How the green card timeline estimator works

What does this tool estimate?

This tool estimates when your employment-based immigration priority date may become current, and produces an overall projected path from today through green card issuance. It generates three estimates — optimistic, median, and pessimistic — based on how that combination of category and country has moved historically. You can also enter a planned future priority date (up to 5 years out) to explore what the timeline may look like if you anticipate filing PERM or I-140 in the future.

What data source is used?

The calculator uses Final Action Dates from the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin. The Visa Bulletin is published monthly and lists the cutoff dates for each employment-based category (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3) and each country of chargeability (India, China, Mexico, Philippines, Rest of World).

Final Action Dates, not Dates for Filing

The Visa Bulletin contains two charts: Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing. This tool uses the Final Action Date chart. A visa number is available — and a green card can be issued — only when the Final Action Date cutoff has reached your priority date. The Dates for Filing chart, when authorized by USCIS, permits earlier I-485 filing but does not guarantee visa availability.

What does the estimate range mean?

The three estimates reflect different assumptions about how quickly dates will advance. The optimistic estimate assumes dates move faster than recent average — similar to the best periods observed in the data. The median estimate reflects the average monthly movement observed over the last five years for that category and country. The pessimistic estimate reflects slower movement, consistent with periods of retrogression or stagnation. Estimates that exceed a 25-year horizon are labeled "Beyond 25-year forecast" rather than projecting a specific date. Real outcomes may fall anywhere within or outside this range.

What does "current" mean?

Your priority date is considered current when it falls on or before the Final Action Date for your category and country of chargeability in the latest Visa Bulletin. When current, you may be eligible to file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) if inside the United States, or proceed with consular processing abroad.

Processing time estimates

After a date becomes current and a filing is submitted, there is additional processing time before the green card is issued. This tool uses general processing ranges by category: EB-1 (8–18 months), EB-2 (10–24 months), EB-3 (12–30 months). These are typical ranges based on historical USCIS data and vary by service center, filing method, and case complexity.

Limitations

This tool produces estimates, not predictions. Date movement is influenced by factors this tool cannot anticipate: policy changes, visa number allocation adjustments, USCIS processing backlogs, and changes in application volume. Dates can retrogress at any time. The estimates here should be treated as rough planning guidance only.

This tool is not a substitute for legal counsel. If you have questions about your specific case, consult a qualified immigration attorney.