In October 2023, the United States’ Visa Bulletin becomes a critical source, offering the latest updates on immigrant visa availability and filing dates for individuals aspiring to immigrate to the country. Issued on a monthly basis by the U.S. Department of State, the Visa Bulletin is a vital resource for foreign nationals, immigration attorneys, and sponsoring employers. The Visa Bulletin divides visas into distinct preference categories, depending on the relationship the applicant shares with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor. These categories encompass family-sponsored preferences (F1 to F4) and employment-based preferences (EB1 to EB5).
Within the October 2023 Visa Bulletin, specific cut-off dates for each preference category are outlined, delineating the priority dates until which visas are open for processing. Priority dates play a crucial role, dictating when an applicant can initiate an immigrant visa application or adjust their status within the U.S. These dates may progress or regress based on the fluctuating demand and availability of visas.
