What the official sources directory does
This page gathers the most important official links an Arab resident in the US needs to follow regularly — the Visa Bulletin, the USCIS processing times chart, the health insurance marketplace, and state government sites — in one place instead of searching for them from scratch every time. The goal is to follow your official source directly, not secondhand news that may be outdated or inaccurate.
How to use the directory
- Pick the category that matters to you (immigration, health, taxes, your specific state) from the listed groups.
- Open the official link directly from the tool — every link goes to the real .gov site, not an intermediary.
- Bookmark the pages you check regularly in your browser (the Visa Bulletin if you're waiting on a priority date, or the health insurance Open Enrollment page).
- Revisit the directory periodically, since some official links and dates change with each fiscal year or enrollment cycle.
Using these sources effectively
Each source has its own update rhythm: the Visa Bulletin comes out monthly at the start of the month, the USCIS processing times chart updates periodically but not on a fixed schedule, and Open Enrollment for health insurance is a fixed annual window you'll miss if you don't act within it. Know the rhythm of the specific source you care about rather than browsing every link aimlessly.
Tip: Sign up for official email alerts where available (some USCIS and travel.state.gov pages offer this) instead of relying only on remembering to check the page yourself.
Practical tips for Arabs in the US
- Avoid "unofficial" sites promising "exclusive" or "leaked" information about immigration dates or case outcomes — every genuine piece of official information is free on the correct .gov site.
- If you follow Facebook groups or WhatsApp chains for news, always verify anything you hear against the official link here before believing or acting on it.
- Distinguish between federal sources (apply to all states) and your specific state's sources (like your DMV or local tax office) — each carries different information.
Common mistakes
The most common mistake is confusing the real .gov site with a look-alike commercial site charging fees for services that are actually free (like the green card lottery registration or ESTA renewal). Another is following just one source, like a social media account, instead of the official site itself, which remains the decisive reference in any conflict. And some people stop checking after completing one action, even though their situation (a bulletin date, a renewal deadline) needs ongoing monitoring.
What's next
For a detailed walkthrough of each source, see our guides: the Visa Bulletin, USCIS processing times, and health insurance Open Enrollment.
This directory is a convenience list of official links only, not a substitute for checking the official site directly — government content and links can change without notice.
A comprehensive starting point for all US government services: usa.gov.