← All routes

1. 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. 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. 3.Immigrant Petition

   4 mo – 9 mo

   I-140

   Employer files I-140 immigrant worker petition.

   Tip: Premium processing recommended to lock in priority date. Approved I-140 allows H-1B extensions beyond 6 years.

4. 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. 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) concurrently. You can change employers after I-485 is pending 180+ days.

6. 6.Approval & 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.