PD

Priority Date (PD) is a key concept in the U.S. immigration process, especially for employment-based and family-sponsored green card applications. The Priority Date is the date when your petition (such as Form I-130 or I-140) was filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It essentially marks your place in line for an immigrant visa number.

Why Is the Priority Date Important?

The Priority Date is crucial because it determines when you can move forward in the green card process. Due to annual limits on the number of green cards available for each category, many applicants have to wait until their Priority Date becomes "current" in the Visa Bulletin published monthly by the U.S. Department of State.

• Employment-Based Green Cards: The Priority Date for employment-based petitions is the date on which your employer files Form I-140 with USCIS. For those requiring a PERM labor certification, the Priority Date is the date on which the labor certification application was submitted to the Department of Labor.

• Family-Based Green Cards: For family-sponsored green card petitions, the Priority Date is the date when Form I-130 is filed with USCIS.

How Does the Visa Bulletin Work?

The Visa Bulletin lists "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing" for various immigrant visa categories based on the applicant's country of birth and visa type. When your Priority Date becomes earlier than the Final Action Date listed in the Visa Bulletin for your category, your Priority Date is considered "current," and you can proceed to the next steps, such as filing for an adjustment of status (Form I-485) or consular processing.

Key Points to Remember

• Country of Birth: The Priority Date is influenced by the applicant’s country of birth due to per-country limits. Countries with a high number of applicants (such as India and China) often have longer waiting periods.

• Changing Jobs or Categories: In employment-based cases, you may be able to "port" your Priority Date if you change jobs or apply for a green card under a different employment category, as long as your initial I-140 was approved.

Conclusion

Your Priority Date is a critical part of the immigration process, serving as your place in line for obtaining a green card. By keeping track of the Visa Bulletin and knowing your Priority Date, you can better understand the timeline and plan for the next steps in your immigration journey.

If you need help determining your Priority Date or understanding the Visa Bulletin, DIY My Green Card is here to guide you through every step of the process.