What does the term 'current' refer to concerning an alien's visa status?

The term 'current' in the context of an alien's visa status specifically indicates that the visa is immediately available. This means that the applicant can proceed with their visa application or change of status without delay due to visa unavailability. In immigration processes, particularly with regard to family-sponsored or employment-based visas, the concept of being 'current' is tied to the availability of a given number of visas based on the category and the applicant's country of origin.

When a visa is current, it signifies that the priority date (which establishes an applicant's place in the queue for a visa) is reached, allowing the individual to move forward with their immigration application. Understanding this is critical for determining eligibility and timeline for moving through the immigration process effectively.

In contrast, other options refer to different stages in the visa process. A pending petition or review would indicate that the case is not yet resolved, while an ineligibility status denotes that a visa cannot be granted at all, neither of which aligns with the term 'current.'