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How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

To enter the U.S., you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship along with your visa. Officials at your port of entry into the U.S. will also issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94 and how to apply .

Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.

Check to see if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.

Visitor (tourist) visa

The visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa, is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:

• B-1 for business travel
• B-2 for tourism and medical treatment

Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas , including:

• Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
• How to apply
• What documents you will need
• Application fees
• How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

How to renew a visitor visa

You must renew your visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas within the U.S.

The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.

Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact them for visa renewal information.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Admission to the United States and your Duration of Stay

Extension of stay, what if i decide to stay longer and am out-of-status with the department of homeland security.

Sometimes understanding the difference between the visa expiration date and the length of time you have permission to remain in the United States can be confusing. These are very different terms. Also review our “ What is a U.S. Visa ?” webpage.

• A U.S. visa in his/her passport gives a foreign citizen permission to apply to enter the United States. A visa by itself doesn’t authorize entry to the U.S.  A visa simply indicates that your application has been reviewed by a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and that the officer determined you’re eligible to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry for a specific purpose. The port-of-entry can be an airport, a seaport or a land border crossing.
• At the port-of-entry, a U.S. immigration officer of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) decides whether to allow you to enter and how long you can stay for any particular visit, as part of the Admission process. Only the U.S. immigration officer has the authority to permit you to enter the United States.

The visa expiration date is shown on the visa along with the visa issuance date. The time between visa issuance and expiration date is called your visa validity. The visa validity is the length of time you are permitted to travel to a port-of-entry in the United States.

Depending on your nationality, visas can be issued from a single entry (application) up to multiple/unlimited entries.

• A visa issued for a single entry (denoted on the visa under “Entries” with the number 1) is valid, or can be used from the date it is issued until the date it expires to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry one time.
• Applying for a new visa is not necessary if your visa has not expired and you have not exceeded the number of entries permitted on your visa.
• Multiple uses of a visa must be for the same purpose of travel allowable on the type of visa you have.

Please be aware, a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. Additionally, the visa expiration date shown on your visa does not reflect how long you are authorized to stay within the United States. Entry and the length of authorized stay within the United States are determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the port-of-entry each time you travel.

It is important to note that there are circumstances which can serve to void or cancel the period of visa validity. If you overstay the end date of your authorized stay, as provided by the CBP officer at a port-of-entry, or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your visa will automatically void or cancel unless;

• You have filed an application in a timely manner for an extension of stay or a change of status;
• That application is pending and not frivolous;

If you have applied for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident (LPR, also called green card holder), you should contact USCIS regarding obtaining  Advance Parole  before leaving the United States.

Upon arriving at a port of entry, the CBP official will determine the length of your visit.

On the admission stamp or paper Form I-94, the U.S. immigration inspector records either an admitted-until date or "D/S" (duration of status). If your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 contains a specific date, then that is the date by which you must leave the United States. If you have D/S on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, you may remain in the United States as long as you continue your course of studies, remain in your exchange program, or qualifying employment.  The admitted-until date or D/S notation, shown on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 is the official record of your authorized length of stay in the United States. You cannot use the visa expiration date in determining or referring to your permitted length of stay in the United States.

Carefully review information about  international visitor admission  on the CBP Website.

If you came to the United States on a nonimmigrant visa and you want to extend your stay you must apply with USCIS before your authorized stay, denoted on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, expires. It is recommended you apply well in advance of your expiration date. To learn more select  USCIS, How Do I Extend My Stay ?.

Important Note: Providing permission to enter and/or remain in the United States. to persons holding a nonimmigrant visa is not the responsibility of the Department of State, and therefore Visa Services is unable assist you in this regard. All inquiries must be directed to USCIS.

