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Full Guide to the Visa Bulletin

By Sarah Mitchell | Updated October 20, 2026

📅 2026 Update: Changes to the Visa Bulletin and Immigration Processes

immigration and visa processes. Notably, new rules and updates have been implemented that affect various visa categories and application procedures. Readers can find more detailed information in the sections below, which continue from the earlier article.

🔍 Expanded Social Media Screening

This change affects several visa categories, including A-3, C-3, H-4, and K-2, among others.

🚫 Suspension of Visa Issuance

On January 1, 2026, Presidential Proclamation 10998 took effect, which suspends or limits visa issuance for nationals from 39 countries. This includes individuals applying with travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. The measure aims to bolster U.S. national security and public safety.

As a result, applicants from these countries may face delays or obstacles in obtaining their visas.

🌍 Resumption of Immigrant Visa Issuance

This change comes after a pause that began on January 21, 2026, and allows many applicants to continue their immigration journey. This development is crucial for those waiting for their visa processing to resume, as it opens doors for many families seeking reunification in the U.S.

💵 Current Fees and Costs

The fees for nonimmigrant visa applications have remained consistent. The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is currently $185. For those needing expedited appointments, a fee of $750 can be paid to schedule a visa interview within 10 business days, depending on availability.

These costs are essential for applicants to consider when planning their visa applications.

🕒 Processing Times and Eligibility Rules

Processing times for nonimmigrant visas can vary significantly based on the embassy or consulate. Applicants are encouraged to check specific processing times on the relevant embassy websites. Additionally, eligibility rules remain crucial; applicants must demonstrate their trip purpose, intent to return, and financial means to support their stay in the U.S.

📌 Key Points Summary

🔍 Social Media Screening expanded for many nonimmigrant visa categories.
🚫 Visa Issuance Suspensions affect nationals from 39 countries, impacting application timelines.
🌍 Immigrant Visa Issuance Resumed for 75 countries, allowing many applicants to proceed.
💵 Visa Application Fees remain at $185, with an expedited option available for $750.
🕒 Processing Times vary by location; eligibility rules are still in effect for all applicants.

💡 Tips for Navigating the Visa Bulletin and Immigration Process

🏷️ Understand Your Priority Date

Knowing your priority date is essential. This date determines your place in the visa queue. Check your USCIS notice of receipt to find this date, as it will guide your next steps in the application process.

📅 Check the Visa Bulletin Regularly

The visa bulletin is updated monthly. Keep an eye on the new editions released on the 15th of each month. Monitoring this bulletin can help you see if your priority date has advanced, allowing you to take action sooner.

📝 Prepare for Social Media Screening

Starting March 30, 2026, many nonimmigrant visa applicants must have their social media profiles set to public. Ensure your profiles are accessible to facilitate the vetting process. This change applies to various visa categories, including K-1 and H-4.

🚧 Be Aware of Visa Suspension

As of January 1, 2026, certain visa issuances are suspended for nationals of 39 countries. This can affect your application timeline significantly. Stay informed about how this suspension may impact your chances of receiving a visa.

💼 Utilize Free Resources for Assistance

The Department of State offers valuable information about visa requirements and application procedures at no cost. Use these resources to guide you through the process. They can help clarify any questions you may have regarding your application.

⏳ Plan for Processing Times

Processing times for visas vary by embassy or consulate. Check the specific U.S. embassy or consulate website for accurate processing times. This information is critical for managing your expectations and planning your application timeline effectively.

🏆 Top Visa Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section highlights various visa services that assist individuals in navigating the complex immigration process. These services help applicants with visa applications, appointment scheduling, and related tasks, making them relevant to anyone following the visa bulletin and immigration guidelines. The rankings are based on Trustpilot data from October 2026, where star ratings reflect user experiences.

It's important to remember that lower ratings often come from dissatisfied customers, and reviews can vary widely.

🥇 1. VisaSyst

VisaSyst holds a Trustpilot score of 4.6. Reviewers often appreciate how easy the platform is to use, making the visa application process less overwhelming.

However, some customers note that VisaSyst's service fees can be unexpectedly high compared to official government channels. This is a consideration for applicants who are budget-conscious and looking for cost-effective options while applying for their visas.

