Immigration Pathways

83 routes between statuses. Start from where you are now.

From AsylumAsylee status

Asylum → Green card (permanent)

Straightforward

Asylee adjustment of status (1-year rule)

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 12 to 36 months

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Granted asylum at least 1 year ago
Continue to meet definition of refugee/asylee
Physically present in the U.S.
Admissible or eligible for a waiver

Watch out for

Must wait 1 year after asylum grant
Check the current I-485 fee for asylees on uscis.gov/fees before filing

Asylum → U.S. Citizen

Moderate

Asylee to green card to naturalization

Main Form: N-400
Typical Time: 60 to 96 months
Typical Cost: ~$760

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Adjust to LPR 1 year after asylum grant
Meet 5-year LPR requirement (backdated by 1 year for asylees)
Good moral character
Pass English and civics tests

Watch out for

Must first obtain green card
Entire process is multi-year

From B-1/B-2Business/tourist visitor

B-1/B-2 → F-1

Moderate

Change of status to F-1 student

Main Form: I-539
Typical Time: 3 to 8 months
Typical Cost: ~$800

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Admission to SEVP-certified school
I-20 from the school
Proof of financial support
Valid B-1/B-2 status at time of filing

Watch out for

Cannot begin studies until COS is approved
USCIS scrutinizes intent - entering on B with intent to study is discouraged

B-1/B-2 → Green card (conditional)

Moderate

Marriage to U.S. citizen (adjustment of status)

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 8 to 24 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bona fide marriage to a U.S. citizen
Lawful entry into the United States
Marriage must be genuine - not for immigration benefit

Watch out for

USCIS may scrutinize if marriage occurred shortly after entry
Conditional green card if married < 2 years
Preconceived intent doctrine - entering on B to marry can be problematic

B-1/B-2 → H-1B

Moderate

Change of status to H-1B

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 3 to 8 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Job offer in specialty occupation
Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Selected in H-1B lottery if cap-subject
Valid B status at filing

Watch out for

Cannot work until COS approved and effective
Subject to H-1B cap

From DACADeferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

DACA → Green card (conditional)

Complex

Marriage to U.S. citizen (with advance parole + AOS)

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 12 to 36 months
Typical Cost: ~$3,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bona fide marriage to U.S. citizen
Travel on advance parole to create lawful entry (if no prior lawful entry)
No 3/10-year unlawful presence bars (or waiver)

Watch out for

Complex interplay between unlawful presence, advance parole, and adjustment
Some DACA recipients entered without inspection - affects AOS eligibility
Must carefully plan advance parole travel

DACA → F-1

Complex

Advance parole + F-1 (limited)

Main Form: I-131
Typical Time: 6 to 18 months
Typical Cost: ~$1,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Approved advance parole
Acceptance at SEVP school
Travel abroad and reentry on advance parole

Watch out for

DACA advance parole is very limited and discretionary
Traveling without AP would terminate DACA

From E-2Treaty investor

E-2 → EB-5

Complex

EB-5 immigrant investor

Main Form: I-526E
Typical Time: 24 to 60 months
Typical Cost: ~$900,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Investment of $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in TEA)
Create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs
Lawful source of investment funds

Watch out for

High investment threshold
Processing times can be very long
Conditional green card for 2 years

E-2 → H-1B

Moderate

Change of status to H-1B

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 3 to 8 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Job offer from U.S. employer in specialty occupation
Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Selected in H-1B lottery if cap-subject

Watch out for

Subject to H-1B cap
Gives up E-2 treaty investor status

E-2 → Green card (conditional)

Moderate

Marriage to U.S. citizen

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 8 to 24 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bona fide marriage to U.S. citizen
Lawful entry and status

Watch out for

Conditional green card if married < 2 years

E-2 → O-1

Complex

Change of status to O-1

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 2 to 5 months
Typical Cost: ~$3,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Extraordinary ability or achievement in business
Advisory opinion

Watch out for

High evidentiary burden

From E-3Australian Specialty Occupation

E-3 → H-1B

Moderate

Change of status to H-1B

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 3 to 8 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Job offer in specialty occupation
Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Watch out for

