How to Go from H1B Visa to Green Card: Step‑by‑Step Timeline & Process

Key Takeaways

• The H1B visa to green card process starts typically with employer sponsorship EB-2 or EB-3.
• Can an H1B visa lead to a green card?  The green card process for H1B includes PERM, I-140, and I-485 stages.
•  How to get a green card from H1B? Follow all USCIS steps with timely employer support.
• The H1B to green card process timeline usually ranges from 1 to 3+ years depending on the applicant’s case.

Thinking Long‑Term? Here’s the H1B Visa to Green Card Process in a Nutshell

If you’re on an H1B visa and thinking long‑term, understanding the H1B visa to green card process is your first big step. It’s a path that many people walk every year, and it can be a bit of a maze\

Can You Get a Green Card with an H1B Visa?

Yep, you can! A lot of people ask, “can H1B visa holders apply for a green card?” or “does H1B visa lead to green card?” The answer is: Absolutely. In fact, the H1B is one of the best starting points for getting a green card in the U.S.

The H1B is a dual‑intent visa. That means it’s possible to work on an H1B visa while also pursuing a green card. 

The H1B to Green Card Process — Broken Into 3 Simple Stages

Here’s how it works:

 PERM Labour Certification

Your employer applies for a PERM certification. This is a way for the employer to prove to the government that they tried to hire an American worker first and that you’re the best person for the job.

 I‑140 Immigrant Petition

Once the PERM is approved, your employer files an I‑140 petition with USCIS. This confirms you’re eligible for an employment‑based green card category (like EB‑2 or EB‑3).

I‑485 Adjustment of Status (or Consular Processing)

This is the final step — the actual application for a green card. You can adjust your status if you’re in the U.S. or do consular processing if you’re outside the country.

Tip: Most H1B holders spend the longest chunk of their green card journey waiting for a priority date, especially for applicants born in India. But once that date is current, things move quickly!

H1B to Green Card Timeline: What to Expect

People often ask, “how long H1B visa to green card process timeline?” or “H1B visa to green card timeline?”

Here’s the reality:

PERM: 6–9 months

I‑140: 15–45 days (premium) or 4–9 months (normal)

I‑485 Adjustment: 8–14 months (average)

For most people, especially those from India or China, the biggest wait is in the backlog between the I‑140 and I‑485 steps due to country caps.

 Example: An engineer from India starting this process in 2025 might wait 10–15 years for a green card. Meanwhile, an engineer from Germany might wait just 1–2 years.  So… How Long Does It REALLY Take?

“How long H1B visa to green card?” or “H1B visa to green card processing time?” are very common questions. .If you’re from a country with low green card demand (like Germany), you can finish in roughly 2–3 years. If you’re from a high‑demand country (like India or China), it can easily stretch 10–15 years.

Personal Advice: Stay patient, stay organized, and stay hopeful. These long waits aren’t forever.

Tips to Speed Up or Strategize Your Green Card Path

Here’s how to make the H1B visa to green card process a bit smoother:

 Choose the Right Category: EB‑2 is faster than EB‑3 for many roles.

 Try EB‑1: If you’re highly qualified, consider upgrading to EB‑1.

 Consider NIW: Self‑petition (National Interest Waiver) can be an option if your work benefits the U.S.

 Interfiling: Switch from EB‑3 to EB‑2 if your role evolves over time

 Pro Tip: Always talk openly with your employer about sponsorship. Their support can save you years!

What to Do While You Wait

Waiting doesn’t mean putting your life on hold. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

 Stay on top of your H1B status (and extensions!)

 Travel cautiously — don’t risk status issues at the border. Get an H‑4 EAD for your spouse if eligible

 Build a strong professional track record (makes upgrading to EB‑1 a lot smoother)

What I Did: During my long wait, I used the time to gain new skills, save money, and focus on career growth. The wait felt long, but it made the end result worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the H1B visa to green card process?

It’s a three‑step process: PERM, I‑140, and I‑485. Together, they turn an H1B work visa into permanent residency.

Q2. Can H1B visa holders apply for a green card?

Yep! The H1B is a dual‑intent visa, making it an ideal starting point.

Q3. Does H1B visa lead to green card?

For many, absolutely. It’s the most common route for skilled workers to become permanent residents.

Q4. How long H1B visa to green card?

Depends on your nationality — roughly 2–3 years for low‑demand countries and 10–15 years for high‑demand countries like India.

Q5. Will H1B visa to green card approved get EAD?

Not immediately. You can apply for an EAD when you file your adjustment of status (I‑485), not just after I‑140.

Final Thoughts

The H1B visa to green card process can be a long, winding road. But every year, tens of thousands of H1B holders make it across that finish line and build a successful life in the United States. Stay patient, stay focused, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you’re feeling lost or just want someone to guide you through the process, Beyond Border is here for you every step of the way. We’ve been where you are, and we can help you make sense of the process — from that very first H1B to the day you hold your green card.

>  The H1B visa to green card process doesn’t have to be scary. At Beyond Border, we’re here to make sure it’s as smooth as possible. Let’s map your path together — reach out, and we’ll help you every step of the way.