Alma Step‑by‑Step Guide: H‑1B to Green Card Timeline

The green card process for H-1B visa holders often involves multiple steps over several months or even years. Timing matters, especially for applicants planning long-term work or permanent residence in the United States.

While some steps can move faster with options like premium processing, other parts of the process depend on visa backlogs and country-specific wait times. Understanding the full timeline helps set proper expectations and avoid missed opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• The full timeline from H-1B visa to green card across all key stages.
• What each step in the green card process involves, including required forms and approvals.
• Examples to help you understand the actual H-1B to green card journey timelines and how to maintain status during the transfer process.

What is an H-1B Visa?

The H-1B visa is a temporary work permit that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign professionals in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. While the H-1B visa provides temporary status, many H-1B holders and their employers choose to pursue permanent residency through an employment-based Green Card. 

How the Green Card Process Works for H-1B Holders

The green card process for H-1B visa holders follows a fixed set of steps. These steps are based on employment sponsorship and require approval from different U.S. government departments. The entire process focuses on proving that the applicant is eligible for permanent residence through a job offer.

Most employment-based green card applications go through either the EB-2 or EB-3 categories.

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Overall, here’s how the green card process works for H-1B holders:

1. For most beneficiaries going through the employment-based green card process, the first stage begins with PERM labor certification, also known as the labor market test, which is handled by the U.S. Department of Labor. As part of the PERM process, the employer confirms that they tested the local labor market and did not find qualified U.S. workers for the job. This process ensures that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively affect the job opportunities or wages for U.S. workers.
2. Once the labor certification is approved, the employer submits Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition proves that the employer continues to offer the permanent job opportunity, can pay the offered wage, the job fits the chosen green card category, and the beneficiary qualifies under the requirements and EB category
3. After Form I-140 is approved, the next step depends on the applicant's priority date. For PERM-based green card processes, the priority date is the day the PERM labor certification was filed. This date determines when the applicant can move forward, based on the monthly Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State.
4. If the priority date is current, the applicant may submit Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), which is the final step in becoming a lawful permanent resident.

Applicants already in the U.S. on H-1B can usually file Form I-485 without leaving the country, once eligible. This step also allows for obtaining a work permit (EAD) and travel permission (Advance Parole) while the green card application is pending.

Step-By-Step Timeline from H-1B to Green Card

The process of moving from an H-1B visa to a green card involves several important steps, each with particular requirements and its own expected timeline. Here’s a complete breakdown of each stage with estimated timelines:

Step 1: PERM Labor Certification (Form ETA-9089)

PERM is the first step and is handled through the U.S. Department of Labor. It confirms that hiring foreign workers will not negatively affect wages or job opportunities for U.S. workers.

The employer obtains a prevailing wage determination from the Department of Labor, conducts job market testing through advertisements and other mandatory recruitment steps, prepares an audit file, and files Form ETA-9089 (Application for Permanent Employment Certification) with details of the job, recruitment process, and beneficiary details.

Estimated Time: 18 months to 2 years

Possible Delays:

• Audits requested by the Department of Labor can add 3 to 6 months.
• Incomplete recruitment steps can lead to denial.

Step 2: Immigrant Petition (Form I-140)

Once the labor certification is approved, the employer submits Form I-140 to USCIS. This petition shows that the employer has a genuine job offer and the financial ability to pay the offered wage.

Estimated Time:

• 6 to 10 months with standard processing (processing times vary and may change).
• 15 business days with premium processing.

Tip: Premium processing is useful for those nearing the end of H-1B duration or preparing for a status change.

Step 3: Waiting for Priority Date Based on the Visa Bulletin

Each green card application has a priority date, which is the date the labor certification (Form ETA-9089) was filed. The U.S. Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin monthly to show which priority dates are eligible to move forward.

This step’s wait time depends on the applicant’s country of birth and the chosen green card category.

Estimated Wait Time:

• For India (EB-2 or EB-3): 5 to 10+ years.
• For China (EB-2 or EB-3): 4 to 5 years.
• For all other countries: Usually current or within 1-2 years.

Tip: Regular monitoring of the Visa Bulletin is key. Filing Form I-485 before the priority date becomes current will result in a rejection.

Step 4: Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)

Once the priority date is current, Form I-485 is filed with USCIS. This allows the applicant to stay in the U.S. while completing the permanent residency process.

This step also includes the option to apply for a work permit (EAD) and travel permission (Advance Parole) while the green card is under review.

