H-1B to green card
Full path from H-1B work visa through employment-based green card
1.H-1B petition
3 mo - 6 mo
I-129
Employer files I-129 for H-1B specialty occupation visa, subject to annual cap and lottery.
Tip: Registration period is typically in March. Premium processing available. Cap-exempt employers (universities, research orgs) not subject to lottery.
2.PERM labor certification
6 mo - 1 yr
PERM
Employer initiates green card process with labor certification.
Tip: Can start PERM any time during H-1B. Prevailing wage determination from DOL takes 6-8 months alone.
3.Immigrant petition
4 mo - 9 mo
I-140
Employer files I-140 immigrant worker petition.
Tip: Premium processing ($2,965) gets a faster decision. Once approved, an I-140 generally keeps its priority date even if the employer later withdraws it after 180 days. Approved I-140 allows H-1B extensions beyond 6 years.
4.Priority date wait
0 mo - 5 yr
Wait for priority date to become current per the Visa Bulletin.
Tip: H-1B can be extended in 3-year increments with approved I-140. Monitor Visa Bulletin monthly.
5.Adjustment of status
8 mo - 1 yr 6 mo
I-485
File I-485 when priority date becomes current.
Tip: File I-765 (EAD) and I-131 (AP) with it if you need them - each has its own fee since April 1, 2024. After the I-485 has been pending 180+ days, you can change employers if the new job is in the same or similar occupational classification (AC21).
6.Approval and card
0 mo - 1 mo
Green card approved, produced, and mailed.
Tip: Keep copies of all immigration documents. Begin naturalization eligibility countdown (5 years).
These durations are typical ranges, not promises - USCIS publishes its own current times, and yours may differ in either direction. Nothing here is legal advice.