🥈 2. Pickvisa

Pickvisa has earned a Trustpilot score of 4.6. It specializes in visa services and provides personalized assistance throughout the application process. This tailored approach can be beneficial for applicants who may feel lost in the intricacies of visa requirements.

Despite its strengths, some reviewers mention that Pickvisa's fees are higher than those of official sources. This can impact applicants who are looking for more affordable services, especially when they are trying to manage costs associated with the visa application process.

🥉 3. VisaBot / xVisa.com

VisaBot, also known as xVisa.com, currently has a Trustpilot score of 4.8. It is recognized for its visa appointment notifications and automated booking capabilities, making it easier for applicants to secure their interviews. This service can save time and reduce stress, which is especially helpful given the importance of timely appointments in the immigration process.

Prospective users should consider whether their needs align with the service's geographic focus before proceeding.

4️⃣ iVisa

iVisa maintains a Trustpilot score of 4.3. Many users appreciate the availability of help, especially when they encounter challenges during their applications.

This can be particularly valuable for those who may need immediate answers to their questions.

On the downside, some customers have pointed out that iVisa's service fees tend to be higher than official government options. This is a critical factor for applicants to weigh as they decide whether to use iVisa's services for their visa needs.

💰 Cost Comparison of Visa Services

When choosing a visa service, cost is a significant factor for many applicants. VisaSyst and Pickvisa both have Trustpilot scores of 4.6, but they are noted for having higher service fees compared to official government channels. Reviewers often highlight this as a downside, especially for those on a budget.

In contrast, iVisa has a larger user base with a score of 4.3, but its fees are also considered high. Applicants should weigh the benefits of assistance against these costs. Exploring free government resources can be a cost-effective way to get essential information without additional expenses.

🆓 Free Government Resources for Visa Information

The Department of State offers comprehensive information about visa requirements and application procedures at no cost. These resources can help clarify questions or concerns applicants may have during their immigration journey. Utilizing government-provided information can be a budget-friendly option for those seeking guidance without incurring additional expenses.

🔎 Tips for Choosing a Visa Service

📊 User Ratings: Compare Trustpilot scores and reviews to gauge customer satisfaction.
💰 Service Fees: Look for transparent pricing structures to avoid unexpected costs.
🕒 Processing Times: Check if the service provides information about typical processing times.
📞 Customer Support: Evaluate the availability and responsiveness of customer service options.
🌍 Geographic Focus: Consider if the service covers your specific country or region's visa needs.

These factors can help applicants make informed choices when selecting a service for their visa needs while navigating the complexities of the immigration process.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the purpose of the Visa Bulletin?

The Visa Bulletin provides crucial information on the availability of immigrant visas. It helps applicants understand when they can apply for their visas based on their priority dates and visa categories.

📅 How often is the Visa Bulletin updated?

The Visa Bulletin is updated monthly by the Department of State. It is typically released on the 15th of each month, reflecting changes in visa availability and priority dates.

🌍 How do country-specific limits affect visa availability?

Visa availability can vary significantly by country due to specific limits on the number of visas issued each year. Applicants from countries with high demand may experience longer wait times, as the U.S. government enforces quotas to manage immigration.

🛂 What should I do if my priority date is current?

If your priority date is current according to the Visa Bulletin, you can proceed to schedule your immigrant visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Ensure all required documents are prepared for your appointment.

📝 What are the fees associated with visa applications?

For nonimmigrant visas, the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is $185.

💼 How can I get assistance with my visa application?

Free government resources are available for visa information and application procedures. The Department of State offers comprehensive guidance to help applicants navigate the visa process without incurring additional costs.

⚖️ Recent Cases Affecting Visa Applications

Recent court rulings have influenced the visa application process in the U.S. These decisions can impact how immigrant visas are issued and the regulations governing applicants from certain countries. Understanding these rulings is crucial for those navigating the complexities of the visa bulletin and their applications.

For more insights, you can explore recent rulings in the news section.

End of October 2026 Update

Full Guide to the Visa Bulletin: A Comprehensive Overview of Important Information
The visa bulletin is a valuable tool for immigrants seeking to come to the United States. It provides up-to-date information on the availability of immigrant visas in a particular category and country. The Department of State, in conjunction with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), releases a monthly visa bulletin that provides this information.

