What is the priority date based on?

The priority date is based on the filing date of a visa petition. This is significant because the priority date establishes an individual's place in the queue for obtaining a visa. When a petition is filed, the date it is accepted by USCIS becomes the priority date, and this date is crucial for determining the wait time for a visa, especially in cases where the number of applicants exceeds the available visa numbers in certain categories. The priority date allows USCIS to manage the flow of applications and allocate visas fairly based on when applications were submitted, ensuring that those who have waited the longest receive their visas first.

Other factors like the approval of a visa number, marriage date to a U.S. citizen, or application interview date are relevant in the broader immigration process but do not determine the priority date itself. These dates can impact the overall timeline or eligibility but are not the basis for establishing the priority date, which remains firmly anchored in the initial filing of the visa petition.