The primary purpose of this bulletin is to provide an updated waiting list (also known as Priority date) for immigrants who are subject to the quota system.
[1][2] Immigrants to the United States are categorized under those that need a waiting list, such as those seeking admission as a relative of a permanent resident, and those who do not require placement on a waiting list, such as the husband or wife of a US citizen.
The United States Department of State, Visa Control and Reporting Division is responsible for determining the movement of immigrant visa cut-off dates each month and for releasing the monthly Visa Bulletin.
[3] The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication that provides updated monthly numbers of the list of applicants and the "current" priority date for those applicants.
In the tables, "C" means current, i.e., visa numbers are available for all qualified applicants; and "U" means unavailable, i.e., no visa numbers are available.