Congress limits the number of immigrant visas (“green cards”) which may be issued each year. Each country receives a maximum of 7 percent of the annual quota of available employment-based immigrant visas. Intending immigrants to the U.S. are generally charged to their country of birth, although some exceptions apply. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) releases a Visa Bulletin every month indicating the availability of statutorily-limited visas for prospective immigrants.
The cut-off dates reflected in the Visa Bulletin, coupled with USCIS’ confirmation of which chart will apply, dictate eligibility to file a Form I-485 application in each month. In addition, the Final Action Dates chart in the applicable Visa Bulletin determines whether a pending Form I-485 or immigrant visa application may be approved.