• You should carefully consider the dates of your authorized stay and make sure you are following the procedures. Failure to do so will cause you to be out-of-status.
• Staying beyond the period of time authorized, by the Department of Homeland Security, and out-of-status in the United States, is a violation of U.S. immigration laws, and may cause you to be ineligible for a visa in the future for return travel to the United States. If you overstay the end date of your authorized stay, as provided by the CBP officer at a port-of-entry, or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your visa will generally be automatically be voided or cancelled, as explained above. Select  Classes of Aliens Ineligible to Receive Visas  to learn more.

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How to Extend U.S. Tourist Visa – Step-by-Step Guide

The tourist visa allows you to stay in the US for up to six months. If you want to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for an extension. The process can be confusing, but this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about extending your US tourist visa step by step.

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In this article…

Introduction: Applying for a U.S. Visa Extension of Stay

When traveling to the United States on a tourist visa, you are typically allowed to stay for up to six months. If you want to stay longer than that, you will need to apply for an extension of stay.

The first step is to determine if you are eligible for an extension.

You must have a valid reason for wanting to stay longer, such as continuing your vacation, visiting family or friends, or attending a business or conference.

You also must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from the United States.

If you meet these requirements, the next step is to complete the necessary paperwork.

The application for an extension of stay is known as the I-539 form . This can be obtained from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website or from a U.S. embassy or consulate .

Once you have the form, you will need to fill it out completely and accurately.

Be sure to include all required supporting documentation , such as evidence of your ties to your home country, proof of financial support, and a letter from your employer (if applicable).

After you have submitted your application, it will take approximately four to six weeks for a decision to be made .

If your extension is approved, you will be issued a new I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, which will reflect the new expiration date of your stay in the United States.

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Eligibility Requirements for a U.S. Visa Extension

There are a number of reasons why someone might want to extend their stay in the United States beyond the date stamped in their passport. Perhaps they are taking part in long-term research, completing a degree, or participating in an exchange program.

Whatever the reason, there are a few key eligibility requirements that must be met in order to qualify for a U.S. visa extension.

The first and most obvious requirement is that the applicant must already hold a valid U.S. visa.

This can be any nonimmigrant visa, such as a student visa (F or M visa), work visa (H or L visa), or exchange visitor visa (J visa).

The visa must be valid on the day that the extension application is filed, and it must remain valid throughout the duration of the extension.

The second requirement is that the applicant must have a valid passport.

The passport must be from the same country as the visa, and it must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of departure from the United States.

The third requirement is that the applicant must have a reason for wanting to extend their stay.

The most common reasons are listed above, but there are other acceptable reasons as well.

For example, someone might need to extend their stay in order to receive medical treatment or to attend an important business meeting.

The fourth requirement is that the applicant must prove that they have the financial means to support themselves during their extended stay.

This usually involves providing evidence of employment, scholarships, or financial aid.

The fifth and final requirement is that the applicant must not have any outstanding immigration violations.

This means that they must have complied with the terms of their previous visa, and they must not have been involved in any criminal activity.

If the applicant meets all of these requirements, then they will likely be eligible for a U.S. visa extension.

The extension will usually be granted for the same length of time as the original visa, though in some cases it may be shorter or longer.

Documents Required for a U.S. Visa Extension

When applying for a U.S. visa extension, you will need to submit the following documents:

1. A completed visa extension application form .

2. Your current passport and a copy of your previous passport(s), if applicable.

3. Two recent passport-style photographs.

4. A letter from your employer or educational institution detailing your current status and explaining why you need to extend your stay in the United States.

5. Evidence of financial support, such as bank statements or a letter from your sponsor.

6. If you are applying for an extension of stay based on your employment, you will also need to submit evidence of your employment, such as pay stubs or a letter from your employer.

7. If you are applying for an extension of stay based on your studies, you will need to submit evidence of your enrollment, such as a letter from your school.

8. If you are applying for an extension of stay based on your family ties in the United States, you will need to submit evidence of your relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates.

9. If you have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime, you will need to submit certified copies of your court records.