Subject to H-1B cap

E-3 → EB-2

Complex

PERM + I-140 (EB-2)

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 18 to 36 months
Typical Cost: ~$8,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Advanced degree or exceptional ability
Employer completes PERM labor certification

Watch out for

Must maintain E-3 status during processing

E-3 → Green card (conditional)

Moderate

Marriage to U.S. citizen

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 8 to 20 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bona fide marriage to U.S. citizen
Lawful status

Watch out for

Conditional if married < 2 years

From EB-1Employment-based first preference

EB-1 → Green card (permanent)

Straightforward

Adjustment of status or consular processing

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 6 to 18 months
Typical Cost: ~$1,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Approved I-140 petition
Visa number available (priority date current)
Admissible to the United States

Watch out for

Must wait for priority date to become current if retrogressed

From EB-2Employment-based second preference

EB-2 → Green card (permanent)

Straightforward

Adjustment of status or consular processing

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 6 to 36 months
Typical Cost: ~$1,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Approved I-140
Priority date current per visa bulletin
Admissibility

Watch out for

Significant backlog for India and China-born applicants

From EB-3Employment-based third preference

EB-3 → Green card (permanent)

Straightforward

Adjustment of status or consular processing

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 6 to 48 months
Typical Cost: ~$1,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Approved I-140
Priority date current
Admissibility

Watch out for

Longer backlogs than EB-2 for some countries

From EB-4Special immigrants

EB-4 → Green card (permanent)

Moderate

Adjustment of status

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 6 to 24 months
Typical Cost: ~$1,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Qualify as special immigrant (religious worker, etc.)
Approved I-360 petition
Priority date current

Watch out for

Limited to specific categories

From EB-5Immigrant investor

EB-5 → Green card (conditional)

Complex

EB-5 investor green card

Main Form: I-526E
Typical Time: 24 to 60 months
Typical Cost: ~$900,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Investment of $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in TEA)
Create 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
Lawful source of funds

Watch out for

Conditional green card - must file I-829 to remove conditions
Very long processing times

From F-1Student visa

F-1 → H-1B

Moderate

Employer petition (change of status)

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 3 to 6 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bachelor's degree or higher in specialty field
Job offer from U.S. employer in specialty occupation
Selected in H-1B lottery (if cap-subject)
Valid F-1 status at time of filing
Employer must file Labor Condition Application (LCA)

Watch out for

Subject to annual H-1B cap (65,000 + 20,000 master's)
Cannot begin work until October 1 of fiscal year
Must maintain valid F-1 status during processing

F-1 → O-1

Complex

Change of status to extraordinary ability

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 2 to 5 months
Typical Cost: ~$3,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Demonstrate extraordinary ability or achievement in field
Sustained national or international acclaim
Advisory opinion from peer group or labor organization
Agent or employer to petition on your behalf

Watch out for

High evidentiary burden - need significant documentation
Must prove extraordinary distinction, not just competence

F-1 → EB-1

Complex

EB-1A self-petition (extraordinary ability)

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 8 to 24 months
Typical Cost: ~$3,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics
Meet at least 3 of 10 USCIS criteria or show one-time major achievement
Intention to continue working in the field in the U.S.
No job offer or labor certification required

Watch out for

Extremely high standard of proof
Denial rate is significant without strong evidence

F-1 → Green card (conditional)

Moderate

Marriage to U.S. citizen (adjustment of status)

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 8 to 24 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bona fide marriage to a U.S. citizen
Lawful entry into the United States
Spouse files I-130 concurrently
Financial sponsor meets income requirements (I-864)

Watch out for

Conditional green card if married less than 2 years at approval
Must file I-751 to remove conditions before card expires
Cannot depart U.S. without advance parole during processing

F-1 → TN

Straightforward

Change to TN status (Canadian/Mexican nationals)

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 1 to 3 months
Typical Cost: ~$500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Canadian or Mexican citizenship
Job offer in USMCA professional category
Required degree for the profession

