The short answer
A priority date is your place in line for a green card. It is usually the date your petition was filed, or for many employment cases the date the labor certification was filed. It is on your receipt or approval notice.
What to know
- Find it on the I-797 notice for your petition.
- Compare it with the date for your category and country in the Visa Bulletin.
- If your date is earlier than the one shown, your turn has come.
- Your date stays the same even if you change jobs in some cases. Ask a qualified adviser.
For the exact rules, forms and fees, see the State Department visa website.
Visa Status is an unofficial site. This is general information in plain words, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change, so check the official website and your own papers. Written October 2026.