10. If you have ever been denied a U.S. visa or entry into the United States, you will need to submit evidence of the denial, such as a copy of the denial notice.

11. You may also be required to submit additional documents, such as medical records or police clearances.

What is the fee for US tourist visa extension?

There is no set fee for extending a US tourist visa, as the cost will vary depending on the individual case. However, it is generally recommended that applicants budget for an additional $200-$300 in fees, in addition to the cost of the original visa application .

What if Your U.S. Visa Extension Application Is Denied?

If you have applied for a visa extension and your application is denied, you will need to leave the United States.

You may be able to reapply for a new visa, but it is important to consult with an immigration attorney before doing so. If you overstay your visa, you may be barred from returning to the United States for several years.

How Long Does the U.S. Visa Extension Process Take?

The U.S. visa extension process can take from six weeks up to four months.

However, it is important to note that this is an estimate and the actual time frame may vary depending on the individual case.

There are a number of factors that can influence the length of the visa extension process, including the type of visa being extended, the country of origin, and the current immigration status of the applicant.

In some cases, the process may be expedited if the applicant is able to provide additional documentation or evidence to support their request.

Tips for a Successful U.S. Visa Extension Application

1. Start your visa extension application as soon as possible.

2. Gather all required documents, including evidence of your ties to your home country.

3. Pay the application fee and submit your application.

4. Wait for a decision from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

So, don’t fret. Extending your tourist visa is not difficult. If you have a genuine case, USCIS will help you extend your stay in the U.S. But make sure your application is proper.

There are a few things you can do to ease your anxiety around extending your tourist visa in the US.

First, make sure you have all of the required documents and information in order.

Second, reach out to an immigration lawyer or another professional who can help guide you through the process.

Finally, remember that many people successfully extend their tourist visas in the US every year, so try to stay positive and keep perspective.

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U.S. Tourist Visa for Family and Dependents

1. what documents are required for a family or dependent of a us tourist visa application, 2. what evidence must be provided to prove family relationship for a us tourist visa application, 3. can family members travel on the same us tourist visa, 4. how long is the us tourist visa valid for, 5. what is the length of time i can stay in the us on a tourist visa, 6. are there any restrictions on what activities i am allowed to do while in the us on a tourist visa, 7. how can i extend my us tourist visa, 8. what is the fee for applying for a us tourist visa, 9. are there any medical requirements for obtaining a us tourist visa, 10. how long does it take to process my application for a us tourist visa, 11. who can be included as a dependent in a us tourist visa application, 12. does my dependant need to have a separate application for a us tourist visa, 13. does my dependant need to attend an interview for their us tourist visa application, 14. will my dependant have access to the same benefits as me while in the us on a tourist visa, 15. are there any restrictions on the type of work that can be done by dependents of a us tourist visa holder, 16. is there a minimum age requirement for dependents of a us tourist visa holder, 17. is there an age limit to be eligible to apply for a us tourist visa for family and dependents, 18. what is required to prove financial stability when applying for a us tourist visa for family and dependents, 19. how long before my planned travel date should i apply for my us tourist visa, 20. are there any exemptions from the visa requirements when travelling with family or dependents to the usa.

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U.S. Visitor Visa Extension: Requirements, Application & Fees

Everyone looks forward to traveling to and visiting other countries. Visitors to the United States may find that they would like to extend their visas and stay beyond the allotted amount of time. The reason for this may be family or business amongst others. The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has a process for extension that must be applied for. It is recommended that travelers apply 45 days before their authorized stay expires. The steps for the U.S. visitor visa extension process are given below.

USCIS U.S. Visitor Visa Extension

Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism ( visa category B-2 ), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

Requirements to Extend your Stay 

• You were lawfully admitted into the United States with a nonimmigrant visa
• Your nonimmigrant visa status remains valid
• You have not committed any crimes that make you ineligible for a visa
• You have not violated the conditions of your admission
• Your passport is valid and will remain valid for the duration of your stay

Procedure for a U.S. Visitor Visa Extension

If you want to apply for a U.S. visitor visa extension: 

• you must file a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status before your authorized stay expires. 

