If your priority date (PD) is listed as current in the November 2025 Visa Bulletin—or has advanced to “touch” your case—but you haven’t received any updates, approvals, or interview notices from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you’re not alone. This situation confuses many immigrants. Below, we explain why this happens and what you can do.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin and Priority Dates

The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State (DOS), shows when immigrant visas are available based on your priority date—the date your petition (e.g., I-130 for family-based or I-140 for employment-based) was filed. It does not control how fast USCIS processes your case; it only indicates visa availability.

The bulletin includes two charts for each visa category (family-sponsored and employment-based):

• Final Action Dates: When USCIS or DOS can approve your application and issue a visa or green card.
• Dates for Filing: When you can submit an adjustment of status application (Form I-485) if you’re in the U.S., even if a visa isn’t immediately available for approval.

For November 2025, USCIS is using the Dates for Filing chart for both family-sponsored and employment-based categories for I-485 filings. This allows more people to file applications but does not guarantee quick approvals. The November 2025 bulletin shows minimal changes from October 2025, with no significant advancements or retrogressions in most categories.

Why Haven’t You Received a Notice from USCIS?

A current priority date means a visa is theoretically available, but it doesn’t mean USCIS will act immediately. Here’s why you might still be waiting:

1. 1. Processing Times Are Independent of the Visa Bulletin
      The Visa Bulletin governs visa availability, not USCIS processing speed. Processing times for forms like I-485 vary widely (6 months to several years) based on your service center, visa category, and USCIS workload. A current PD doesn’t move your case to the front of the queue. Check processing times at USCIS Processing Times.
   2. Backlogs and Workload
      USCIS handles millions of cases, processing them in the order received or based on internal priorities. Even if your PD is current, your case may still be pending due to background checks, security clearances, or requests for additional evidence. Backlogs can delay action for months.
   3. Adjudication Delays
      For I-485s, USCIS can only approve when the Final Action Date is current and all reviews (e.g., interviews, biometrics, medical exams) are complete. If your PD just became current, it may take time for an officer to be assigned to your case. USCIS may also hold cases to manage visa numbers and avoid over-issuing.
   4. Other Delay Factors
      • Requests for Evidence (RFEs): If USCIS needs more documentation, your case pauses until you respond.
      • Field Office Variations: Local USCIS offices have different workloads, affecting processing speed.
      • Fiscal Year Limits: Visa caps can slow processing near the fiscal year-end (September).
      • No Automatic Updates: USCIS doesn’t send “PD is current” notices; updates come via case status changes or interview notices.

What You Can Do While Waiting

• Check Case Status: Use my.uscis.gov or call 1-800-375-5283.
• Submit an Inquiry: If your case exceeds normal processing times, use the USCIS e-Request tool.
• Contact Your Congressman: For significant delays, request a congressional inquiry through your U.S. representative or senator.
• Monitor Updates: Track USCIS announcements and the Visa Bulletin, especially for categories prone to retrogression (e.g., EB-2 India/China).
• Consult an Attorney: If delays seem unusual, seek professional advice.

Immigration is a lengthy process, and a current PD is just one step. Stay patient, monitor your case, and escalate politely if delays persist.

FAQ

Q: Why is my priority date current but no USCIS notice?
A: A current PD means a visa is available, but USCIS processing depends on backlogs, reviews, and case-specific factors like RFEs or interviews.

Q: How long will it take to get a notice after my PD is current?
A: It varies—check USCIS processing times for your form and service center. Delays can range from weeks to months.

Q: Can I speed up my case?
A: You can submit an inquiry if your case is outside normal processing times or contact a congressman for extreme delays. Expedite requests are rarely granted without urgent reasons.

Q: What if my category retrogresses again?
A: If you’ve filed an I-485 under the Dates for Filing chart, you’re generally safe, but approval requires a current Final Action Date.

Q: Should I hire an attorney?
A: If your case is complex or significantly delayed, an immigration attorney can provide clarity and assistance.

Sources: USCIS and DOS websites, community insights from Reddit.