How to read the Visa Bulletin: checklist

When reading the Visa Bulletin, check your priority date, country column, and the table applicable that month in order.

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1. Find your priority date on Form I-797

Note the Priority Date shown on Form I-797.

1. Find your priority date on Form I-797Note the Priority Date shown on Form I-797.
2. Select the column corresponding to your country of birthIf you were born in Turkey, look at the All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed column; place of birth, not citizenship, controls.
3. Determine the correct visa categoryFind the category appropriate for your family- or employment-based application, such as F1, F2A, F4, or EB-2.
4. Check which table to useFor NVC applications, use the Dates for Filing table for documents and the Final Action Dates table for visas; if you are in the United States, check the USCIS announcement.
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5. Compare your priority date with the tableIf your priority date is earlier than the date in the relevant table, your turn may have arrived; being equal is not sufficient.
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6. Check the current bulletinBefore applying, check the latest Visa Bulletin from the U.S. Department of State and, if necessary, which table USCIS is using.

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