Watch out for

Only available to Canadian and Mexican nationals
Nonimmigrant intent required - no dual intent

F-1 → J-1

Straightforward

Change to exchange visitor (J-1)

Main Form: DS-2019
Typical Time: 1 to 4 months
Typical Cost: ~$600

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Accepted into J-1 exchange program
DS-2019 from program sponsor
Meet program-specific requirements

Watch out for

May become subject to 2-year home residency requirement
Different work authorization rules than F-1

F-1 → EB-2

Complex

EB-2 national interest waiver (NIW)

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 12 to 30 months
Typical Cost: ~$4,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Advanced degree or exceptional ability
Proposed endeavor of national importance
Well-positioned to advance the endeavor

Watch out for

Subject to EB-2 visa bulletin backlog
Must maintain F-1 status or use OPT during processing

From FB-1Unmarried sons/daughters of U.S. citizens

FB-1 → Green card (permanent)

Moderate

Consular processing or adjustment of status

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 12 to 84 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

I-130 filed by U.S. citizen parent
Priority date current
Unmarried at time of admission

Watch out for

Long wait times - often 7+ years
Must remain unmarried

From FB-2ASpouses and minor children of LPRs

FB-2A → Green card (permanent)

Moderate

Consular processing or adjustment of status

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 12 to 48 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

I-130 filed by LPR spouse or parent
Priority date current

Watch out for

Wait times vary - typically 2-5 years

From FB-2BUnmarried sons/daughters (21+) of LPRs

FB-2B → Green card (permanent)

Moderate

Consular processing or adjustment of status

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 36 to 120 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

I-130 filed by LPR parent
Priority date current
Unmarried and over 21

Watch out for

Very long wait times - often 5-10+ years
Must remain unmarried

From FB-3Married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens

FB-3 → Green card (permanent)

Moderate

Consular processing or adjustment of status

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 60 to 144 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

I-130 filed by U.S. citizen parent
Priority date current

Watch out for

Extremely long wait times - often 10+ years for some countries

From FB-4Siblings of adult U.S. citizens

FB-4 → Green card (permanent)

Moderate

Consular processing or adjustment of status

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 84 to 180 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

I-130 filed by U.S. citizen sibling
Priority date current
Petitioner must be 21+

Watch out for

Longest family wait - 15+ years for some countries

From Green card (conditional)Conditional permanent resident (2-year)

Green card (conditional) → Green card (permanent)

Straightforward

Remove conditions on residence

Main Form: I-751
Typical Time: 12 to 24 months
Typical Cost: ~$750

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

File I-751 within 90-day window before conditional card expires
Joint filing with spouse (or waiver if divorced/abused)
Evidence of bona fide marriage

Watch out for

Must file within the 90-day window
Failure to file results in termination of resident status

Green card (conditional) → Green card (permanent)

Moderate

Remove conditions (EB-5 investor)

Main Form: I-829
Typical Time: 18 to 36 months
Typical Cost: ~$3,750

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Investment maintained throughout conditional period
10 full-time jobs created or preserved
File within 90-day window before card expires

Watch out for

Must demonstrate investment and jobs were sustained

From Green card (permanent)Lawful permanent resident

Green card (permanent) → U.S. Citizen

Straightforward

Naturalization (5-year rule)

Main Form: N-400
Typical Time: 8 to 18 months
Typical Cost: ~$760

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years
Physically present in U.S. for at least 30 months of last 5 years
Continuous residence in U.S.
Good moral character
Pass English and civics tests
At least 18 years old

Watch out for

Trips outside U.S. over 6 months may break continuous residence
Certain criminal convictions bar naturalization

Green card (permanent) → U.S. Citizen

Straightforward

Naturalization (3-year rule - married to U.S. citizen)

Main Form: N-400
Typical Time: 6 to 15 months
Typical Cost: ~$760

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

LPR for at least 3 years
Married to and living with U.S. citizen spouse for entire 3 years
Physically present 18 months of last 3 years
Good moral character
Pass English and civics tests

