Priority Date

A priority date is a specific date that establishes the precedence of a legal claim, application, or status, particularly in areas like immigration or patents. In immigration, it marks when an application is submitted, affecting when a visa or residency status may be granted; earlier dates generally allow applicants to move forward sooner. In patents, the priority date indicates when an invention was disclosed, determining who has the right to the invention if multiple claims arise. Essentially, the priority date helps ensure fairness and organization in processing applications or claims based on submission timing.