Each Fiscal Year (Oct. 1st through September 30th of the following year) specific numbers of immigrant visas are set aside for allotting to the applicants. This is normally referred to as the annual quota or numerical limitation for green card.
Immigrant Visas are green cards issued to permanent resident applicants.
Immigrant visas categories are many and each category of immigrant visa is subject to a different numerical limit. Some visa categories are not subject to any numerical limitation.
Immigrant visa numerical limitations are subject to countrywise limits. These visas are issued based on employment as well as family sponsorship. Business Investors could also qualify for Immigrant Visa.
In order to maintain diversity the United States issues greencard to nationals of named countries by conducting a diversity lottery.
Asylum and refugee are humanitarian basis to obtain permanent residence for people who fear life threatening persecution.
Visa Bulletin shows the total number of immigrant visas annually available for each immigrant visa category. The chart shows the priority date of the permanent residence application currently under process. This is also called the cut-off date.
Visa Bulletin archive contains information on older visa bulletins.
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