The visa bulletin has become particularly important in recent years due to the limited availability of immigrant visas and the long backlogs that applicants face in many categories. This article will provide a full guide to the visa bulletin, including an explanation of the different categories, how to read the bulletin, and other important information.

Overview of Immigrant Visa Categories

Before diving into the visa bulletin, it is important to understand the different immigrant visa categories. There are two main types of immigrant visas: family-based and employment-based. Within each of these categories are subcategories, as well as country-specific limits on the number of visas available.

Family-based visas are available to close relatives of US citizens and permanent residents. These visas include immediate relatives (spouses, children under 21, and parents of US citizens) and other family members, such as siblings and adult children of US citizens and permanent residents.

Employment-based visas are available to individuals who meet certain criteria for employment in the United States. These visas include EB-1 visas for priority workers such as outstanding professors, researchers, and executives; EB-2 visas for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability; and EB-3 visas for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.

There are also special categories of immigrant visas, such as those for refugees and diversity visas, which are available to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin

The visa bulletin is divided into two main sections: the final action dates chart and the dates for filing chart. The final action dates chart provides the latest dates when visas are available for issuance to those who are ready to be scheduled for their immigrant visa interview. The dates for filing chart, on the other hand, indicates when applicants may submit their Green Card applications.

Both charts are organized according to the immigrant visa category and the country of chargeability. The country of chargeability generally refers to the country of an applicant’s birth, but in certain cases, it can be the country of an applicant’s spouse or parent’s birth.

The visa bulletin is released on the 15th of every month. Applicants should check the bulletin regularly to see if the date for their immigrant visa category has progressed, which means that visas are available for issuance.

📝 See Also

Reading the Visa Bulletin

The final action dates chart and the dates for filing chart list the categories of immigrant visas for which visas are currently available. The availability of visas is determined by the preference category, the priority date, and the country of the applicant’s birth.

The preference category refers to the type of immigrant visa, such as family-based or employment-based, and the priority date is the date on which the applicant’s petition was filed. The priority date is used to establish the applicant’s place in the visa queue. Applicants with earlier priority dates generally receive visas before those with later priority dates.

For family-based visas, the priority date is the date on which the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative was filed. For employment-based visas, the priority date is the date on which the labor certification was filed.

Applicants should note that the priority date can change over time. For example, if a petition is upgraded from EB-3 to EB-2, the priority date will change to the later of the two dates.

The final action dates chart indicates the latest priority dates for which visas are currently available. If an applicant’s priority date is earlier than the date listed on the chart, they can schedule an interview for their immigrant visa at the US embassy or consulate in their home country.

The dates for filing chart indicates the earliest priority dates for which applicants may submit their applications for adjustment of status to permanent residency. Adjustment of status is the process by which applicants can apply for their Green Cards while remaining in the United States. However, applicants cannot submit their applications until the dates listed on the chart.

Updates to the Visa Bulletin

The visa bulletin can change from month to month. If visa demand in a particular category or country is higher than anticipated, the final action dates may retrogress, or move backward, to an earlier priority date. This means that some applicants may have to wait longer to receive their visas.

Alternatively, if there is low demand for a particular category or country, the final action dates may advance at a much faster pace. This can benefit applicants whose priority dates are later in the queue.

One recent change to the visa bulletin is the inclusion of a chart listing the movement of the priority dates for each category over the past year. This can be useful for applicants to see the trends in visa availability and estimate when their priority dates may become current.

Conclusion

The visa bulletin is a crucial tool for anyone seeking to immigrate to the US. It provides important information on the availability of immigrant visas and can help applicants plan their next steps in the immigration process.

By understanding the different categories of immigrant visas, how to read the visa bulletin, and the updates that can occur from month to month, applicants can stay informed and maximize their chances of success in their immigration journey.

VISA BULLETIN

NOVEMBER 2011

FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES

First:(F1) Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens: 23,400 plus any numbers not required for fourth preference.

