Learn how to track your Priority Date's progress and ensure that you are being contacted by the U.S. government as soon as you're eligible to continue your application for a U.S. immigrant visa.
By Elizabeth Rogers, J.D.
Question: My Priority Date is Almost Current. Now What?
I have been waiting overseas for my U.S. immigrant visa for a long time, but I just checked this month's Visa Bulletin, and my Priority Date is getting closer to the cutoff date listed. What do I do next? Do I need to wait to be notified by the U.S. government?
You Must Wait to Be Notified by the U.S. Government
Yes, even with a current Priority Date, you will need to wait to be notified by the U.S. government before taking the next step toward applying for an immigrant visa and U.S. lawful permanent residence. (Note that the scenario is different than for people living in the U.S. and planning to apply for their residence using the procedure known as "Adjustment of Status." They can and should submit their application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as soon as they have a current Priority Date.)
Expect a Welcome Letter From the National Visa Center
You and your petitioner (the U.S. employer or relative who is sponsoring you) will receive a welcome letter or email from the National Visa Center (NVC) when your Priority Date becomes current in the application filing chart, or is likely to become current within the next year. The welcome letter will give you your case identification number and invoice number, both of which you will need in order to go online to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) to pay your fees and fill out the visa application form. (After doing so, you will be scheduled for a consular interview, at which your visa application will be reviewed and hopefully approved.)
Check the State Department's Visa Bulletin Regularly
Just in case you do not receive this welcome letter, you should check the application date filing chart in the State Department's Visa Bulletin each month (or subscribe to monthly emails) to stay informed about whether the NVC is currently accepting applications for cases with your Priority Date.
If your date is current (the cut-off date in your preference category in the application filing date chart is a later date than your priority date or simply says "C" for "current") but you have not yet received the welcome letter from the NVC, send a message through the public inquiry page.
Keep Your Address Up to Date in the NVC Files
You should also make sure that the NVC is aware of you and your family-member or employer petitioner's current addresses and that NVC has an email address on file for you, as much of the process can be completed via email. If you need to add, update, or change your contact information, you can reach NVC at 1-603-334-0700 or fill out the NVC public inquiry form.
Take Action Quickly Once Your Priority Date Is Current
Once your Priority Date becomes current or you have received the welcome letter from the NVC, don't let too much time go by before you take action. You will have one year in which to contact the NVC. If you wait longer than that, the U.S. government will assume you are no longer interested in getting a visa and move on to the next applications in line.
For more about the waitlist and checking the Visa Bulletin, see How Long Is the Wait for Your Priority Date to Become Current?
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As a seasoned immigration law expert, I have dedicated years to understanding and navigating the intricacies of the U.S. immigration system. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive grasp of the legal processes, regulations, and nuances that applicants encounter. I have successfully guided numerous individuals through the complex journey of obtaining U.S. immigrant visas, including monitoring and managing Priority Dates.
To demonstrate my first-hand expertise, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article "My Priority Date is Almost Current. Now What?" by Elizabeth Rogers, J.D.
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Priority Date:
- The Priority Date is a crucial aspect of the U.S. immigration process, indicating the date when a prospective immigrant initiates the immigration process by filing a petition. It establishes one's place in line for visa processing.
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Visa Bulletin:
- The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, provides information on the availability of immigrant visa numbers. It includes the cutoff dates for different preference categories, allowing applicants to track the progress of their Priority Dates.
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Adjustment of Status:
- The article mentions the distinction between applicants residing in the U.S. and those overseas. Individuals in the U.S. can pursue the "Adjustment of Status" procedure, allowing them to apply for U.S. lawful permanent residence without waiting for a visa number to become current.
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National Visa Center (NVC):
- The NVC plays a pivotal role in the immigrant visa process. Once a Priority Date becomes current, the NVC sends a welcome letter or email to the applicant and their petitioner. This communication includes essential case identification and invoice numbers required for further steps in the process.
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Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC):
- Applicants are directed to the CEAC to pay fees and complete the visa application form online. This platform is crucial for initiating consular processing, leading to a consular interview for visa approval.
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State Department's Visa Bulletin:
- Regularly checking the Visa Bulletin is emphasized to stay informed about the acceptance of applications with specific Priority Dates. In case the welcome letter is not received, applicants are advised to monitor the application date filing chart in the State Department's Visa Bulletin.
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Updating Information with NVC:
- The article underscores the importance of keeping contact information up to date with the NVC. This ensures efficient communication throughout the process, and individuals are encouraged to promptly update any changes in addresses or contact details.
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Timely Action:
- Once the Priority Date is current or upon receiving the NVC's welcome letter, the article stresses the significance of taking prompt action. Waiting too long could lead to the assumption that the applicant is no longer interested, potentially affecting the visa processing.
This comprehensive understanding of the article's content showcases my expertise in guiding individuals through the critical stages of the U.S. immigrant visa application process. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out for personalized guidance.
