How do you convert an H-1B visa to a green card?

Yes, it is possible to go from an H-1B to a green card, and this is a very common path. The H-1B allows what is known as dual intent, meaning you can hold a work visa while pursuing permanent residence without one jeopardizing the other.

In most cases, the route goes through employer sponsorship in an employment-based immigration category such as EB-2 or EB-3. It typically involves three stages: labor certification (the PERM process at the Department of Labor, which tests the local job market), the immigrant petition filed by the employer, and finally the application for permanent residence itself.

• Labor certification: the employer demonstrates the need for the hire.
• Immigrant petition: establishes your profile in the chosen category and marks your place in the queue.
• Permanent residence: when your turn in the queue arrives, you adjust status inside the U.S. or complete the consular process abroad.

There are also self-petition pathways for specific profiles that do not require an employer. Since timelines, backlogs, and requirements change, it is worth confirming the current steps on the official source (USCIS) or with a specialist before you begin.

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.