Watch out for

Must still be married at time of oath ceremony
If divorced before oath, must requalify under 5-year rule

Green card (permanent) → U.S. Citizen

Straightforward

Naturalization (military service)

Main Form: N-400
Typical Time: 4 to 12 months

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Active duty or honorable discharge
1 year of military service (peacetime) or any service during hostilities
Good moral character
Pass English and civics tests (exemptions may apply)

Watch out for

Must be serving or have served honorably

From H-1BSpecialty occupation worker

H-1B → EB-2

Complex

PERM labor certification + I-140 (EB-2)

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 18 to 48 months
Typical Cost: ~$8,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Job requires master's degree or bachelor's + 5 years experience
Employer must complete PERM labor certification
Employer must demonstrate inability to find U.S. workers
Prevailing wage determination from DOL

Watch out for

Visa bulletin backlog may cause years of waiting (especially India/China)
Cannot change employers during PERM without restarting
Must maintain H-1B status while waiting

H-1B → EB-3

Complex

PERM labor certification + I-140 (EB-3)

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 24 to 60 months
Typical Cost: ~$7,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Job requires bachelor's degree or 2 years experience
Employer must complete PERM labor certification
Employer must demonstrate inability to find U.S. workers

Watch out for

Longer visa bulletin wait times than EB-2 typically
Must maintain valid H-1B status during processing

H-1B → EB-1

Complex

EB-1B outstanding researcher/professor

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 8 to 18 months
Typical Cost: ~$4,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

International recognition as outstanding researcher or professor
At least 3 years of experience in the academic field
Offer for tenured/tenure-track position or comparable research role
Meet at least 2 of 6 USCIS criteria for outstanding researchers

Watch out for

Limited to academic and research positions
Employer must petition - no self-petition

H-1B → EB-2

Complex

EB-2 national interest waiver (NIW)

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 12 to 30 months
Typical Cost: ~$4,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Advanced degree or exceptional ability
Proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance
Well-positioned to advance the endeavor
On balance, beneficial to waive job offer and labor certification

Watch out for

Subject to EB-2 visa bulletin backlog
Denial risk higher without strong evidence of national importance

H-1B → Green card (conditional)

Moderate

Marriage to U.S. citizen (adjustment of status)

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 8 to 20 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bona fide marriage to a U.S. citizen
Lawful entry and status
Spouse files I-130 petition
Financial affidavit of support

Watch out for

Conditional green card if married less than 2 years at approval
Must file I-751 before conditional card expires

H-1B → L-1A

Moderate

Transfer to managerial/executive role (intracompany)

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 2 to 6 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Employed by qualifying multinational organization
At least 1 year of continuous employment abroad in last 3 years
Transferring to executive or managerial capacity

Watch out for

Must have worked for a related foreign entity
L-1A max stay is 7 years

H-1B → O-1

Complex

Change of status to O-1

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 2 to 5 months
Typical Cost: ~$3,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Extraordinary ability or achievement
Advisory opinion from peer group
Agent or employer petition

Watch out for

High evidentiary burden

H-1B → EB-1

Complex

EB-1A extraordinary ability self-petition

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 6 to 18 months
Typical Cost: ~$4,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Extraordinary ability in field
Meet 3 of 10 criteria
National or international acclaim

Watch out for

High standard of proof

From H-4H-1B dependent spouse/child

H-4 → H-1B

Moderate

Change of status to H-1B

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 3 to 8 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Job offer from U.S. employer in specialty occupation
Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Selected in H-1B lottery if cap-subject

Watch out for

Subject to H-1B cap unless cap-exempt
Must maintain H-4 status during processing

H-4 → Green card (conditional)

Moderate

Marriage to U.S. citizen (adjustment of status)

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 8 to 24 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bona fide marriage to a U.S. citizen
Lawful entry and maintained status
Affidavit of support from sponsoring spouse

Watch out for

Conditional green card if married < 2 years

H-4 → EB-2

Complex

EB-2 national interest waiver (NIW)

