U.S. State Department Releases June Visa Bulletin for Green Cards; Applicants Urged to Check Priority Dates
Key Takeaways
- It has been reported that the U.S. State Department published its June Visa Bulletin, which lists "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing" for family‑ and employment‑based immigrant visas.
- The bulletin determines when applicants can apply for an immigrant visa at a consulate or file I-485 adjustment of status with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).
- Some categories show movement while long backlogs remain for nationals of high‑demand countries; applicants should compare their priority date to the appropriate chart and follow USCIS guidance.
- Real people — families separated by consular waits and skilled workers on temporary visas — are directly affected by even small date shifts. Consult an attorney if your priority date becomes current.
What the bulletin does
The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, sets the priority‑date cutoffs that control when immigrant visas may be issued or when USCIS will accept adjustment‑of‑status applications. Two charts matter: "Final Action Dates" (when a visa number is actually available) and "Dates for Filing" (when applicants may submit paperwork if USCIS has authorized use of that chart). A priority date is generally the date USCIS or the Department of Labor accepted the underlying immigrant petition (I‑130, I‑140 or labor certification).
What this means for applicants
It has been reported that the June bulletin contains modest movement in some categories but persistent retrogression or stagnation for those from high‑demand countries such as India and China — meaning many employment‑based and family‑based applicants remain blocked for months or years. For individuals this translates to continued waits to adjust status, delays in bringing spouses and children to the U.S., and extended reliance on nonimmigrant work visas. Consular‑processing applicants must also wait for the National Visa Center (NVC) to schedule interviews once their priority date becomes current.
Practical next steps
Check the State Department's Visa Bulletin and USCIS website immediately to determine which chart (Final Action or Dates for Filing) applies to your case. If your priority date is current under the Dates for Filing chart and USCIS is using that chart this month, you may be able to submit Form I‑485 (adjustment of status) or supporting documents; if only current under Final Action, a visa number is available but filing timing differs. If you have questions about eligibility, porting priority dates, or consequences for H‑1B, L‑1, or other nonimmigrant status, consult an immigration attorney or accredited representative.
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