Form I-539: Application to extend a Visitor Visa

Includes U.S. visitor visa extension documents

• Fill out Form I-539, Extension of a Non-Immigrant Visa
• Include a written statement explaining your reasons for an extension.
• Provide supporting documents to prove that your extended stay is temporary
• Include copies of return air-tickets
• Provide a copy of your I-94
• Show financial independence and proof that you will not become a public charge in the U.S.
• You should not have accessed any monetary state benefits or supplementary income from the state after February 11, 2020. If you have received any state benefits, please list them separately with supporting documentation
• Documents showing that the effects of your extended stay on your foreign employment or residency
• Submit $370 for filing fees (and $85 for biometric fees depending upon your petition)

Next steps: After filing your U.S. Visitor Visa extension

U.S. Visitor Visa Extension Processing Time

Once the extension application is submitted, USCIS will give you a receipt with a 13-digit case number

You can check your US visa status online through CEAC Visa Status Check portal, using the case number or CEAC barcode on the DS-160 confirmation page.

• You can check the status of your application as well as the processing times using your case number
• You can also call their customer service center at 1-800-375-5283 to ask about your case

Things to remember when filing a U.S. Visitor Visa Extension

• If possible, file your extension application 45 days before your stay is set to expire
• You can stay in the U.S. for 240 days after the expiry date on your I-94 if you have proof of an I-539 application
• The 13-digit case number and receipt notice by USCIS acts as proof of an existing I-539 document in process
• Spouse and unmarried children under 21 years can be included on one Form I-539
• In order to qualify, you can not have violated your visa status in any way and may not be a potential public charge
• While the above step-by-step process will help you file your visa extension with ease, do not hesitate to contact a legal immigration expert if you need assistance.

You may not apply to extend your stay if you were admitted to the United States in the following categories:

• Visa Waiver Program
• Crew member (D nonimmigrant visa)
• In transit through the United States (C nonimmigrant visa)
• In transit through the United States without a visa (TWOV)
• Fiancé of a U.S. citizen or dependent of a fiancé (K nonimmigrant visa)
• Informant (and accompanying family) on terrorism or organized crime (S nonimmigrant visa)

Staying Longer than Authorized

• If you remain in the United States longer than authorized, you may be barred from returning and/or you may be removed (deported) from the United States. 
• Check the date in the lower right-hand corner of your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, to determine the date your authorized stay expires. We recommend that you apply to extend your stay at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires.

Also Read : U.S. Visitor Visa Extension: Requirements, Application & Fees

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Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

The recommended time is 45 days before the authorized stay expires.

It is $370 for filing fees.

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• Canada Visitor Visa for Indians: Online Application
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• Requirements
• U.S. visitor visa extension

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Extend your stay in Canada: How to apply

• 1. About the process
• 2. Who can apply
• 3. How to apply
• 4. After you apply
• 5. Travelling outside Canada

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Book your biometrics collection appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays. Find out how to give biometrics .

How to apply for a visitor record

You must apply online for your visitor record to extend your stay as a

• worker authorized to work a without work permit or
• student authorized to study without a study permit

If you plan to travel outside Canada or the United States You must meet our entry requirements to return to Canada .

Applying online

When you apply online, we get your application instantly, which can help us process your application faster. If you already applied on paper, you don’t have to resubmit your application online.

How applying online helps you

• No courier fees or mail delivery time – we get your application instantly.
• Your application may be processed more quickly.
• It helps you make sure your application is complete before you submit it.
• You can quickly submit more documents online (if we ask you to).
• You get updates on the status of your application directly in your online account.

Step 1: Make sure you have what you need

To apply online, you’ll need:

• a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and
• a valid credit or debit card.

