What data does the tool use?

Our wait-time calculator relies on official U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin releases and past movement of priority dates to forecast visa availability. Updates occur monthly so your estimated green card timeline stays aligned with the newest data.

Can I use this for family-based or employment-based cases?

Yes, you may use the Green Card Wait Time Estimator for family-based cases. Just select your visa type and priority date to see a personalized forecast of when your immigrant visa might become current based on visa bulletin calculations and priority date calculations. We plan to add employment-based categories in the future.

What if my priority date is current now?

If your priority date is current, your green card wait time is effectively over. You can generally file for adjustment of status or consular processing. The estimator will confirm that your visa category is already eligible for filing and the next steps in the process .

How often is the Green Card Wait Time Estimator updated?

We refresh the Green Card Wait Time Estimator every month following each Visa Bulletin update. This ensures your immigrant visa wait time estimate always reflects the latest government data and changing movement of priority dates. If you want to receive immediate monthly updates when they occur, signup for a monthly notification →

Is this similar to MyPriorityDate.com calculator?

Yes — but CitizenPath's calculator is free, easier to use, and doesn’t require an account.

Green Card Wait Time Estimator

Use our free tool to estimate the time it will take to get your family-based green card. Fast, free, priority date calculator.

"*" indicates required fields

Enter the Priority Date:*

The priority date is the date the petitioner filed Form I-130 and can be found on the I-130 receipt notice. The receipt notice is also labeled as "Form I-797, Notice of Action," and was mailed to the petitioner a few weeks after filing.

Is Form I-130 already filed?

I did not file yet — use today's date.

Select the category:*

Select the appropriate category for your situation. If you're not sure, select "I don't know."

Where was the beneficiary born?*

Are you the petitioner or the beneficiary?*

Petitioner

Beneficiary

The petitioner is a U.S citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident who filed the Form I-130 petition. The beneficiary is the person who wants to obtain a green card.

What is your status?*

U.S. Citizen

U.S. National

Permanent Resident

The beneficiary is my:*

Where was the beneficiary born?*

What is the petitioner's status?*

U.S. Citizen

U.S. National

Permanent Resident

I am the petitioner's:*

Where are you currently a citizen or national?*

Email

Be Advised

A permanent resident (or U.S. national) may petition an adult son or daughter as long as they continue to be unmarried.

Sorry, this is not a qualifying relationship.

US immigration law only allows a US citizen to petition this type of relationship.

Estimate My Wait Time

Family at the end of a green card wait time

Estimate your family's wait time in seconds — no signup required.

How It Works

The Green Card Wait Time Estimator helps you predict when an immigrant visa (green card) will be available based on your priority date and visa category. We use historical trends and official Visa Bulletin data to provide a personalized estimate.

Our estimator analyzes years of Visa Bulletin movement and uses proprietary data modeling to forecast when your visa category will become current.

Step 1: Choose your visa category
Step 2: Enter your priority date
Step 3: View your personalized results
Step 4: Include your email to get monthly movement reports

✉ Thanks for signing up! Look for an email to confirm you want monthly updates.

Estimates are based on the SOME DATE VISA BULLETIN

— which becomes effective SOME DATE —

We estimate that a visa number will be available to you in month year, and you may be able to submit a green card application as early as month year.

Input Summary

Estimated Green Card Wait Time

X years and X months

Currently, USCIS is working on petitions with a xx/xx/xxxx priority date. Our calculations estimate that it will take approximately x years and x months to reach your case. Based on this estimate, you may be able to apply in month year, but the visa application won’t be approved before the final action date in month year.

Current <Category> Category Movement Statistics for <Country>

Current Year Category Movement: In the current year, the category has moved X.X months in the last X months.

12-Month Historical Velocity: X days/month

This means that, on average, the cutoff date in this category is advancing by about X days every month based on the last 12 visa bulletins. This is a sign of weak progression.

Probabilistic Wait Time Ranges for <Category>, <Country>

This shows how long your wait might be — best case, average, and worst case — based on how your visa line has moved over the last 10 years. It uses history in the <Category Type> category for <Country> to give you a range for your priority date. Volatile categories may show wide extremes.

Range

Estimated Wait

Minimum

<X> years

Average

<X> years

Maximum

<X> years

Long-Term <Category> Category Movement Statistics for <Country>

These statistics are based on the past 10 years of Visa Bulletin history in the <Category Type> category for <Country>.

Average Category Movement: This category has moved an average of X.X months per year over the past 10 years.

Visa Bulletin Movement by Year (Days of Progression)

Why It Matters

Understanding the immigration process helps you make informed decisions and stay one step ahead. We encourage you to explore our guides and learn how each part of the journey works — empowering you to take control and plan confidently for your future in the United States.

How to Read the Visa Bulletin

We’ve provided you an estimate on immigrant visa availability. But you may be interested in a deeper explanation on how to read the Visa Bulletin.

Learn How theVisa Bulletin Works

What Happens After I-130 Approval

The I-130 petition approval process and timing for a green card can be confusing. This explainer provides an overview of what to expect next.

