in advance do NVC Processing predictors make their predictions?

NVC Processing predictors typically make their predictions up to six months in advance.

11. Which countries are affected by visa availability in the visa bulletin?

The visa availability in the visa bulletin is applicable to all countries.

12. Are there any specific criteria for qualifying for a particular type of visa in the Visa Bulletin?

Yes. Each type of visa has its own set of eligibility criteria, which can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website. Generally, these criteria are based on the applicant’s background, skills, and family ties to the U.S.

13. How does NVC Processing determine the priority dates for visas mentioned in the Visa Bulletin?

The Department of State uses a system called “Date of Filing” to establish the visa priority dates in the Visa Bulletin. This system assigns each applicant a priority date based on the date they submitted their visa application. The earliest applications are processed first, and later filings are processed in chronological order. The priority date for an applicant is then used to determine when their visa petition can be finalized and when their green card application can be started.

14. What is “forward movement” and how does it affect my chances of getting a visa listed in the Visa Bulletin?

Forward movement is a term used to describe the yearly adjustments to the priority dates listed in the Visa Bulletin. These priority dates are determined by a variety of factors, including the availability of visas and the demand for them. By moving the priority dates ahead, it allows more applicants to be eligible for a visa. This can help increase your chances of getting a visa listed in the Visa Bulletin.

15. What are some of the common mistakes to avoid when preparing documents for NVC Processing?

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing documents for NVC processing include:

-Failing to include all required documents and information.
-Including incorrect or expired documentation.
-Including documents that are not in English or certified translations of documents that are not in English.
-Failing to follow any form instructions or provide proper contact information on forms.
-Signing documents without first reading them carefully.
-Leaving the petition as incomplete or unanswered questions.
-Including incomplete or outdated forms.
-Sending paper documents by regular mail instead of using the NVC’s online submission system.

16. What is the difference between “Current” and “Unavailable” priority dates in the Visa Bulletin?

A current priority date is the date when an individual is eligible to file an application for a visa. The priority date is based on the date when a petition containing the individual’s name is filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). An unavailable priority date means that the applicant’s name has been entered onto the Visa Bulletin, but no visas are currently available in their category. The Department of State (DOS) does not grant any visas to applicants whose priority dates are currently unavailable.

17. How can I stay informed on policy changes that may affect my visa application listed in the Visa Bulletin?

The U.S. Department of State publishes the monthly Visa Bulletin, which includes any policy changes that may affect visa applications. The bulletin is available on the State Department website, and can also be subscribed to for automatic updates. In addition, foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. may also have helpful information on changes in visa policy.

18. Is there any way to tell if a particular date listed in the Visa Bulletin will become more current or not?

No, there is no definitive way to predict whether a particular date listed in the Visa Bulletin will become more current or not. The Department of State updates the Visa Bulletin each month, and it is subject to change depending on the demand for visas from certain countries.

19. When submitting documents to NVC Processing, what measures should I take to make sure my application is given priority over other applications listed in the Visa Bulletin?

There are no measures to take to ensure priority over other applications listed in the Visa Bulletin. All applications are processed on a first come, first served basis. However, you can make sure to submit all required documents and forms promptly and accurately, as incomplete or incorrect applications will slow down the processing time. Additionally, you should review all documents carefully before submitting them to avoid errors or delays.

20. What assistance is available from NVC Processing to help applicants understand their respective positions in the Visa Bulletin processing timeline?

The National Visa Center (NVC) provides a range of services to help applicants understand their position in the visa bulletin processing timeline. These services include:

• NVC’s online visa bulletin tracking tool which helps applicants to determine when their priority date is likely to become current;
• NVC’s online case status tracking tool which allows applicants to track the progress of their case;
• NVC’s online visa bulletin calculator which allows applicants to estimate when their priority date may become current; and
• NVC’s online FAQs and Glossary of Terms which provide information about processing timelines.