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 12 to 30 months
Typical Cost: ~$4,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Advanced degree or exceptional ability
Proposed endeavor of national importance

Watch out for

H-4 status tied to principal H-1B

From J-1Exchange visitor

J-1 → H-1B

Complex

Change of Status to H-1B (after 212(e) waiver if applicable)

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 6 to 18 months
Typical Cost: ~$3,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Must fulfill or obtain waiver of 2-year home residency requirement (212(e))
Job offer in specialty occupation
Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Watch out for

Cannot change status if subject to 212(e) without waiver
Waiver process can take 4-12 months
Subject to H-1B cap

J-1 → O-1

Complex

Change of Status to O-1 (after 212(e) waiver if applicable)

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 4 to 12 months
Typical Cost: ~$3,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Extraordinary ability or achievement
212(e) waiver if subject to home residency requirement

Watch out for

High evidentiary bar
212(e) must be resolved first

J-1 → Green card (conditional)

Moderate

Marriage to U.S. citizen

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 10 to 24 months
Typical Cost: ~$3,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bona fide marriage to U.S. citizen
212(e) waiver if subject to home residency requirement
Lawful entry and status

Watch out for

Cannot adjust status without 212(e) waiver if applicable

J-1 → F-1

Moderate

Change of status to F-1 student

Main Form: I-539
Typical Time: 2 to 6 months
Typical Cost: ~$800

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Acceptance at SEVP school
I-20 issued
Not subject to 212(e) or waiver obtained

Watch out for

212(e) must be resolved before COS

From K-1Fiance(e) of U.S. citizen

K-1 → Green card (conditional)

Straightforward

Adjustment of status after marriage

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 8 to 18 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Must marry the U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days of entry
File I-485 adjustment of status
Financial affidavit of support

Watch out for

Must marry the specific petitioner - not someone else
Cannot adjust through marriage to a different person
Conditional green card (2-year)

From K-3Spouse of U.S. citizen (abroad)

K-3 → Green card (conditional)

Straightforward

Adjustment of status

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 8 to 18 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Already married to U.S. citizen petitioner
Valid K-3 entry
I-130 filed by U.S. citizen spouse

Watch out for

Conditional green card if married < 2 years at approval

From L-1AIntracompany transferee (manager/executive)

L-1A → EB-1

Moderate

EB-1C multinational manager/executive

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 8 to 18 months
Typical Cost: ~$4,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Currently working in managerial or executive capacity on L-1A
Employed by qualifying multinational organization
Offered permanent managerial/executive position
At least 1 year employment abroad with related entity in last 3 years

Watch out for

Must maintain L-1A status during processing
Position must be truly managerial/executive

L-1A → EB-2

Complex

PERM + I-140 (EB-2)

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 18 to 48 months
Typical Cost: ~$8,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Master's degree or bachelor's + 5 years progressive experience
Employer completes PERM labor certification
Prevailing wage determination

Watch out for

PERM can take 6-18 months
Visa bulletin backlog may apply

L-1A → Green card (conditional)

Moderate

Marriage to U.S. citizen

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 8 to 20 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bona fide marriage to U.S. citizen
Lawful status

Watch out for

Conditional if married < 2 years

L-1A → H-1B

Moderate

Change of status to H-1B

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 3 to 8 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Job offer in specialty occupation
Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Watch out for

Subject to H-1B cap if cap-subject

From L-1BIntracompany transferee (specialized knowledge)

L-1B → H-1B

Moderate

Change of status to H-1B

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 3 to 8 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Job offer in specialty occupation
Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Employer files LCA and I-129

Watch out for

Subject to H-1B cap unless cap-exempt
L-1B max stay is 5 years vs H-1B 6 years

L-1B → EB-2

Complex

PERM + I-140 (EB-2)

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 18 to 48 months
Typical Cost: ~$8,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Advanced degree or exceptional ability
Employer completes PERM process
Job qualifies for EB-2 classification

Watch out for

L-1B max stay 5 years - tight timeline
Must maintain status during processing

L-1B → Green card (conditional)

