What must happen to set a person's priority date?

The priority date is a crucial element in the immigration process, particularly for family-sponsored and employment-based visa categories. It establishes the individual's place in line for visa processing based on their category and country of origin. The correct answer emphasizes that the priority date is set when the petition is properly filed with USCIS.

When a petition, such as Form I-130 for family members or Form I-140 for employment, is submitted to USCIS, it is recorded along with the date of receipt. This date becomes the priority date, which determines when an applicant can move forward in the visa allocation process. It is essential for applicants to ensure the petition is completed accurately and filed appropriately, as it is this act that starts the clock on their waiting period.

Once the petition is filed, it will be reviewed and, if approved, will lead to other stages of the immigration process. However, without the initial proper filing of the petition, there is no priority date established for the individual. Therefore, the process of setting a priority date hinges on this critical first step.