How do I check my brother's I-130 priority date against the Visa Bulletin?

Siblings of U.S. citizens are F4. Take the priority date from his I-130 notice and compare it with the F4 cutoff for his country of birth.

What happens when my priority date becomes current?

If you are in the U.S. and eligible to adjust, you may file Form I-485 (if not filed already). If you are processing abroad, NVC will ask for fees and documents and later schedule an interview.

Can my date be current one month and not the next?

Yes. That is retrogression: the cutoff can move backward when demand exceeds the numbers available. See what retrogression means.

Visa Bulletin

How do I know if my priority date is current this month?

Updated November 12, 2026 · Not legal advice

Your priority date is current when it is earlier than the cutoff date shown for your category and chargeability country in the chart that applies to you this month, or when that cell shows "C". If the cell shows "U", or a date earlier than yours, you are not current yet.

Where to find your priority date

Family cases: the date USCIS received your I-130, printed on the I-797 receipt or approval notice.
Employment cases with PERM: the date the labor certification was filed with the Department of Labor, shown on the I-140 approval notice.
EB-1, NIW and other cases without PERM: the date USCIS received the I-140 (or I-360 / I-526 / I-526E).

Then check the right chart

Pick the chart: inside the U.S., USCIS says each month whether to use Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing.
Find your category page for the cutoff date in your country.
Compare. Earlier than the cutoff = current.

Quick answers

How do I check my brother's I-130 priority date against the Visa Bulletin?: Siblings of U.S. citizens are F4. Take the priority date from his I-130 notice and compare it with the F4 cutoff for his country of birth.
What happens when my priority date becomes current?: If you are in the U.S. and eligible to adjust, you may file Form I-485 (if not filed already). If you are processing abroad, NVC will ask for fees and documents and later schedule an interview.
Can my date be current one month and not the next?: Yes. That is retrogression: the cutoff can move backward when demand exceeds the numbers available. See what retrogression means.

What to do next

Get an email the day your category moves in the Visa Bulletin.

Set up a free alert

Sources

Checked: November 12, 2026