Calculate the timeline, costs, and probability of successfully transitioning from a work visa (H1B, TN, O1, etc.) to permanent residency (employment-based green card). This calculator provides realistic estimates for visa processing, labor certification (PERM), and green card application timelines.
Your Visa Situation
Current Status
Occupational Category
Timeline & Cost Factors
Cost Estimates
Your Green Card Transition Plan
Timeline Summary
Estimated Total Timeline0 months (~0 years)
Estimated Green Card ApprovalTBD
Detailed Process Timeline
Phase 1: Preparation & PERM (if applicable)
PERM Labor Certification
Timeline: 0 months | Cost: $0
Employer proves no available US workers. Includes prevailing wage determination, job posting, recruitment.
I-140 Immigrant Petition
Timeline: 0 months | Cost: $0
Employer files petition with supporting documents. Can request priority processing.
Phase 2: Green Card Application & Approval
I-485 Green Card Application
Timeline: 0 months | Cost: $0
After priority date becomes current. Includes medical exam, biometrics, interview.
Green Card Approval & Oath
Timeline: 0 months
Final approval and physical green card issuance.
Total Cost Summary
Government Fees$0
Immigration Lawyer Fees$0
Medical & Biometrics$0
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST$0
Success Probability & Risk Factors
Visa Retrogression Impact
Employment-Based Category
EB1 Timeline
EB2 Timeline
EB3 Timeline
Most Countries (Current)
Immediate
Current
Current
India (Historical Retrogression)
Current
2030+
2050+
Mexico (Retrogression Possible)
Current
Current
2-5 years
Key Recommendations
Understanding the Work Visa to Green Card Pathway
What is the green card immigration process? The employment-based green card (permanent residency) is a multi-stage process for international workers. Typically, it involves: (1) Labor Certification (PERM) proving no US workers are available, (2) I-140 petition filing, (3) Priority Date waiting period, (4) I-485 green card application, and (5) Final approval. The total process typically takes 2-10+ years depending on visa category, country of birth, and backlog.
The Five Stages of Employment-Based Green Card Process
Stage 1: PERM Labor Certification (6-24 months)
The employer must prove no available US workers can fill the position at the prevailing wage.
Employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition) demonstrating the job meets visa category requirements.
Typical costs: $1,050 filing fee + lawyer fees
Stage 3: Priority Date Waiting (Variable - 0 to 10+ years)
Wait for your Priority Date to become "current" (visa availability).
Impact factors:
EB1 (Extraordinary): Usually no wait (immediate)
EB2 (Advanced Degree): 0-5 years (depends on country)
EB3 (Bachelor's/Skilled): 0-15+ years (severe for India, Philippines)
India/China nationals face significant retrogression
Stage 4: I-485 Green Card Application (6-18 months)
Once Priority Date is current, file I-485 for adjustment of status. Includes medical exam and biometrics.
Typical costs: $3,000-$4,000 filing + medical exams
Stage 5: Final Approval & Card Issuance (1-3 months)
Approval decision and physical green card mailed.
The India Retrogression Problem
Indian-born nationals face severe visa retrogression due to per-country limits (7% of visas per country):
EB1: Immediate (Extraordinary ability claims are country-neutral)
EB2: Currently 2030-2035 retrogression (20+ year wait)
EB3: Currently 2050+ retrogression (30+ year wait)
This means an Indian software engineer in EB2 category might wait 15-20 years for green card approval despite employer sponsorship.
Visa Categories Explained
Category
Requirements
Typical Wait
Best For
EB1A
Extraordinary ability in arts/sciences/business
Immediate
Top researchers, executives, entrepreneurs
EB1B
Outstanding professor or researcher
Immediate
PhD holders, published researchers
EB2
Advanced degree (Master's+) OR exceptional ability
Current-10 years (India: 20+)
Most Master's/PhD professionals
EB3
Bachelor's degree or skilled workers
Current-5 years (India: 30+)
Bachelor's degree professionals
Worked Example: H1B Worker Transition Timeline
Scenario: Priya, a software engineer born in India, is on H1B visa in the US for 3 years. Her employer sponsors green card (EB2 category due to Master's degree in Computer Science).
If Priya published research or demonstrated extraordinary ability, she could qualify for EB1A
Timeline: 3-6 months (vs 13 years for EB2)
Cost: ~$5,000
Strategies to Speed Up Timeline
EB1A Category: If possible, pursue EB1A (Extraordinary Ability) instead of EB2/EB3. No retrogression, immediate processing.
Priority Processing (H1B): H1B workers can request premium processing for additional $2,500 fee.
National Interest Waiver: EB2 category can waive PERM requirement if waiver approved (rare, ~2% approval).
Schedule A Occupation: Certain occupations (nurses, therapists, physical therapists) skip PERM process entirely.
Country of Birth: Some countries have no retrogression. Consider changing country of residence.
Concurrent Filing: File I-485 at same time as I-140 (if eligible) saves 6-12 months.
Important Limitations & Disclaimers
Legal Complexity: This calculator provides estimates; actual timelines vary significantly based on individual circumstances, USCIS processing backlogs, and policy changes.
Retrogression Uncertainty: Visa retrogression depends on Congressional allocations and cannot be precisely predicted.
Not Legal Advice: This tool should NOT be used as legal advice. Always consult a qualified immigration attorney for your specific situation.
Policy Changes: Immigration law changes frequently. Timelines may shift due to administration changes, visa allocations, or legislative changes.
Employment Dependency: Green card sponsorship is tied to specific employer. Job loss complicates the process.
Country Limit Impact: If retrogression occurs after I-140 approval, wait time extends unpredictably.
PERM Denial Risk: If PERM denied, the entire process must restart (5-10% denial rate).
I-485 Denial Risk: Even after years of waiting, I-485 denial is possible (1-2% for employment-based).
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