Step 2: Read the instruction guide

Even if you apply online, you should read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application .

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

• Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
• Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Step 3: Prepare your answers for the online tool

Before you can upload your forms, you must answer some questions. We use your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you. To apply for a visitor record, you must provide these answers in the online tool:

• For the first question “What would you like to do in Canada?”, select “Visit.”
• When asked “What is your current country/territory of residence?”, select “Canada.”

Step 4: Create your online account or sign in

You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to:

• pay your fees
• submit your application
• check your status

If you can’t apply online

You can submit a paper application in any of these situations:

• you can’t apply online because of a disability
• there’s a problem with the online application

What to do if you can’t apply online

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept credit cards and prepaid cards from:

• MasterCard ®
• American Express ®
• UnionPay ®  (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for  at least  18 months after you pay to make refunds easier.  Find more on prepaid cards .

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn't have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

• be from a Canadian bank using  INTERAC ®  Online , and
• be registered for online banking through your bank’s website.

We also accept all Debit MasterCard ®  and Visa ®  Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ®  Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

The card you use does not have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

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Brazil again extends visa exemptions for U.S., Canada and Australia, this time until 2025

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Brazil’s government extended exemptions to tourist visa requirements for citizens of the U.S., Australia and Canada until April 2025, extending a program aimed at boosting tourism that had been scheduled to end Wednesday.

The decision, issued by Brazilian presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Relations late Tuesday, marks the third time Brazil has delayed the visa requirement since President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office in 2023.

His predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, exempted the countries from visas as a means to boost tourism — although all three countries continued to demand visas from Brazilians.

That went against the South American country’s tradition of requiring visas from travelers based on the principle of reciprocity and equal treatment, and prompted Lula’s Foreign Ministry to say it would scrap the exemptions.

Travel & Experiences

Brazil dropping its visa requirement for U.S. citizens

U.S. citizens will no longer need a visa to get into Brazil, Brazil Tourism said Wednesday.

March 21, 2019

“Brazil does not grant unilateral exemption from visiting visas, without reciprocity, to other countries,” the ministry said at the time, while noting that the government stood ready to negotiate visa waiver agreements on a reciprocal basis. It did reach a deal with Japan to ease travel provisions.

The decision to maintain exemptions for the three countries is important for boosting tourism in Brazil, notably from the U.S., Brazil’s official tourism board Embratur said in a statement Tuesday.

Official data shows that nearly 670,000 Americans visited Brazil in 2023, making the U.S. the second-largest country of origin after neighboring Argentina.

The government initially postponed the reinstatement of the visa requirement in October, then again in January. At the time, the government said it was still finalizing a new visa system and wanted to avoid implementing it close to the high season, mainly during the New Year’s celebrations and Carnival festivities in February, which attract tens of thousands of tourists.

Sá Pessoa writes for the Associated Press.

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Nov. 14, 2023

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Immigration help for your business

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USCIS Addresses Work Permit Limbo With Longer Automatic Extensions

To maintain economic growth, the biden administration expanded labor visa opportunities in 2023, apr 8, 2024.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced changes to the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) , saving nearly 800,000 EAD renewal applicants from a lapse in work authorization. Automatic extensions will now go up to 540 days, a significant improvement from the previous 180-day period.

USCIS estimates that approximately 60,000 to 80,000 employers across the U.S. would have been negatively impacted as a result of the lapse.

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“Temporarily lengthening the existing automatic extension up to 540 days will avoid lapses in employment authorizations,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “At the same time, this rule provides DHS with an additional window to consider long-term solutions by soliciting public comments, and identifying new strategies to ensure those noncitizens eligible for employment authorization can maintain that benefit.” The temporary final rule will apply to all eligible EAD applicants with a pending renewal application who filed on or after Oct. 27, 2023. EAD applicants eligible for the 540-day renewal include those filing for asylum , Temporary Protected Status (TPS) , and adjustment of status .