Second: Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents: 114,200, plus the number (if any) by which the worldwide family preference level exceeds 226,000, plus any unused first preference numbers:

A. (F2A) Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents: 77% of the overall second preference limitation, of which 75% are exempt from the per-country limit;

B. (F2B) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents: 23% of the overall second preference limitation.

Third:(F3) Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens: 23,400, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences.

Fourth:(F4) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens: 65,000, plus any numbers not required by first three preferences.

On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); "C" means current, i.e., numbers are available for all qualified applicants; and "U" means unavailable, i.e., no numbers are available. (NOTE: Numbers are available only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below.)

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA- mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	22JUL04	22JUL04	22JUL04	01APR93	08FEB97
F2A *	15FEB09	15FEB09	15FEB09	01DEC08	15FEB09
F2B	01AUG03	01AUG03	01AUG03	22NOV92	15JUL01
F3	22SEP01	22SEP01	22SEP01	08DEC92	22JUN92
F4	15JUN00	15JUN00	15JUN00	22APR96	22AUG88

*NOTE: For November, F2A numbers EXEMPT from per-country limit are available to applicants from all countries with priority dates earlier than 01DEC08. F2A numbers SUBJECT to per-country limit are available to applicants chargeable to all countries EXCEPT MEXICO with priority dates beginning 01DEC08 and earlier than 15FEB09. (All F2A numbers provided for MEXICO are exempt from the per-country limit; there are no F2A numbers for MEXICO subject to per-country limit.)

5. Section 203(b) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Employment-based immigrant visas as follows:

EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES

First: Priority Workers: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required for fourth and fifth preferences.

Second: Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required by first preference.

Third: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers: 28.6% of the worldwide level, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences, not more than 10,000 of which to "*Other Workers".

Fourth: Certain Special Immigrants: 7.1% of the worldwide level.

Fifth: Employment Creation: 7.1% of the worldwide level, not less than 3,000 of which reserved for investors in a targeted rural or high-unemployment area, and 3,000 set aside for investors in regional centers by Sec. 610 of Pub. L. 102-395.

Employment- Based	All Charge-ability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA- mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
1st	C	C	C	C	C
2nd	C	01NOV07	01NOV07	C	C
3rd	22DEC05	22AUG04	22JUL02	22DEC05	22DEC05
Other Workers*	15NOV05	22APR03	15JUN02	15NOV05	15NOV05
4th	C	C	C	C	C
Certain Religious Workers	C	C	C	C	C
5th Targeted Employment Areas/Regional Centers and Pilot Programs	C	C	C	C	C

*Employment Third Preference Other Workers Category: Section 203(e) of the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) passed by Congress in November 1997, as amended by Section 1(e) of Pub. L. 105-139, provides that once the Employment Third Preference Other Worker (EW) cut-off date has reached the priority date of the latest EW petition approved prior to November 19, 1997, the 10,000 EW numbers available for a fiscal year are to be reduced by up to 5,000 annually beginning in the following fiscal year. This reduction is to be made for as long as necessary to offset adjustments under the NACARA program. Since the EW cut-off date reached November 19, 1997 during Fiscal Year 2001, the reduction in the EW annual limit to 5,000 began in Fiscal Year 2002.

6. The Department of State has a recorded message with visa availability information which can be heard at: (202) 663-1541. This recording is updated on or about the tenth of each month with information on cut-off dates for the following month.

B. DIVERSITY IMMIGRANT (DV) CATEGORY

Section 203(c) of the INA provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to permit additional immigration opportunities for persons from countries with low admissions during the previous five years. The NACARA stipulates that beginning with DV-99, and for as long as necessary, up to 5,000 of the 55,000 annually-allocated diversity visas will be made available for use under the NACARA program. This resulted in reduction of the DV-2012 annual limit to 50,000. DV visas are divided among six geographic regions. No one country can receive more than seven percent of the available diversity visas in any one year.

