Understanding Priority Dates on the Visa Bulletin
FAMILY
Understanding Priority Dates on the Visa Bulletin
September 15, 2026 · Akula & Associates, P.C.
The Department of State's monthly Visa Bulletin can look intimidating, but it's the key to estimating when a family-based petition will become current. Your priority date — generally the date USCIS received your I-130 — determines your place in line.
Each family preference category (F1 through F4) has its own cutoff dates, and these move at different speeds depending on demand from your country of origin. A date that appears to move backward (“retrogress”) doesn't restart your place in line — it simply reflects a temporary visa number shortage.
We help clients track their priority dates, anticipate when to begin gathering documents, and decide between adjustment of status and consular processing once a visa number becomes available.
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