Free planning tools
Get organised before you file. Figures are illustrative, so always confirm current details on the official USCIS and Department of State websites.
Document checklist
A tick-off list of the core documents for common visa types.
Processing times
Typical ranges for the most common USCIS forms.
Fee calculator
Estimate government filing fees, including dependents.
Case status tracker
Check your USCIS receipt number is in the right format.
Visa Bulletin guide
Learn how to read the monthly Visa Bulletin and your priority date.
Immigration glossary
Plain-English definitions of the terms you will see most.
Document checklist
How to read the Visa Bulletin
Each month the Department of State publishes a Visa Bulletin for family- and employment-based green cards that have annual limits. Find the row for your category and the column for your country of birth, then compare the date shown with your priority date.
| Category | Who it covers |
|---|---|
| F1 | Unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens |
| F2A / F2B | Spouses and children / unmarried adult children of green card holders |
| F3 / F4 | Married children / brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens |
| EB-1 / EB-2 / EB-3 | Priority workers / advanced-degree professionals / skilled workers |
- “C” means current: anyone in that category can move forward.
- A date means only applicants with a priority date before it can move forward.
- “Final action dates” decide when a green card can be issued; “dates for filing” decide when you may submit paperwork.
Read this month's bulletin on travel.state.gov.