Visa Bulletin Prediction Calculator
Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be complex and stressful, especially when it comes to understanding visa priority dates and how long you might wait for your green card. The Visa Bulletin Prediction Calculator helps you estimate your approximate wait time based on your priority date, current visa bulletin date, visa category, and average monthly visa movement.
This powerful tool simplifies your planning by projecting when your priority date might become current, giving you a clearer timeline to prepare.
What Is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State that shows the cut-off dates for immigrant visa categories. Your priority date is your place in line, usually the date your employer filed your immigrant petition. When your priority date is earlier than the bulletin date, your visa is “current,” and you can proceed with the next steps toward permanent residency.
Why Use the Visa Bulletin Prediction Calculator?
- Get an estimate of how long you’ll wait for your green card.
- Understand your visa category’s current status and trends.
- Make informed decisions about travel, job changes, and other life plans.
- Avoid surprises by tracking priority dates against current visa bulletin movement.
How to Use the Visa Bulletin Prediction Calculator
Step 1: Enter Your Priority Date
This is the date your immigrant petition was filed (or the date listed on your I-797 or receipt notice).
Step 2: Enter the Current Visa Bulletin Date
The date from the most recent visa bulletin relevant to your category and country.
Step 3: Select Your Visa Category
Choose your immigrant visa category (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, F1, F2A, F2B, F3, or F4).
Step 4: Select Your Country of Chargeability
Your country affects wait times due to per-country limits.
Step 5: Enter Average Monthly Movement
This is how many days the visa bulletin date moves forward on average each month for your category and country. (If unsure, use 30 days as a default.)
Step 6: Calculate
Click the Calculate button to see your wait time estimate, predicted date when your priority will be current, and your status.
Understanding the Results
- Days Behind: How many days your priority date lags behind the current bulletin date.
- Estimated Wait Time: Approximate months or years remaining before your priority date becomes current.
- Predicted Current Date: The estimated calendar date when your priority will be current.
- Status: Your current position—whether your priority date is current or how long you’ll likely wait.
Example
Say your priority date is January 15, 2020, the current bulletin date for your category and country is December 1, 2023, and average monthly movement is 25 days.
- Days Behind = (January 15, 2020) – (December 1, 2023) ≈ negative value (meaning priority date is earlier).
- Status will show Current since your priority date is earlier than the current bulletin date, meaning you can proceed now.
If your priority date was later than the current bulletin date, the calculator estimates how many months you need to wait based on the average movement.
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a priority date?
The date your immigrant petition was filed; it establishes your place in the visa queue.
2. What is the visa bulletin?
A monthly report showing visa availability cut-off dates per category and country.
3. How does the monthly movement affect wait time?
It estimates how quickly visa dates advance, influencing how long you wait.
4. Can I use this tool for all visa categories?
Yes, including employment-based (EB) and family-based (F) categories.
5. Why does the country of chargeability matter?
Visa limits vary by country, affecting wait times significantly.
6. What if the monthly movement is zero?
It means no advancement; your wait time will not decrease.
7. How accurate are the wait time estimates?
They are approximate, based on past movement and current data trends.
8. Can priority dates move backwards?
Yes, in some visa categories, dates can retrogress, increasing wait time.
9. What if my priority date is current?
You are eligible to move forward with your green card application.
10. What does ‘predicted current date’ mean?
An estimate of when your priority date might become current.
11. Can I use this calculator if I’m outside the U.S.?
Yes, it applies to immigrant visa processing worldwide.
12. What should I do if my wait time is long?
Consider consulting an immigration attorney or explore alternative visa options.
13. How often should I update my current bulletin date?
Monthly, when the U.S. Department of State releases new visa bulletins.
14. Does this calculator replace legal advice?
No, it’s a helpful tool but not a substitute for professional immigration counsel.
15. Can I reset the calculator to enter new data?
Yes, the reset button clears inputs for a new calculation.
Summary
The Visa Bulletin Prediction Calculator is your handy assistant for tracking green card wait times. By entering your priority date, visa category, and current bulletin details, you can better plan your immigration journey with realistic expectations.