What is a priority date and why is it important?
The priority date is the date the labor certification is filed for processing. This date is important since it will later be the date shown on the I-140 when the visa petition is filed and upon approval will place the employee’s name on the visa waiting list based on this chronological filing. The date of approval of the labor certification is irrelevant in determining the priority date. If there is a quota backlog in the visa category, then the priority date becomes important since it is the date by which that person will be placed in the queue. The final processing of the green card cannot occur until the priority date is current.
