Published: July 18, 2025
Do you satisfy the requirements for adjusting your status? Generally, you can file an adjustment of status application if you’re physically present in the US on a nonimmigrant visa. This allows you to secure a green card without leaving the US for consular processing.
But to do so, you or a sponsor must first file an immigrant petition. In addition to meeting the qualification criteria, your priority date must be current to move forward with your adjustment of status application.
A current priority date in the Visa Bulletin indicates that your immigrant visa category isn’t subject to backlogs or wait times. That means an immigrant visa is immediately available, allowing your case to proceed. Below, learn how to check your priority date and whether it’s possible for you to adjust your status this coming August 2025.
Determine the Category of Your Immigrant Visa
The issuance of immigrant visas is subject to an annual numerical quota, with approximately 226,000 visas available for family-sponsored immigration and 140,000 for employment-based immigration. Because of this limitation, the Department of State (DOS) assigns a priority date to determine your place in line for a visa in a particular year.
It’s worth noting that each category and country of birth vary in terms of visa availability and cut-off dates. In general, you cannot proceed with adjusting your status until your priority date is up to date. That means a visa is available in your specific category. Therefore, the first step is to check the category of the immigrant visa you can fit into.
Examine the Visa Bulletin for Current Priority Dates
The priority date is crucial in assessing whether you qualify to adjust your status. Typically, it’s the date when your employer or relative initially filed the petition on your behalf. You can determine whether the priority date is current when it’s earlier than or matches the cutoff date indicated in the monthly Visa Bulletin for August 2025.
Let’s say your priority date is later than the cutoff date shown. You must wait until the date becomes current to move forward with the application process. Please note that the date may vary depending on your visa category and country of birth. For instance, high demand causes some countries to hit the annual visa caps, resulting in longer waiting times.
Additionally, a labor certification is necessary for employment-based visa petitions. In those instances, your priority date is the date when the Department of Labor (DOL) received your labor certification application for processing. But preserving that priority date requires filing your immigrant petition within 180 days of the labor certification’s approval.
Follow the Appropriate Visa Bulletin Chart
Every month, USCIS makes a decision on which Visa Bulletin Chart will be utilized for adjustment of status filings. You can only proceed if your priority date is before the bulletin’s cut-off date or if it’s marked as “C”. The cut-off dates for both family-sponsored and employment-based visas are outlined as follows:
Dates for Filing Chart
For August 2025, USCIS will require applicants for all family-sponsored preference categories to refer to the Dates for Filing chart. This chart shows the earliest dates you can file your adjustment of status application, even if visas aren’t yet immediately available for final approval. You are eligible to file your AOS application if your priority date is on or before the date listed in the Dates for Filing chart for your category and country of chargeability.
Final Action Dates
Meanwhile, applicants in all employment-based preference categories for August 2025 must refer to the Final Action Dates chart. This chart shows the date when a visa becomes officially available for you to receive. Your adjustment of status (AOS) application cannot be approved until your priority date is earlier than the date indicated on this Final Action Dates chart.
Assess If You Qualify to Adjust Status With ALG Lawyers
Timing and eligibility are crucial to filing a successful adjustment of status application. Don’t risk making a mistake if you’re unsure whether you’re eligible or it’s the appropriate time to adjust your status.
Consulting a credible Los Angeles immigration lawyer can help you reduce the risks of unnecessary errors and delays in your application. Our team at ALG Lawyers can provide you with a personalized review of your qualifications and other relevant details of your case. Start a one-on-one consultation with our firm today.
FAQs on Filing Your Adjustment of Status Application This Coming August 2025
How does the Visa Bulletin affect the timing of your green card application?
Your eligibility to secure a green card largely depends on whether your priority date is “current” based on the Visa Bulletin. Since the Visa Bulletin determines when your application can progress, it directly impacts the waiting period before you can adjust your status or apply for a green card.
What essential actions should you take when your priority date is current?
Earlier priority dates indicate that you’re ahead of other people waiting in the visa queue. Consider taking the following actions when your priority date is current:
- Track the Visa Bulletin to remain updated and make informed decisions.
- Once you confirm that you’re eligible to adjust your status, submit your application promptly to USCIS.
- Provide all the required paperwork to minimize unnecessary delays and ensure a smooth processing of your case.
- Utilize the USCIS website to stay up-to-date with the latest updates and address potential requests and issues in your application as soon as possible.
How should you respond if your priority date retrogresses while you have a pending green card application?
Suppose your priority date retrogresses while your green card application is pending. You can respond with the following:
- Stay informed about how your priority date changes and its impact on your application.
- Adjust your status to ensure it remains valid and compliant with US immigration with US immigration laws.
- Obtain the necessary work permit to preserve your ability to secure employment during periods of priority date retrogression.
- Update your supporting documents as your green card application remains pending to avoid notices about your case.
- Switch to another category if you have a pending petition in another visa classification that’s currently qualified for processing.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)