Formula Used
Selected cutoff = cutoff from the chart chosen by the user.
Days difference = selected cutoff date minus priority date.
Current status = priority date is earlier than or equal to cutoff date.
Waiting days = priority date minus cutoff date, when the result is negative.
Approximate waiting months = waiting days divided by 30.44.
Buffer review = current date gap compared with retrogression buffer days.
If the chart shows C, the calculator treats it as current. If the chart shows U, it marks the category unavailable.
How To Use This Calculator
Enter the applicant name if you want it on reports.
Select the case type, category, and chargeability area.
Choose the processing path and visa bulletin month.
Enter the priority date from the petition or filing record.
Select the chart used for your planning question.
Enter the cutoff type and cutoff date from the bulletin.
Add readiness details, dependents, and buffer days.
Press the calculate button and review the result above the form.
Use CSV or PDF download for simple records.
Green Card Priority Date Planning
A priority date is the place holder for many green card cases. It usually comes from a labor certification filing, an immigrant petition, or another qualifying filing date. The visa bulletin then decides whether that date can move forward. This calculator helps compare your date with a selected cutoff date.
Why This Calculator Helps
Priority date review can be confusing. Each case may involve a preference category, a chargeability country, and a selected chart. Family cases and employment cases may move at different speeds. Some categories are marked current. Some are unavailable. Others show a exact cutoff date. The tool brings those items into one view.
It does not predict government movement. Instead, it reads the data you enter. It then checks whether your priority date is earlier than, equal to, or later than the chosen cutoff. This makes the result clear. It also shows waiting days, approximate waiting months, and buffer risk. The buffer helps when a date is barely current.
Important Inputs
Start with the correct preference category. Choose the country used for chargeability. Add the visa bulletin month. Then enter your priority date. Use the same chart your case requires. Adjustment cases may depend on the chart accepted for that month. Consular cases usually follow National Visa Center instructions.
The cutoff setting is important. Choose Current when the chart shows C. Choose Unavailable when the chart shows U. Choose Date when a real cutoff is printed. If you select Date, enter the exact cutoff shown in the bulletin. The calculator will not fetch live bulletin data.
Using The Result
A current result means the entered priority date is within the chosen cutoff. It does not guarantee approval. Your case must still meet eligibility, document, security, medical, and agency requirements. A not current result means the date is still behind the cutoff. Keep checking each new bulletin.
A near cutoff warning means the case may be sensitive to retrogression. Retrogression can move a cutoff backward. Save your result as CSV or PDF for planning notes. Always confirm entries before filing, paying fees, or making travel decisions. Keep copies of each bulletin used, because monthly charts may change. Review advice for unusual case facts.
FAQs
What is a priority date?
A priority date is the date that preserves your place in a green card queue. It can come from a labor certification, immigrant petition, or another qualifying filing event.
What does current mean?
Current means the entered priority date is earlier than or equal to the selected cutoff date. It may also mean the chart shows C for that category.
What does unavailable mean?
Unavailable means the chart shows U for the selected category. The calculator treats that as no number availability for the entered bulletin data.
Which chart should I select?
Select the chart used for your process. Final Action Dates are usually used for approval timing. Dates for Filing may apply for filing readiness.
Does this tool fetch live bulletin dates?
No. You enter the bulletin dates manually. This keeps the file simple and lets you use any month, category, or saved scenario.
Why is a buffer included?
The buffer checks how close a current case is to the cutoff. A small gap may need closer review if dates move backward later.
Can this predict future movement?
No. It compares entered dates only. It does not predict future bulletins, visa demand, agency policy, or category movement.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a planning calculator. Always confirm official dates and case strategy before filing forms, paying fees, or making travel plans.