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Estimate timelines, check eligibility, build document checklists, and understand your options — all in one place.

Green Card Priority Date Estimator
Estimate your wait time based on visa category, country of birth, and current bulletin dates.
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Your Priority Date —
Current Bulletin Cutoff —
Backlog Position —
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Estimated wait — based on current bulletin movement
This is an estimate only, based on current USCIS Visa Bulletin data and historical movement rates. Actual processing times vary significantly. Always consult a licensed immigration attorney for case-specific advice.

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About the Green Card Priority Date Estimator

The US green card process for employment-based and family-based immigrants is governed by annual visa quotas set by Congress. When more people apply than there are visas available, a backlog forms — and applicants must wait until their "priority date" becomes current before they can proceed. The USCIS Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the US Department of State, tracks where each country and visa category stands.

Your priority date is the date your immigrant petition (such as an I-140 or I-130) was filed. This tool compares your priority date against the current Visa Bulletin cutoff for your specific category and country of birth to estimate how long you may wait before you can file for a green card.

Wait times vary enormously by category and country. Applicants born in India or China in employment-based categories face some of the longest backlogs in the world — sometimes decades — due to per-country caps. Applicants from most other countries may find their date is already current. Always verify your priority date status against the official USCIS Visa Bulletin before taking any action.

Naturalization Eligibility Checker
Check if you may be eligible to apply for US citizenship and when you can file.
Required residency period —
Eligible to file on —
Early filing window (90 days prior) —
Continuous residence flag —
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This tool provides general estimates only. Eligibility depends on many factors not captured here. Consult an immigration attorney before filing.

About the Naturalization Eligibility Checker

Becoming a US citizen through naturalization requires meeting several conditions set by USCIS. Most permanent residents must hold their green card for at least five years before applying. Spouses of US citizens qualify after three years if they have been living in marital union with their spouse during that period.

Beyond the time requirement, applicants must demonstrate continuous residence (not leaving the US for more than six months at a time), physical presence (at least 30 months of the five-year period spent in the US), and good moral character. Factors like criminal history, unfiled taxes, or failure to register with Selective Service can complicate or delay an application.

USCIS allows applicants to file up to 90 days before their eligibility date — this early filing window is easy to miss and missing it costs months of unnecessary delay. This tool calculates your window based on your green card date and flags common issues before they become problems. For full eligibility requirements, see the official USCIS N-400 guidance.

Nonimmigrant Visa Quick Comparison
Compare work visa types by eligibility, duration, path to green card, and key restrictions.
Visa Who Qualifies Duration GC Path Lottery?
Category Relationship Annual Cap Est. Wait
Visa For Work Allowed GC Path

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The right visa depends on your employer, your degree, your country of birth, and your long-term goals. Speaking with an immigration attorney can help clarify your options.

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About the Visa Comparison Chart

The US immigration system offers dozens of nonimmigrant visa categories, each with its own eligibility requirements, duration limits, work authorization rules, and path — or lack thereof — to permanent residence. Choosing the right visa from the outset can significantly affect your long-term immigration options.

Work visas like the H-1B require employer sponsorship and are subject to an annual lottery cap of 65,000 slots. Other categories like the O-1A (extraordinary ability) or L-1 (intracompany transfer) have no lottery and can be faster routes for those who qualify. Family-based visas depend on your relationship to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident and are subject to annual caps that create wait times ranging from a few years to several decades.

This comparison covers the most commonly used visa categories. It is not exhaustive — there are dozens of additional categories for specific professions, treaty countries, and special circumstances. For a complete list, see the US Department of State's full visa category list.

Immigration Document Checklist
Generate a document checklist based on your application type and track your preparation progress.

About the Immigration Document Checklist

USCIS applications require extensive supporting documentation, and missing even one document can result in a Request for Evidence (RFE) that delays your case by months. Gathering your documents systematically before filing is one of the most effective ways to keep your application on track.

This checklist covers the most commonly required documents for each application type. Requirements vary by individual circumstance — your specific situation may require additional documents not listed here, such as police certificates from prior countries of residence, military records, or country-specific birth certificate formats.

Always cross-reference with the official USCIS form instructions, which are updated periodically and are authoritative. Form instructions are available directly on uscis.gov/forms for every application type.

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