Retrogression means the green card cut-off date in a category moves backward, so a priority date that looked close to approval may need to wait again.
This guide is for applicants tracking a green card who want to understand what retrogression means, why it happens, and how to check whether their case is affected. Because visa availability varies by category and country, the impact can differ by situation.
Immigration rules and government procedures can change, so confirm current guidance and the latest Visa Bulletin for your case.
What Is Retrogression in U.S. Immigration?
Retrogression is the backward movement of priority date cut-offs in green card categories that have annual limits.
A category is “current” when visa numbers are available for that month and “not current” when the cut-off date blocks final approval for some applicants. Retrogression appears in the monthly Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State.
Why Does Retrogression Happen?
Retrogression happens when visa demand approaches or exceeds the number of visas available under yearly and country-based limits.
Annual Visa Limits
Each category has a yearly cap. When projected use nears the cap, the cut-off date can move backward to keep issuances within the limit.
Per-Country Limits
Each country is limited to a fixed share of visas. High-demand countries can see retrogression more often because the available numbers are spread across many applicants.
High Demand in Certain Categories
Some family-based and employment-based categories have persistent backlogs. Surges in filings can also trigger mid-year retrogression.
How Does Retrogression Affect Your Immigration Case?
Retrogression delays final action, but it does not deny your underlying petition.
For adjustment of status, a case may remain pending and cannot be finally approved if the priority date is not within the “Final Action Date” for that month.
For consular processing, interviews may be delayed or visa issuance may be held if a visa number is not available at the time of issuance.
Processing resumes once the dates become current again.
How to Check If Your Case Is Affected by Retrogression
You check retrogression by comparing your priority date to the Visa Bulletin’s “Final Action Date” for your category and chargeability area.
- Find your priority date. It is on the receipt notice for Form I-130 or Form I-140.
- Check the monthly Visa Bulletin. Find your preference category and chargeability area.
- Compare dates. If your priority date is earlier than the “Final Action Date,” your case can move forward that month. If it is later, your category is not current for final action.
- Confirm the right chart for filing. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may indicate which chart applies for adjustment filings in a given month.
Which Immigration Categories Are Most Affected by Retrogression?
Retrogression is most common in preference categories with heavy demand and strict annual limits.
Common examples include:
- Employment-Based: EB-2 (advanced degree professionals), EB-3 (skilled workers and professionals)
- Family-Based: F2A, F2B
- Family-Based: F4 (siblings of U.S. citizens)
High-demand countries may see longer waits in these categories.
How Long Does Retrogression Last?
There is no fixed timeline.
Retrogression can last months or years depending on demand and remaining visa numbers. New visa numbers become available at the start of the fiscal year on October 1, so dates may move forward then.
What Should You Do If Your Case Is Retrogressed?
The best approach is to stay ready, track movement monthly, and protect your status and documents while you wait.
- Monitor the Visa Bulletin each month and track your category and chargeability area.
- Maintain valid nonimmigrant status if you are in the U.S. and need it for lawful presence.
- Prepare documents in advance so you can respond quickly when dates advance.
- Explore alternative categories if you may qualify, but verify requirements before changing plans.
- Seek professional guidance if your case includes prior denials, status concerns, or dependent timing issues.
Can an Immigration Lawyer Help With Retrogression?
Yes, a lawyer can help you plan around retrogression, even though no one can remove annual limits.
Help may include priority date analysis, category-change review, status maintenance planning, and timing strategy.
Final Summary
Retrogression is a visa-availability delay caused by annual limits and demand, and it usually pauses approval rather than ending a case. Track the Visa Bulletin, keep documents ready, and maintain eligibility until your priority date is current again.
For more immigration guidance and resources, visit ImmigrationQuestion.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does retrogression mean my green card is denied?
No. It usually means a visa number is not available right now, so final approval may pause until dates become current again. - Can my interview be canceled because of retrogression?
Yes, it can be postponed or rescheduled if visa numbers are not available. An interview may still occur, but issuance can be delayed. - Can I switch categories to avoid retrogression?
Sometimes, but only if you independently qualify for another category. A change may require a different petition basis and new supporting evidence. - Will my priority date become current again?
Often yes, but timing is unpredictable. Dates can move forward and can retrogress again based on demand and visa availability. - Does retrogression affect dependents?
Yes. Dependents are tied to the principal applicant’s visa availability, so delays can affect timing for spouses and children. - What is the significance of visa retrogression and how does it affect applicants?
Retrogression signals limited visa availability in a category. It delays interviews, approvals, or visa issuance until priority dates fall within the published cut-off dates again.