Moderate

Marriage to U.S. citizen

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 8 to 20 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bona fide marriage to U.S. citizen
Lawful status

Watch out for

Conditional if married < 2 years

From L-2L-1 dependent spouse/child

L-2 → H-1B

Moderate

Change of status to H-1B

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 3 to 8 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Job offer in specialty occupation
Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Selected in H-1B lottery if cap-subject

Watch out for

Subject to H-1B cap

L-2 → Green card (conditional)

Moderate

Marriage to U.S. citizen

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 8 to 24 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bona fide marriage to U.S. citizen
Lawful entry and status

Watch out for

Conditional if married < 2 years

From O-1Extraordinary Ability

O-1 → EB-1

Complex

EB-1A extraordinary ability self-petition

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 6 to 18 months
Typical Cost: ~$4,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Sustained national or international acclaim
Meet at least 3 of 10 criteria
Intent to continue working in field

Watch out for

Standard for EB-1A is higher than O-1
Cannot assume O-1 approval guarantees EB-1A approval

O-1 → EB-2

Moderate

EB-2 national interest waiver

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 12 to 30 months
Typical Cost: ~$4,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Advanced degree or exceptional ability
Proposed endeavor has national importance
Well positioned to advance the endeavor

Watch out for

Subject to EB-2 backlog

O-1 → Green card (conditional)

Moderate

Marriage to U.S. citizen

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 8 to 20 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bona fide marriage to U.S. citizen
Lawful entry and status

Watch out for

Conditional if married < 2 years

O-1 → H-1B

Moderate

Change of status to H-1B

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 3 to 8 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Job offer in specialty occupation
Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Watch out for

Subject to H-1B cap if cap-subject
H-1B has 6-year max (with extensions for green card processing)

From ParoleeHumanitarian or advance parole

Parolee → Asylum

Complex

Affirmative asylum application

Main Form: I-589
Typical Time: 6 to 48 months

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Fear of persecution in home country
File within 1 year of parole into U.S.

Watch out for

1-year filing deadline
Parole does not guarantee asylum eligibility

Parolee → Green card (conditional)

Moderate

Marriage to U.S. citizen

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 8 to 24 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bona fide marriage to U.S. citizen
Parole is not an admission, but it meets the "inspected and admitted or paroled" requirement for adjustment

Watch out for

Conditional if married < 2 years

Parolee → TPS

Moderate

TPS registration

Main Form: I-821
Typical Time: 3 to 12 months
Typical Cost: ~$500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

National of TPS-designated country
Present since designation date
Register during open period

Watch out for

TPS designation must be active for your country

From RefugeeRefugee status

Refugee → Green card (permanent)

Straightforward

Refugee adjustment of status (1-year rule)

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 12 to 30 months

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Admitted as refugee at least 1 year ago
Physically present in the United States
Admissible or waiver eligible

Watch out for

Must file within a reasonable time after 1 year

Refugee → U.S. Citizen

Moderate

Refugee to green card to naturalization

Main Form: N-400
Typical Time: 60 to 84 months
Typical Cost: ~$760

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Adjust to LPR 1 year after admission as refugee
Green card date backdated to date of U.S. entry
Meet 5-year LPR requirement
Good moral character
Pass English and civics tests

Watch out for

Must first obtain green card

From TNNAFTA/USMCA professional

TN → H-1B

Moderate

Change of status to H-1B

Main Form: I-129
Typical Time: 3 to 8 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Job offer in specialty occupation
Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Watch out for

Subject to H-1B cap
TN technically requires nonimmigrant intent - applying for H-1B shows dual intent

TN → EB-2

Complex

PERM + I-140 (EB-2)

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 18 to 36 months
Typical Cost: ~$8,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Advanced degree or exceptional ability
Employer completes PERM

Watch out for

TN technically requires nonimmigrant intent - immigrant intent creates risk
Must carefully time green card application

TN → Green card (conditional)

Moderate

Marriage to U.S. citizen

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 8 to 20 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bona fide marriage to U.S. citizen
Lawful entry and status

