AC21 Portability Calculator
Under the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act (AC21), if your I-485 (adjustment of status) has been pending for 180+ days and your new job is in the “same or similar” occupational classification, you can change employers without losing your green card priority date or having your I-485 denied on that basis. Enter your receipt date below to check the 180-day threshold instantly.
Check your AC21 portability eligibility
Enter your I-485 receipt date above to see your AC21 status.
“Same or Similar” occupation
AC21 portability only protects you if the new role is the same or similar occupational classification as your sponsored position. USCIS relies on SOC codes to make that determination:
Same SOC code
Always qualifies
Identical occupational classification — the clearest case for portability.
Adjacent SOC code, same duties
Likely qualifies
A closely related code with the same general duties. Attorney review recommended.
Different industry, same core duties
Gray area
Same underlying work in a different field. Consult an attorney before porting.
Completely different role
Does NOT qualify
A materially different occupation breaks the same-or-similar requirement.
Steps to invoke AC21
- 1Confirm your I-485 has been pending 180+ days.
- 2Ensure the new position is the same or similar SOC occupation.
- 3Notify USCIS with an attorney-drafted AC21 letter.
- 4Update your address if moving for the new role.
- 5Keep your old employer's I-140 — it remains valid even after leaving.
Frequently asked questions
Does my I-140 remain valid if I leave my employer?
Yes, an approved I-140 remains valid even if you leave the sponsoring employer, as long as it was approved and you meet AC21 conditions.
What is 'same or similar' occupation?
USCIS uses SOC codes to determine same/similar. Same or closely related codes with the same general duties typically qualify. An immigration attorney can assess your specific situation.
Do I need to notify USCIS when I change jobs under AC21?
Yes — file an AC21 notification letter (sometimes called an "AC21 supplement") with USCIS. This protects your case in the event of an RFE or interview.
What if my I-140 was withdrawn by my employer?
If your I-140 was revoked by your employer and your I-485 was pending less than 180 days, your I-485 may be affected. If pending 180+ days, a revoked I-140 does NOT automatically invalidate your I-485.
Track your I-485 and every immigration deadline
PriorityPath tracks your 180-day AC21 milestone, priority date, and filing windows automatically.
Start free — no card required