The Journey from H1B Lottery to Green Card: Four Key Steps to Follow

Obtaining a green card in the United States can feel like an uphill battle, especially for international students and workers navigating the complex immigration system. The entire process typically takes around 7 to 10 years, and it consists of several essential stages. Before diving into the main steps, let’s quickly touch upon an important preliminary phase known as OPT.

0. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Before the lottery process even begins, many candidates go through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) phase. This critical stage involves internships, job searching, and waiting for the lottery results. While we won’t elaborate on OPT here, it plays a significant role in setting the groundwork for H1B applications.

Step 1: The H1B Lottery

Every year, the U.S. government allocates only 85,000 H1B visas, while demand skyrockets with over 780,000 applicants for the 2024 year alone. This results in a mere 24.8% chance of winning the lottery—challenging odds indeed! Even advanced degrees like a Master’s or a PhD offer only a slight edge in improving your chances.

Step 2: PERM Application

Once you secure a spot in the lottery, the next crucial step involves the employer filing a PERM application with the Department of Labor. This process is to demonstrate that hiring you is essential and that no local talent can fill the role. The PERM process typically spans at least two years and demands significant involvement from your employer. Unfortunately, many companies, including major players like Amazon, have paused their PERM sponsorships for international students, making this an increasingly challenging pathway.

Step 3: I-140 Application and Priority Dates

Upon PERM approval, the next phase is submitting an I-140 petition to the USCIS, which generally takes about 210 days for regular processing or up to $2,805 for premium processing. However, one daunting aspect of this step is the waiting period, which can last anywhere from 2 to 3 years, particularly for individuals from India and China.

Step 4: Adjustment of Status (I-485)

Once your priority date is current, you can file for the adjustment of status with Form I-485, which typically takes another 1.5 years to complete. So, adding everything up, the timeline looks something like this:

• H1B Lottery: 1 year
• PERM Processing: 2 years
• I-140 + Wait for Priority Date: 2-3 years
• I-485 Adjustment: 1.5 years

This totals a minimum of 7 years, with realistic scenarios pushing the timespan to 9-10 years.

Challenges in the Immigration Journey

Throughout this arduous journey, two major uncertainties loom:

1. Failure to secure a lottery spot, forcing you to return to your home country.
2. The willingness of your employer to assist with the PERM process. Some companies may sponsor your H1B but may not support your green card application, adding to the unpredictability.

For many international students and workers, the weight of securing a green card can influence significant life decisions—from job changes to marriage and even home ownership. The stakes feel incredibly high, with youth, time, and future opportunities hanging in the balance of one’s immigration status.

Is It Worth It?

Given these challenges and uncertainties, one might ponder, is the journey truly worth it? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 🌍 #Immigration #USImmigration #H1B #GreenCardJourney #InternationalStudents #USVisa