Green card applications are placed on the list according to the date of their case filing. This date is known as Priority Date. The priority date is the single most important factor in any immigration case.
Based on what category you have filed, your Green card Priority Date definition may be different.
- If your category is employment-based and requires a labor certification, the priority date is established on the date a labor certification is filed with the State Workforce Agency.
- If your category is employment-based but does not require a labor certification, then the priority date is established on the date the CIS receives the I-140 Immigrant Visa Petition.
Note: However, the priority date does not attach to your case until the I-140 has been approved.
Priority Date FAQ's
What is my Priority Date?
The Priority Date will be printed in the top portion of the Form I-797 receipt Notice.
What is the meaning of Priority date being "Current"?
In order for an individual to obtain an immigrant visa (Green Card), a visa number must be available to you. This is referred to as the priority date being "current". The priority date is current if there is no backlog in the category.
How do I know if my Priority date is current?
You can see the priority dates currently being processed, in the Visa Bulletin published by state dept monthly.
It is available at State Department's website at www.travel.state.gov
