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When applying for a visa, the number of steps and minute details that must be regarded can be daunting and overwhelming. Once you file an application, you may anxiously wait to see if and when your visa will move forward.

If you are in the process of trying to apply for a family-based visa, you may have heard about Visa Bulletins for Oak Brook family preference visas. This is a list issued every month to provide information about which green cards are open at a given time, making it a valuable resource for hopeful applicants. For more information about family preference visas and Visa bulletins, reach out to a dedicated attorney.

What is a Visa Bulletin in Oak Brook?

The Visa Bulletin is a document published by the Department of State and The US Citizenship and Immigration Services. This list includes various categories and includes differences among countries and visa types. As mentioned above, this bulletin essentially allows someone to see when immigration has visas available and when his or her visa may move forward.

On this list, an applicant may find the types of immigrant visas and employment-based categories, as well as whether those categories have visas currently available— or if there are backlogs. Because this document changes monthly, an applicant can benefit from reviewing it each month.

This bulletin can be found on the Department of State’s website at www.travel.state.gov. Furthermore, an applicant can be placed on the Department of State’s email subscription to have a Visa Bulletin sent to them via email every month. To subscribe to this list, they email listserv@calist.state.gov.

How Does the Visa Bulletin Work with Family Preference Categories?

The Visa Bulletin is helpful for all applicants, including anyone in the family preference category, because it allows them to understand when a visa is available. Sometimes, for example, an applicant within a preference category may even qualify to start the process of their immigration case early.

The Bulletin is divided into two sections, with final action dates for family-sponsored preference cases. This allows the government to communicate the last priority date where a visa may be available. Because this date changes depending on the country, it is important to study the Visa Bulletin and understand how it applies to you.

The second category details the dates for filing family-sponsored visa applications. This chart reflects the dates and the timeframes that justify filing for an application. For example, if a person is in the United States and files for an adjustment of status, their case is one where the visa is only available for someone who filed June 1, 1997. However, the same person from Mexico could file and start their process even if their priority date says July 15, 1998 or earlier.

Things to Know Regarding a Visa Bulletin

When filing for a family preference visa, an applicant should check the Visa Bulletin on a monthly basis because the dates of availability may shift by months or even years in some instances. Furthermore, these dates are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, as well as a quota per year. To keep up on these changes and work toward a successful visa, it is important to keep up-to-date on this list.

If you are in the process of applying for a family preference visa in Oak Brook and would like to understand more about Visa Bulletins, consider reaching out to a compassionate and knowledgeable attorney. By speaking with a lawyer, you could better understand how to check up on visa availability and bolster your chances of successfully obtaining a green card. For more information, reach out today.

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