Green Card Through Employment (EB-2 / EB-3)
PERM, I-140, I-485 — the three-stage road from work visa to permanent residence.
Stage 1: PERM
Your employer tests the labor market with recruitment, then files the PERM application with the Department of Labor. Expect 12–18 months including prevailing-wage determination. Your priority date — your place in line — is set the day PERM is filed.
Stage 2: I-140
The employer proves the role qualifies (EB-2: advanced degree; EB-3: bachelor's or skilled work) and its ability to pay. Premium processing is available. An approved I-140 locks your priority date even if you later change employers.
Stage 3: I-485
When your priority date is current on the Visa Bulletin, file the I-485 adjustment of status — with work and travel permits while it's pending. After 180 days, portability rules let you change to a same-or-similar job without restarting.
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