See: https://www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2020/visa-bulletin-for-october-2019.html
The Department of State (“DOS”) released the Visa Bulletin for October 2019. Within one week of the DOS’ publication of the Visa Bulletin, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) generally designates which of the two charts applicants must use to file an adjustment of status (“green card”) application.
If USCIS determines that there are more immigrant visas available for a fiscal year than there are known applicants for such visas, the USCIS will state on its webpage that applicants may use the Dates for Filing chart. Otherwise, applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart to determine whether they are eligible to file a green card application.
The “C” listing in either the Dates for Filing chart or the Final Action Dates chart indicates that the category is current, and that applications may be filed regardless of the applicant’s priority date. The listing of a date for any category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than the listed date may file a green card application.
If a particular immigrant visa category is “current” on the Final Action Dates chart or the cutoff date on the Final Action Dates chart is later than the date on the Dates for Filing chart, applicants in that immigrant visa category may file using the Final Action Dates chart during that month.
For October 2019, family-sponsored preference categories (not including F2A) must use the Dates for Filing chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin. Employment-based preference filings must also use the Dates for Filing chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin.
If you are wondering whether your “priority date is current” and/or whether you are eligible to file a green card application, contact Lally Immigration Services, LLC at (617) 870-1000 or by email to [email protected].
Lally Immigration Services, LLC offers free initial phone consultations. Call/text today!
