The priority date for an I-130 petition is the specific date when U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) first received your properly filed Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This date signifies your place in the queue for an immigrant visa.
Understanding Your Priority Date
Your priority date is a critical element in the family-sponsored immigration process. It represents the official timestamp of your petition's filing, which is essential for tracking visa availability.
- When it is established: The priority date is generally established on the date USCIS physically receives your Form I-130, provided the petition is correctly filed.
- Its purpose: For certain family-based immigrant visa categories, the number of visas available each year is limited by law. The priority date determines when a visa number becomes available to a beneficiary in these "preference" categories, allowing them to proceed with their immigrant visa application or adjustment of status.
Where to Find Your Priority Date
Once USCIS has processed and approved your Form I-130, the petitioner will receive an official notice.
- Form I-797, Notice of Action: The priority date is clearly indicated on the Form I-797, Notice of Action, that USCIS issues to the petitioner.
- "Receipt Date" Label: On this form, the priority date is typically labeled as the "Receipt Date." This is the exact date that USCIS officially recorded receiving your I-130 petition.
Here's a quick reference:
| Document | Label for Priority Date | Who Receives It |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-797 | Receipt Date | Petitioner |
Why the Priority Date is Important
The priority date plays a pivotal role in the immigration process, particularly for family-sponsored visa categories subject to annual limits.
- Visa Bulletin: The U.S. Department of State publishes a monthly Visa Bulletin that lists the cutoff dates for different visa categories and countries. Your priority date must be "current" (i.e., on or before the cutoff date listed in the Visa Bulletin) for an immigrant visa to become available to the beneficiary.
- Timing for Next Steps: Once your priority date becomes current, the beneficiary can move forward with their application, either through adjustment of status within the United States or consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Understanding your priority date is essential for monitoring the progress of your immigrant visa petition and anticipating when you can take the next steps in the immigration journey.
