What Is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication released by the U.S. Department of State that tracks the availability of immigrant (green card) visas. It governs when applicants in family-based and employment-based categories may proceed with their applications.
Because demand for green cards often exceeds supply, many applicants must wait until their priority date becomes “current” according to cutoff dates listed in the bulletin.
Key Concepts You Must Understand
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Priority Date | The date your immigrant petition (e.g. I-130, I-140) was filed. It essentially marks your place in line. |
| Final Action Dates | The date by which a visa number is actually available and final approval can be given if your priority date is earlier. |
| Dates for Filing | The dates when you are allowed to submit your adjustment of status (or related) application — sometimes earlier than the final action date. |
| Retrogression | When cutoff dates move backward (i.e. become more restrictive), delaying visa availability. |
| “Current” (C) | Indicates there is no backlog in that category — applicants in that category may proceed immediately. |
How to Read & Use the Visa Bulletin
- Locate your category Find whether you are in a family-sponsored or employment-based preference.
- Identify your chargeability area Check whether your country (e.g. China, India, Mexico, Philippines) has separate columns.
- Compare your priority date If your priority date is earlier (i.e. “older”) than the cutoff on the Final Action Dates chart, your visa is available. If not, you must wait.
- Know when to file In some months, USCIS allows using the “Dates for Filing” chart so you can submit your application before it is finally approved.
- Watch for retrogression Be prepared: even if your date is current now, it could revert backward in later months.
Why This Matters for Your Green Card Journey
- The Visa Bulletin’s cutoff dates directly impact when you can file adjustment of status (if in U.S.) or proceed at a consulate abroad.
- For many from high-demand countries (like India, China), long waiting periods or stagnation are common.
- Missing a filing window or misunderstandings about which chart to use can delay your process further.
How Dogpay Can Support You Through This Waiting Period
While the Visa Bulletin governs timing, the journey also involves payments, document services, and financial flows—this is where Dogpay can provide practical support:
- Paying USCIS / Filing Fees When your priority date becomes current and you must file, Dogpay can help you send USD from abroad or from foreign accounts to USCIS or related lockbox, with transparent conversion and reduced hidden costs.
- Translation / Document / Notarization Services As you prepare for filing, you may need document translation, certification, or legal services — sometimes from foreign vendors. Dogpay allows secure cross-border payments to them.
- Courier / Shipping Documents When documents must be couriered internationally (to consulates, attorneys, etc.), Dogpay can be used to pay for express shipping services globally.
- Legal / Immigration Consultancy Fees Many applicants hire immigration attorneys or support services. Dogpay can support payments to those professionals across borders, with full audit trail.
- Recurring or Staged Payments If your application costs are substantial, Dogpay permits you to schedule or divide payments (e.g. fees, evidence gathering) over time while priority dates wait.
- Audit Trail & Receipts With timestamped receipts, logs, and exportable statements for each transaction, Dogpay’s records aid in accounting, proof of payment submissions, or cross-referencing your immigration files.
- Minimizing FX / Bank Transfer Losses Traditional international transfers often incur markup spreads or multiple intermediary fees. Dogpay helps minimize such “leakage,” so more of your funds reach the intended recipient.
