Can I adjust status to become a permanent resident?

Yes, those in the United States on an H-1B can, in many cases, pursue an adjustment of status to permanent resident (the green card). The transition is not automatic: it depends on an eligibility basis and compliance with immigration rules, but the H-1B is precisely a visa that tends to work well alongside this kind of long-term planning.

In general, the path involves two complementary tracks:

• An eligibility basis to support the petition, such as an approved employment-based petition (often following the labor certification process known as PERM) or a qualifying family relationship.
• The adjustment of status application filed with USCIS, once your category becomes available.

Timelines and availability vary considerably depending on the employment category, country of birth, and individual circumstances, so there is no single answer on timing. Since any lapse in documents or deadlines can complicate the case, it is worth mapping out the strategy with a specialist and reviewing the official USCIS guidance before taking each step.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.