Watch out for

Conditional if married < 2 years
TN status may be affected by showing immigrant intent

TN → EB-2

Complex

EB-2 national interest waiver (NIW)

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 12 to 30 months
Typical Cost: ~$4,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Advanced degree or exceptional ability
National importance of endeavor

Watch out for

TN requires nonimmigrant intent - filing I-140 shows immigrant intent
May need to transition to H-1B before filing I-485

From TPSTemporary Protected Status

TPS → Green card (conditional)

Moderate

Marriage to U.S. citizen (adjustment of status)

Main Form: I-485
Typical Time: 10 to 24 months
Typical Cost: ~$2,500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bona fide marriage to U.S. citizen
Inspected and admitted or paroled into the U.S. - TPS by itself does not count as an admission
Admissibility

Watch out for

TPS is not an admission for adjustment under INA 245(a) (Sanchez v. Mayorkas, 2021)
Consult an attorney about your own entry history before filing

TPS → Asylum

Complex

Affirmative asylum application

Main Form: I-589
Typical Time: 6 to 48 months

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or particular social group
File within 1 year of last arrival (exceptions may apply)

Watch out for

1-year filing deadline is strict
TPS alone does not qualify as asylum - must independently qualify

TPS → Green card (permanent)

Complex

Employer-sponsored green card (EB-2/3)

Main Form: I-140
Typical Time: 24 to 60 months
Typical Cost: ~$8,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Job offer from U.S. employer
PERM labor certification
Qualifying degree or experience
Inspected and admitted or paroled into the U.S. - TPS by itself does not count as an admission

Watch out for

TPS is not an admission for adjustment under INA 245(a) (Sanchez v. Mayorkas, 2021)
Long processing times

From UndocumentedNo current lawful status

Undocumented → Green card (conditional)

Complex

Marriage to U.S. citizen (consular processing with I-601A waiver)

Main Form: I-130
Typical Time: 18 to 48 months
Typical Cost: ~$4,000

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Bona fide marriage to U.S. citizen
Provisional unlawful presence waiver (I-601A) if applicable
Must depart U.S. for consular processing (triggering 3/10-year bars)
Extreme hardship to U.S. citizen spouse shown for waiver

Watch out for

Departing the U.S. triggers 3 or 10-year unlawful presence bar
Must obtain I-601A waiver before departing
Complex and high-stakes process

Undocumented → Asylum

Complex

Affirmative or defensive asylum application

Main Form: I-589
Typical Time: 6 to 60 months

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Fear of persecution based on protected ground
File within 1 year of last entry (exceptions may apply)
Physically present in the United States

Watch out for

1-year filing deadline is strict but has exceptions
Must show a well-founded fear of persecution ("credible fear" is only the screening standard in expedited removal)

Undocumented → TPS

Moderate

Temporary Protected Status registration

Main Form: I-821
Typical Time: 3 to 12 months
Typical Cost: ~$500

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

National of designated TPS country
Continuously resided in U.S. since designation date
Continuously physically present since specified date
Register during open registration period

Watch out for

TPS is temporary - depends on country designation
Does not lead directly to green card

Undocumented → Green card (permanent)

Complex

U visa (crime victims) to green card

Main Form: I-918
Typical Time: 48 to 96 months

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Victim of qualifying crime in the U.S.
Suffered substantial physical or mental abuse
Law enforcement certification (Supplement B)
Helpful or likely to be helpful in investigation/prosecution

Watch out for

Annual cap of 10,000 U visas
Extreme backlog - years-long wait

Undocumented → Green card (permanent)

Complex

VAWA self-petition (abused spouse/child/parent)

Main Form: I-360
Typical Time: 12 to 36 months

What it requires, and what rules it out →

Requires

Abused by U.S. citizen or LPR spouse, parent, or child (21+)
Good moral character
Resided with abuser

Watch out for

Must demonstrate battery or extreme cruelty

Times and costs are typical ranges, not quotes, and a pathway being listed does not mean you qualify for it. Immigration law turns on specifics - this is a map, not advice.