Eligibility Category Select your category Family-Based Employment-Based Diversity Visa Refugee/Asylee Other Special Category Select the green card category you are applying under

Has Qualifying Sponsor or Petitioner

I have a qualifying sponsor or petitioner

Check this box if you have a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who can sponsor you

Years of Lawful Presence in US (years) Enter the number of years you have lived lawfully in the U.S. (e.g., 5.5)

Criminal Record

I have a criminal record

Check this box if you have any criminal history that may affect your application

Education Level Select your education level Less than High School High School Diploma Associate Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's or Higher Select your highest level of completed education

Annual Income (USD per year) Enter your yearly income in U.S. dollars (e.g., 50000)

Quick Examples:

Employment-Based Applicant Family-Based Applicant

Calculate Clear

This calculator provides general information only. It is not intended to provide legal advice. Consult an attorney for legal matters.

What Is Estimated Eligibility Score

The Estimated Eligibility Score is a number from 0 to 100 that helps you understand how common factors may affect your green card application. This score looks at your eligibility category, whether you have a sponsor, how long you have lived in the U.S. lawfully, your education level, your income, and your criminal history. A higher score may suggest a stronger application profile based on these common factors. This score is an estimate and does not represent an official government decision.

How Estimated Eligibility Score Is Calculated

Formula

The calculator adds points for factors that may help your application and subtracts points for factors that may create challenges. Your eligibility category gives you base points between 0 and 80. Having a sponsor adds 25 points. Each year of lawful presence adds 2 points, up to 10 years. Your education level adds 0 to 20 points based on your degree. Your income adds up to 10 points when it reaches $50,000 or more. A criminal record subtracts 40 points from your total. The final score is kept between 0 and 100.

Why Estimated Eligibility Score Matters

Understanding your Estimated Eligibility Score may help you see which factors affect your green card application. This score gives you a starting point to understand your situation before you speak with an immigration professional.

Why Understanding Your Score Is Important for Green Card Applications

Many people begin the green card process without knowing which factors matter most. A low score may point to areas where you might need additional documentation or legal help. Ignoring these factors could lead to delays or challenges in your application process. Knowing your estimated score helps you prepare better before you apply.

For Employment-Based Applicants

Employment-based applicants often have strong education and income scores. If you apply through an employer, your job offer and skills may help your application. You may want to focus on maintaining lawful status and building your work history while you wait for your priority date.

For Family-Based Applicants

Family-based applicants typically benefit from having a sponsor who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Your relationship to the sponsor and their income level may affect your application. You may want to ensure your sponsor meets the financial requirements to support your application.

For Those With Criminal History

A criminal record can significantly lower your score and may affect your application. This does not mean you cannot apply, but you may need to speak with an immigration attorney about waivers or other options. Each case is different, and professional guidance is strongly recommended.

Example Calculation

Maria is applying for a green card through the Employment-Based category. She has a U.S. employer sponsoring her. She has lived in the U.S. lawfully for 8 years. Maria has a Bachelor's Degree and earns $90,000 per year. She has no criminal record.

The calculator starts with her Employment-Based category weight of 1, which gives 20 points. Her sponsor adds 25 points. Her 8 years of lawful presence adds 16 points. Her Bachelor's Degree adds 15 points. Her income of $90,000 gives an Income Factor of 1 (capped), adding 10 points. She has no criminal record, so nothing is subtracted. The total is 86 points, which is in the High rating range.

Estimated Eligibility Score: 86 points
Eligibility Category Rating: High

With a score of 86, Maria may have a strong application profile based on these factors. She may want to gather documentation for her employment offer, education credentials, and proof of lawful presence. She should still speak with an immigration attorney to review her complete case before filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this Green Card Eligibility Calculator for?

This calculator is for anyone who wants to understand how common factors may affect their green card application. It works for people applying through family, employment, diversity visa, refugee status, or other special categories. It is helpful for those at the beginning of their immigration journey who want a quick estimate of their profile.

Does a high score guarantee I will get a green card?

No, a high score does not guarantee approval. This calculator only estimates based on a few common factors. The actual green card process involves many more requirements, forms, interviews, and government reviews. USCIS makes the final decision on every application. Always consult with an immigration attorney for guidance on your specific case.

How often should I recalculate my eligibility score?

You may want to recalculate your score whenever your situation changes. This includes changes in income, education, years of presence, or if you find a sponsor. It can also be helpful to check your score before you start your application to understand your starting point.

Can I use this calculator if I have a complex immigration history?

This calculator uses general factors and may not capture complex situations. If you have multiple visa changes, gaps in status, prior deportations, or other complications, the score may not reflect your actual situation. You should speak with an immigration attorney who can review your complete history.