Estimated Time: 1-14 months average. If the priority date retrogresses, USCIS will send the case to the National Visa Center to be held until the category becomes current again.

Examples of How Long the H-1B to Green Card Process Can Take

Each applicant goes through the same steps, but the overall timeline depends heavily on the country of birth and the selected green card category. Some applicants face visa backlogs due to annual limits, while others can move faster through each stage.

Here are some examples that effectively show how the full process can play out in real-world scenarios.

Example 1: Software Developer from India Applying Under EB-2

A mid-level software developer with a master’s degree from a U.S. university is working for a large tech employer. The employer initiates the green card process in the second year of the H-1B visa.

• The PERM labor certification takes 24 months to process.
• Form I-140 is filed with premium processing and approved within 15 business days.
• Based on current visa bulletin data, the wait for the priority date to become current under EB-2 for India is approximately 12 years.
• Once the priority date becomes current, Form I-485 is filed and processed in about 12 months.

Estimated Total Time: Approximately 14+ years from start to green card approval.

Example 2: Mechanical Engineer from Canada Applying Under EB-3

A mechanical engineer with a bachelor’s degree receives an H-1B through a U.S. manufacturing firm. The employer starts the green card process early in the visa period.

• The PERM certification takes 24 months.
• Form I-140 is filed using regular processing and approved in 7 months.
• There is little to no wait under EB-3 for applicants born in Canada, so the priority date becomes current soon after I-140 approval.
• Form I-485 is filed and processed within 10 months.

Estimated Total Time: Approximately 3.5 years to complete the process.

Other Alternative Ways to Get a Green Card for H-1B Holders

While most H-1B holders follow the employer-sponsored EB-2 or EB-3 path, there are other ways to apply for a green card that do not require labor certification or direct sponsorship. These options are limited to certain types of professionals or investors and depend on meeting specific criteria.

EB-1A: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability

EB-1A is for individuals who can show sustained national or international recognition in fields like science, business, education, or the arts. This category allows for self-petition without employer sponsorship.

Typical evidence includes:

• Major awards or honors.
• Published material about the applicant's work.
• Contributions with significant impact in the field.

This option suits professionals who have sustained national or international acclaim for their achievements, and have risen to the top of their fields of endeavor

For example, a machine learning researcher with multiple patents and published studies in top AI journals, who has been invited to speak at international conferences, can potentially qualify under EB-1A.

EB-2 NIW: National Interest Waiver

EB-2 NIW is available to individuals whose work significantly benefits the U.S. and can demonstrate advanced qualifications. This is a subcategory of EB-2 that allows self-petition if a national interest argument is accepted.

Common qualifications:

• Advanced degrees or exceptional ability.
• Work that serves the U.S. national interest - is of significant importance to the United States and would substantially benefit the nation.
• Employer sponsorship not required.
• The beneficiary must be well-positioned to advance their proposed endeavor, as demonstrated by supporting documents, such as letters of recommendation, evidence of achievements, and proof of expertise.

This option can be useful for researchers, founders, or professionals in high-impact fields.

For instance, a researcher with a PhD whose studies focus on breakthrough therapies that solves unmet medical needs may potentially qualify for EB-2 NIW.

EB-5: Immigrant Investor Program

EB-5 is for foreign investors who invest a qualifying amount in a U.S. business that creates jobs for American workers. It does not require a job offer, labor certification, or specific skills.

Key requirements include:

• Minimum investment of at least $1,800,000 in a new commercial enterprise, or $900,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), which is a rural area or an area with high unemployment.
• Creating or preserving at least 10 full-time jobs.
• Providing a lawful source of funds.

This path suits those with access to substantial capital and a plan to invest in the U.S. economy.

For example, an entrepreneur investing $900,000 in a hotel project located in a targeted employment area that creates at least 10 new jobs for local workers can qualify under EB-5.

Maintaining Status During the Process

One of the most challenging aspects of the H-1B to Green Card transition is maintaining valid status throughout the lengthy process.

Normally, H-1B visas are limited to a maximum of six years. However, beneficiaries may qualify for extensions beyond the 6 years under the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act of 2000 (AC-21) based on reaching certain milestones in their green card process. Some common scenarios include:

• One-Year Extensions: If your PERM or I-140 has been pending for at least 365 days, or was filed 365 days before the conclusion of your 6-year limit (including available recapture time based on days spent abroad), you can extend your H-1B status in one-year increments beyond the six-year limit.
• Three-Year Extensions: If you have an approved I-140 but cannot file I-485 due to per-country visa limits, you can extend your H-1B status in three-year increments.