For November, immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2012 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbers BELOW the specified allocation cut-off number:

Region	All DV Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed Separately
AFRICA	13,000	Except: Egypt 8,000 Ethiopia 10,000 Nigeria 10,000
ASIA	10,000
EUROPE	11,000
NORTH AMERICA (BAHAMAS)	4
OCEANIA	500
SOUTH AMERICA, and the CARIBBEAN	550

Entitlement to immigrant status in the DV category lasts only through the end of the fiscal (visa) year for which the applicant is selected in the lottery. The year of entitlement for all applicants registered for the DV-2012 program ends as of September 30, 2012. DV visas may not be issued to DV-2012 applicants after that date. Similarly, spouses and children accompanying or following to join DV-2012 principals are only entitled to derivative DV status until September 30, 2012. DV visa availability through the very end of FY-2012 cannot be taken for granted. Numbers could be exhausted prior to September 30.

C. ADVANCE NOTIFICATION OF THE DIVERSITY (DV) IMMIGRANT CATEGORY RANK CUT-OFFS WHICH WILL APPLY IN DECEMBER

For December, immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2012 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbers BELOW the specified allocation cut-off number:

Region	All DV Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed Separately
AFRICA	18,500	Except: Egypt 12,700 Ethiopia 13,500 Nigeria 12,000
ASIA	15,000
EUROPE	13,500
NORTH AMERICA (BAHAMAS)	5
OCEANIA	575
SOUTH AMERICA, and the CARIBBEAN	600

D. CHINA-MAINLAND BORN AND INDIA EMPLOYMENT-BASED SECOND PREFERENCE VISA AVAILABILITY IN THE COMING MONTHS

The November Employment-based Second preference cut-off date for applicants from China and India is the most favorable since August 2007. This advancement is expected to generate significant levels of demand based on new filings for adjustment of status at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offices. While significant future cut-off date movements are anticipated, they may not be made on a monthly basis. Readers should not expect such movements to be the norm throughout the fiscal year, and an eventual retrogression of the cut-off at some point during the year is a distinct possibility.

Visa Bulletin Explained:

The Visa bulletin is an information-based document or web page that supplies non-citizens with valuable information concerning the ever-changing laws and regulations associated with the obtainment of a Visa or green card.

The visa-bulletin is a government-issued and updated; the information supplied enables a non-immigrant, in the process of applying for residency or citizenship, to observe vital updates that will invariably affect their application.

The majority of green card applicants must wait before they can obtain a green card; this delay is associated with the United States’ tendency to place limits on the number of Visas offered and the types of immigrants that can be approved each year. To limit immigration of certain countries and to encourage immigration of other nations, the United States’ government places a quota for all categories concerning immigration. These quotas are active during the given fiscal year and then reset for the subsequent year.

To aid those involved with immigration, the visa bulletin will constantly update their petitions and application processes during the grace period.

The Visa Bulleting, through The United States’ Department of State, publishes a monthly “Visa Bulletin.”

The Visa bulletin demonstrates and reveals what cases currently possess a “visa number”; this number will reveal which beneficiaries can process and resume their applications.

If an applicant is a beneficiary of an immigration petition that possesses a quota, the individual can use the Visa Bulletin to elucidate on their status concerning the acquisition of a green card.

The Visa Bulletin also provides information concerning the United States’ Diversity Visa Program, which is also known as the green card lottery.

Instructions Concerning the Visa Bulletin

Before viewing the Visa Bulletin, an applicant must first understand their attached priority date. To find out their priority date, the applicant must refer to their USCIS notice of receipt. The applicant, or the petitioner, should receive this receipt shortly after the petition for immigration was filed. The priority date is used to mark the date when a visa number becomes available to the applicant.
Following acknowledgement of the priority date, the applicant must then access the monthly Visa Bulletin. The Visa Bulletin can be accessed through the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs web site.

When accessing the Visa Bulletin the applicant must observe their visa preference category. Refer to the USCIS website for details on specific green card preference categories.

The applicant must then locate his or her country of residence on the Visa Bulletin. The Bulleting shows the visa preference categories in one column and the coordinating dates in the parallel column. The majority of countries are grouped together, although a few exceptions—such as India, Mexico, China, and the Philippines—are listed separately. These separated countries have the highest number of applicants.

Once the country has been selected, check the cut-off date or status indicator. If the selection reads “C” for “Current” it means visa numbers are available for all pending applications. If the selection reads “U” it means no visa numbers are available. If a date shows up, the applicant must compare it with their priority date; a visa number will be available if the priority date is earlier than the cut-off date.

Once a visa number is available proceed with the application.