What HappensAfter I-130 Approval

Estimates are based on the SOME DATE VISA BULLETIN

— which becomes effective SOME DATE —

Good news! Your category is current for filing purposes. That means the filing cutoff date has reached your priority date, and you may be able to apply for a green card now.

If you’re inside the United States, you can generally apply for your green card right away through adjustment of status by filing Form I-485 with USCIS.

If you’re outside the United States, your case will move to the National Visa Center (NVC) after USCIS approves the petition. The NVC will contact you when it’s time to submit Form DS-260 and continue through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

After I-130 is Approved: What Happens Next?

Estimates are based on the SOME DATE VISA BULLETIN

— which becomes effective SOME DATE —

Good news! You don’t need to wait for a visa to become available. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens — including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents — always have a visa number available. This means your case can move forward as soon as USCIS approves the petition and you complete the necessary application steps.

If you’re inside the United States, you can generally apply for your green card right away through adjustment of status by filing Form I-485 with USCIS.

If you’re outside the United States, your case will move to the National Visa Center (NVC) after USCIS approves the petition. The NVC will contact you when it’s time to submit Form DS-260 and continue through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

After I-130 is Approved: What Happens Next?

Estimates are based on the SOME DATE VISA BULLETIN

— which becomes effective SOME DATE —

The fiancé visa works a little differently. There isn’t a wait for an immigrant visa number in this category. Instead, you’ll be waiting for approval of the K-1 visa, which allows the foreign fiancé(e) to come to the United States to get married. After marriage, the immigrant may then apply for a green card through adjustment of status.

If you’re considering the K-1 fiancé visa process, our overview explains every step, including typical wait times, how the process works, and the related costs.

K-1 Visa Overview

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Sign Up for Free Updates

The Visa Bulletin is updated every month and estimates get adjusted. Enter your email to get free updates from CitizenPath when the Visa Bulletin publishes.

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Green Card Wait Time FAQs

No visa wait time estimator will be perfectly accurate. Our Green Card Wait Time Estimator uses historical Visa Bulletin trends and current data to project your green card wait time. Similar to a priority date calculator or visa bulletin calculator, it provides a realistic estimate. But actual timing can vary based on visa category movement and government processing speed.

Visa bulletin predictions are provided in good faith but should be used for information purposes only. We accept no responsibility for their accuracy. Do not make long-term financial, employment or immigration decisions based on the estimated date.

Visa Bulletin Glossary

Adjustment of Status: The process of applying for a green card from within the United States. If your priority date is current, you may file Form I-485 to adjust your status to permanent resident. Learn about obtaining a green card through adjustment of status →
Cross-Chargeability: Cross-chargeability allows certain green card applicants to use their spouse’s or parent’s country of birth instead of their own when determining visa eligibility. This can help shorten wait times if the applicant’s birth country has a longer visa backlog.
Chargeability Area: A country or region assigned to your immigrant visa application, based on your place of birth. The Visa Bulletin uses chargeability to manage numerical limits and country caps. If the beneficiary's country of birth is not China (mainland born), India, Mexico, or Philippines, the chargeability area is "All Other Countries."
Consular Processing: The process of applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. After approval, the person enters the United States as a permanent resident. Learn about obtaining a green card through consular processing →
Current (C): When the Visa Bulletin shows “C,” it means the entire category is current. There is no waiting period — all priority dates in that category are eligible for green card processing immediately. This priority date calculator helps you estimate when categories will become current.
Cutoff Date: A date published in the Visa Bulletin that determines which priority dates are eligible to move forward in the green card process. If your date is earlier than the cutoff, your category is “current.”
Date for Filing: A second chart in the Visa Bulletin showing when applicants may submit paperwork even before a visa number is available. This helps predict future green card wait times.
Final Action Date: The Visa Bulletin chart showing when a green card can actually be issued. If your priority date is earlier than the final action date, your visa number is available for approval. It does not mean a green card will be issued that month — it means that a green card is available to issue once they approve the application.
Priority Date: The date when a family-based or employment-based petition (Form I-130 or I-140) was first filed with USCIS. This date establishes your place in the green card waiting line.
Retrogression: A backward movement in Visa Bulletin cutoff dates, often caused by excess demand. When retrogression happens, some applicants must wait longer for their green card to be issued. Instead of moving forward (shorter green card wait time), retrogression results in a longer wait.
Visa Availability: Refers to whether a green card number is currently available in your visa category and country of chargeability. The Visa Bulletin determines this monthly based on worldwide demand.
Visa Bulletin: A monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State showing the movement of priority dates for each immigrant visa category. It helps applicants estimate their green card wait time. Learn how the visa bulletin works →
Visa Category: The classification of your immigrant petition, such as F1 (unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens) or EB2 (workers with advanced degrees). Your visa category affects how quickly your priority date becomes current.
Visa Number: A visa number is your place in line for a green card. When it becomes available, you can complete the final steps to get permanent residence.

Disclaimer: Our estimated date of green card availability is provided in good faith but should be used for information purposes only. We accept no responsibility for its accuracy. There is no way to accurately predict visa wait times. This Site makes a prediction using a proprietary formula and a range of past data from the U.S. Department of State. Do not make long-term financial, employment or immigration decisions based on the estimated date.