How to Read the Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin is published monthly by the US State Department and determines who can receive a green card or file an I-485. Here's exactly what it means.
What is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication from the US Department of State that sets priority dates — essentially your place in line — for employment-based (EB) and family-sponsored (FB) green card categories. Every month, the bulletin either advances, holds, or retrogressses these dates. If your priority date is earlier than or equal to the date shown in the bulletin for your category and country, you are "current" and may proceed.
Two Charts: Final Action vs Dates for Filing
Table A — Final Action Dates
This is the date your green card can actually be approved and issued. If your priority date is current on this chart, USCIS can approve your I-485 and mail you a green card.
Table B — Dates for Filing
This allows you to submit your I-485 application to USCIS (if you're in the US). You can start getting EAD and Advance Parole, but your green card won't be approved until Table A is also current. USCIS decides each month whether to allow Table B filings.
Key rule: If USCIS accepts Table B (Dates for Filing) filings, you can file your I-485 early. If not, you must wait for Table A (Final Action). USCIS announces this monthly on their website.
What Do "C" and "U" Mean?
All applicants in this category and country are current. No backlog. You can immediately proceed regardless of your priority date.
No visas are available this month in this category/country. Nobody can proceed regardless of priority date. Temporary or permanent depending on backlog.
Employment-Based (EB) Categories Explained
Priority Date vs. Filing Date — Don't Confuse These
Priority Date: The date your labor certification (PERM) was filed with DOL, or your I-140 petition receipt date (whichever applies). This is your permanent place-in-line marker.
Filing Date (Dates for Filing chart): The date shown in Table B above which you can submit your I-485. May be later than Final Action date in some months.
Final Action Date: The date shown in Table A — when your green card can actually be approved.
Example: If your priority date is January 15, 2015, and the Visa Bulletin shows EB-2 India Final Action Date of February 1, 2015 — your date is current and your green card can be approved.