These special extension provisions help you remain in status, but what if you want to change jobs? Fortunately, there are options for employment flexibility too.

USCIS guidance and the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act (AC21) provides some additional flexibility:

• If you change employers after your I-140 has been approved for at least 180 days, you can keep your priority date, and USCIS will generally not revoke the I-140 approval if the petition is subsequently withdrawn by your prior employer.
• If your I-485 has been pending for at least 180 days, you can change to a "same or similar" occupation without affecting your Green Card application.

These provisions help you maintain status and employment flexibility during the often lengthy Green Card process.

H-1B to Green Card Fees and Benefits

A green card, also called lawful permanent residence, allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States. It offers stability and removes many of the limitations tied to temporary work visas like H-1B.

Key benefits of holding a green card:

• Ability to live and work anywhere in the United States without employer sponsorship requirements.
• Option to apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
• Freedom to change jobs without the need for new visa filings.
• Permission to sponsor certain family members for permanent residency.

Typical government filing fees may include:

• PERM Labor Certification: No government fee, but recruitment costs apply.
• Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker): $715 filing fee, Asylum Program Fee (up to $600 depending on type of employer), premium processing optional at $2,805 for 15 business days.
• Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): $1,440 filing fee.
• Work Permit (EAD) and Travel Document (Advance Parole): Fees often included with I-485 for certain age groups.

Note: Legal fees vary depending on the complexity and details of each case.

Key Considerations and Challenges

The green card process involves multiple stages with strict documentation and deadlines. Processing times can be long, especially for applicants from countries with high demand for green cards.

Common challenges to plan for:

• Country Backlogs: Long waiting periods for India and certain other countries due to annual green card limits.
• Job Stability: Changes in job role, employer, or job location during the process may require re-filing or cause delays.
• Request for Evidence (RFE): USCIS may ask for additional proof about the job offer, qualifications, or the employer’s financial ability.
• PERM Audits: Random or targeted reviews during labor certification that can extend processing time.
• Maintaining Status: Staying in a valid nonimmigrant status, like H-1B, while waiting for the green card process to move forward.

Staying informed, planning ahead, and gathering proper documentation early help reduce risks and avoid common mistakes during the process.

How Alma Can Help with Your H-1B to Green Card Journey

The path from H-1B to Green Card status involves complex paperwork and strategic timing decisions. That’s where we come in. At Alma, our expert immigration attorneys specialize in guiding professionals through this challenging process.

We offer complete support for each stage of your Green Card journey:

• With a fast two-week turnaround time for document processing, we ensure your case moves forward smoothly at each stage.
• Backed by our team's best-in-class approval rates, we carefully prepare all application materials.
• We provide personalized attention tailored to the unique aspects of your case, recognizing that every Green Card journey involves different challenges and priorities.

Ready to start your journey from H-1B to permanent residency? Alma simplifies the process by guiding you through each step, from PERM labor certification to successful adjustment of status. Get started with a free consultation today!

Final Thoughts

The journey from H-1B to Green Card can be lengthy and complex. The process requires patience, especially for applicants from countries with significant backlogs, but with proper planning and guidance, you can successfully manage the transition.

The Green Card brings valuable benefits, including permanent work authorization, freedom to change employers, and a path to U.S. citizenship. With Alma, you can go through this complex journey more smoothly, handling challenges proactively and keeping your immigration goals on track.

Schedule a free consultation today to begin your journey toward a successful Green Card application.

FAQs

Can an H-1B holder apply for a green card without an employer?

In most employment-based cases, a U.S. employer must sponsor the green card. Self-petition is possible only under certain categories, like EB-2 National Interest Waiver or EB-1A for individuals with exceptional ability.

Is it possible to stay in the U.S. if the green card is still pending after H-1B expiration?

Yes, if Form I-485 has been filed before H-1B status ends, the applicant may remain in the U.S. while the case is pending. This is allowed under the adjustment of status process.

Does the green card process reset if the applicant changes employers?

With the exception of self-petitioned EB-1As and EB-2 National Interest Waivers (NIW), if you change employers before I-140 approval, the process often needs to restart. If your I-140 is approved and the I-485 has been pending at least 180 days, job portability rules may allow the case to continue.

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