USCIS is revising the procedures by which it determines visa availability for applicants waiting to file for employment-based or family-sponsored preference adjustment of status. In coordination with the Department of State (DOS), USCIS is revising the process to better align with DOS procedures for foreign nationals who seek to become U.S. permanent residents by applying for immigrant visas at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad.
As part of this revision, each month, in coordination with DOS, USCIS will monitor visa numbers and post the relevant DOS Visa Bulletin chart. Applicants can use the charts to determine when to file their Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
USCIS will compare the number of visas available for the remainder of the fiscal year with documentarily qualified visa applicants reported by DOS; pending adjustment of status applications reported by USCIS; and historical drop off rate to determine whether additional visas are available.
