Adjustment of status filing charts from the visa bulletin
How to read the Visa Bulletin (family & employment)
Each month the U.S. State Department publishes the Visa Bulletin. It controls when people with priority dates in family- and employment-based categories can file or receive their immigrant visas or green cards. However, not all charts apply to everyone every month. We show you how to check the right chart for your case.
Step 1 — Find your category and chargeability
Look at your petition type and country:
Family (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4) – based on your relationship to the petitioner.
Employment (EB-1 through EB-5) – based on your job/qualification.
Chargeability – usually your country of birth.
Step 2 — Know your priority date
Your priority date is usually:
I-130/I-140 filing date, or
PERM filing date for labor-cert cases.
Keep this date handy; it decides when you can move forward.
Step 3 — Pick the right chart (A vs. B)
The bulletin has two charts per section:
Chart A (Final Action Dates): when a green card/visa can be issued.
Chart B (Dates for Filing): when you may file early to start processing.
USCIS announces monthly whether Chart B can be used for adjustment of status inside the U.S. Therefore, always check the USCIS update for your month.
Step 4 — Compare your date
If your priority date is earlier than the posted date, your date is current for that chart.
If your category shows “C”, it’s current for everyone in that chargeability area.
If a date moves backward, that’s retrogression; plan accordingly.
Family vs. Employment quick notes
Family: F2A (spouses/children of LPRs) is sometimes current; others move at different speeds.
Employment: EB-1 and EB-2 move faster at times; EB-3/EB-5 may retrogress depending on demand.
Adjustment of status vs. consular processing
Adjustment (in the U.S.): You must use the USCIS-designated chart for the month. In addition, you must otherwise be eligible (admissible, maintenance of status if required, etc.).
Consular (outside the U.S.): NVC uses Chart A to schedule interviews.
Evidence checklist (keep these handy)
I-130/I-140/PERM receipt showing the priority date
Civil docs (birth, marriage, police certificates if consular)
Job offer letters, tax docs (as required)
I-864 (family) or I-140/offer (employment)
As a result, you’ll know if you can file now or must wait.
FAQs
What is retrogression?
When demand exceeds the annual limit, the posted date moves backward. However, already-filed cases remain filed; only final approvals may pause.
Can I keep working if my EAD expires during a retrogression?
Often yes, with timely filed EAD renewals tied to a pending AOS. Therefore, renew early.
Do I need a lawyer to read the bulletin?
You can track dates yourself, but strategy (Chart A vs. B, cross-chargeability, concurrent filing) benefits from legal review.
How we help
First, we confirm your category, country, and priority date. Next, we check the current month’s chart and whether USCIS allows Chart B. Then, we prepare filings or plan for retrogression. Finally, we track updates and interview scheduling.
Want a priority-date check? Schedule a consultation or call (562) 495-0554.
Disclaimer: General information; monthly policies and dates change. We confirm the rule in effect when we file.
DOS posted the April 2021 Visa Bulletin.
In addition to final action dates and dates for filing for family– and employment-based petitions,
It contains notes on the diversity visa (DV) category, DV category rank cut-offs that will apply in April,
And an announcement that the DOS YouTube channel (@TravelGov)
Will begin hosting live “Chats with Charlie” each month,
To address general issues related to the content of the bulletin.
The first chat is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.
Questions can be emailed to VisaBulletin@state.gov ahead of the event with “Chat with Charlie Question” in the subject line.