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Check out our helpful guide to learn more about the EAD process.

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When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application for Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based Preference Visas: May 2024

Are you seeking to adjust your status and become a U.S. permanent resident under a family-sponsored or employment-based preference immigrant visa? If you have not yet had a relative or employer file an immigrant visa petition on your behalf, please learn more about the Adjustment of Status Filing Process . If you already have a petition filed or approved on your behalf, you may have to wait for an available visa in your category (if applicable) before you can file your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status . This page will help you determine when to file your adjustment of status application.

When to File

Use the Visa Bulletin charts below to determine when to file your adjustment of status application.

To use the charts:

• Find your visa type in the first column (on the left) of the appropriate chart (Family-sponsored or Employment-based).
• Stay in that row and move directly to the right to find the corresponding date under the country of your birth (as listed in the boldface columns across the top).
• If the date on the chart is current (“C”), or your priority date is earlier than the date on the chart, you may file your adjustment of status application, if otherwise eligible to do so.
•  “U” means unauthorized; for example, numbers are not authorized for issuance.

Your priority date is generally the date when your relative or employer properly filed the immigrant visa petition on your behalf with USCIS. If a labor certification is required to be filed with your immigrant visa petition, the priority date is the date the labor certification application was accepted for processing by the Department of Labor.

About the Visa Bulletin

DOS publishes current immigrant visa availability information in a monthly Visa Bulletin . The Visa Bulletin indicates when statutorily limited visas are available for issuance to prospective immigrants based on their individual priority date.

On Nov. 20, 2014, the Secretary of Homeland Security directed USCIS to work with DOS to:

• Ensure that all immigrant visas authorized by Congress are issued to eligible individuals when there is sufficient demand for such visas, and
• Improve the Visa Bulletin system for determining when immigrant visas are available to applicants during the fiscal year.

Additionally, in July 2015, the Administration issued its report on Modernizing and Streamlining Our Legal Immigration System for the 21st Century (PDF) . This report included detailed recommendations to revise and update the monthly Visa Bulletin to better estimate immigrant visa availability and provide needed predictability to nonimmigrant workers seeking permanent residency.

USCIS, in coordination with DOS, revised the procedures for determining visa availability for applicants waiting to file for adjustment of status. The revised process will better align with procedures DOS uses for noncitizens who seek to become U.S. permanent residents by applying for immigrant visas at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad.

This revised process will enhance DOS’s ability to more accurately predict overall immigrant visa demand in determining the cut-off dates for the Visa Bulletin. This will help ensure that the maximum number of immigrant visas are issued annually as intended by Congress, and minimize month-to-month fluctuations in Visa Bulletin final action dates. Additional goals are outlined in the White House report, Modernizing and Streamlining Our Legal Immigration System for the 21st Century (PDF) .

New Visa Bulletin Charts

The Visa Bulletin will now have two different charts because of the revised procedures. DOS will post two charts per visa preference category in the DOS Visa Bulletin. The charts are:

• Application Final Action Dates (dates when visas may finally be issued); and
• Dates for Filing Applications (earliest dates when applicants may be able to apply).

When USCIS determines there are immigrant visas available for the filing of additional adjustment of status applications, the Dates for Filing Applications chart may be used to determine when to file an adjustment of status application with USCIS. Otherwise, the Application Final Action Dates chart must be used to determine when to file an adjustment of status application with USCIS.

In coordination with the DOS, USCIS will monitor visa numbers each month and post the relevant chart on this page under When to File.

Determining Visa Availability

USCIS considers several factors to determine if there is a greater supply of visas than the demand for those visas. To determine visa availability, USCIS will compare the number of visas available for the remainder of the fiscal year with:

• Documentarily qualified visa applications reported by DOS;
• Pending adjustment of status applications reported by USCIS; and
• Historical drop off rate of applicants for adjustment of status (for example, denials, withdrawals and abandonments)