Priority Date Estimator

Estimated green card timeline based on historical Visa Bulletins and USCIS data.

About this tool: what it uses, who it is for, and what it is not

The Priority Date Estimator turns your country, employment-based category and priority date into an estimated green card timeline. It is based on the latest State Department Visa Bulletin, USCIS reports on pending I-485 applications, and how priority dates have moved in the past. It shows three scenarios (conservative, base case, optimistic) instead of a single date. The three scenario dates need a $0.99 24-hour pass (up to 3 priority dates), the Day Pass or Pro.

What it uses: The monthly State Department Visa Bulletin (its Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing), USCIS counts of pending I-485 applications and I-140 petitions, and how many green cards were issued in past years.
Who it is for: Employment-based applicants in EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 who want a realistic planning range instead of a guess. Works for India, China, Mexico, Philippines, and Rest of World.
What it is not: A guarantee. Timelines can change a lot when laws or policies change, courts rule, cutoff dates move backward (retrogression), or USCIS processing speed changes. Use the estimate for planning only. Not legal advice.

Data from travel.state.gov (Visa Bulletin), USCIS I-485 inventory reports, and DOL OFLC. Not legal advice.

Estimates are based on publicly available State Department, USCIS and DOL data. Results are for information only. Actual dates may be very different. Not legal advice.

Where are you in the green card process?

We use this to show you the right timeline. If you are consular processing (DS-260), choose Planning.

What do you want to estimate?

Your Profile

Country of Chargeability (usually your country of birth)

EB Category

Priority Date

Filing Path

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Current Bulletin Dates

Final Action Date (FAD)Nov 2013

Dates for Filing (DFF)Jan 2015

Pending I-485s~28,365

Est. green cards per year~7,235/yr

Enter your details

Fill in the form and click Estimate to see your estimated timeline.

Understanding Priority Date Estimates

Your priority date is the foundation of your green card timeline. Understanding how estimates work helps set realistic expectations.

What is a Priority Date?

Your priority date is usually the date your PERM labor certification was filed. If your I-140 did not need PERM (for example EB-1 or a National Interest Waiver), it is the date your I-140 was filed. It sets your place in the green card line. When the Visa Bulletin's cutoff date moves past your priority date, your case can move to the next step.

How Estimates Work

Estimates are based on USCIS data about people already waiting (adjusted for estimated duplicates and attrition), State Department visa data, and past Visa Bulletin movement. Three scenarios (conservative, base, optimistic) show the range, because the number of visas available each year can change.

Final Action Dates vs Dates for Filing

The Final Action Date (FAD) decides when your green card can be approved. The Dates for Filing (DFF) chart shows when you may submit your I-485, but only in months when USCIS says to use it. In other months you file by the Final Action Date. Being able to file does not mean approval is close: you still wait for the Final Action Date to pass your priority date. Once you file, you can also apply for a work permit (EAD) and a travel document (advance parole) while you wait.

Important Limitations

Estimates are based on historical patterns and current data. Policy changes, executive orders, retrogression, and legislative action can significantly alter timelines. These estimates are not guarantees and do not constitute legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data sourced from USCIS I-485 inventory reports, DOS Visa Bulletin, and DOL OFLC filings. Estimates are informational only and do not constitute legal advice.