EB2 visa priority date

The EB2 visa priority date is a critical aspect of the U.S. immigration process for those seeking permanent residency under the EB2 category, which is for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability. The priority date is the date the U.S. Department of Labor receives the applicant’s PERM labor certification application or, if not required, the date USCIS receives the I-140 petition. This date determines the applicant’s place in the visa queue, as EB2 visas are subject to annual caps and may have backlogs depending on the applicant’s country of birth. Applicants must monitor the Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, to know when their priority date becomes “current,” allowing them to file for adjustment of status (Form I-485) or complete consular processing. Delays can occur for high-demand countries, such as India and China, where the demand for EB2 visas often exceeds the annual supply, leading to longer waiting periods.