Guide · 5 min read
Why Did My Priority Date Move Backward?
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What retrogression means
Retrogression means the Visa Bulletin cutoff moves backward to an earlier date. If your priority date was close to current, retrogression can push you back into the waiting line.
Why it happens
Retrogression usually happens when demand is higher than expected or when the government needs to keep visa use within annual limits. It is common near the end of the fiscal year and in categories with heavy demand.
What to do next
Keep tracking both charts, save proof of your priority date, and watch for the October fiscal-year reset. If you already filed I-485, ask your attorney how retrogression affects your specific pending case.