Green Card Timeline Estimator
PERM → I-140 → Visa Bulletin → I-485 full timeline for EB-2 and EB-3 applicants. Based on DOL OFLC historical data and live Visa Bulletin.
How the Green Card Process Works
Employment-based green cards (EB-2 and EB-3) follow a multi-step process that can span several years. This estimator models the full pipeline from PERM filing through green card issuance, using historical DOL OFLC processing data and live Visa Bulletin cutoff dates.
Why India and China applicants wait longer
Per-country annual limits cap the number of employment-based green cards any single country can receive at 7% of the annual total. India and China have far more applicants than this cap allows, creating multi-year or multi-decade backlogs for EB-2 and EB-3 categories. Applicants from all other countries typically see a much shorter visa bulletin wait.
What is cross-chargeability?
If your spouse was born in a country with a shorter visa backlog (e.g., your spouse was born in a non-oversubscribed country while you were born in India), you may be able to use your spouse's country of birth for visa number purposes. This is called cross-chargeability and can significantly shorten your wait time.
Data sources
PERM processing estimates use DOL OFLC quarterly disclosure data covering recent fiscal years. I-140 processing times use USCIS published processing time data. Visa Bulletin data is sourced from the U.S. Department of State. All estimates are statistical projections and not guarantees. Consult a qualified immigration attorney before taking any action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the EB-2 green card process take?+
For most countries (not India or China), EB-2 typically takes 3-5 years from PERM filing to green card: 12-24 months PERM + 6-12 months I-140 + minimal visa wait + 12-18 months I-485. For India EB-2, the visa backlog adds decades in some scenarios.
What is the priority date in the green card process?+
Your priority date is your PERM filing date. It determines your place in line for a visa number. You can only file I-485 (adjustment of status) once the Visa Bulletin shows your priority date is "current" for your category and country.
Does PERM filing date affect green card timeline?+
Yes — your PERM filing date becomes your priority date, which is the key input for your visa bulletin wait. Filing earlier means an earlier priority date and earlier I-485 eligibility.
What is premium processing for I-140?+
USCIS offers premium processing for Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers) at an additional fee (~$2,805 as of 2025). USCIS guarantees a decision within 15 business days. It does not affect the PERM timeline or the visa bulletin wait.